₦airaland Forum

Absolutely relevant

I support INEC decision to fix the date with that of Kogi gubernatorial election as it will help to save cost of conducting separate election but both the electoral umpire & EFCC should see to it that vote buying is prevented on that day

A good decision by INEC but the electoral umpire & if possible EFCC should help to avoid vote buying during the election day

THE National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, has dismissed as untrue allegations that he is against a second term for his successor, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.
He said he stands to gain nothing by stopping the governor from returning to office.
Oshiomhole told Channels Television that his differences with Obaseki are not about monetary gains from his administration, or about him blocking the governor’s second term bid.
He added that at a meeting both politicians held with four governors, Obaseki confirmed that the APC chairman nominated only one out of over 20 commissioners into his cabinet
The former governor noted that Obaseki later removed the commissioner he nominated along with seven others but he didn’t take any offence because he was out of government.
He, however, said the contention was all about issues relating to governance and carrying political players and leaders in the party along.
Oshiomhole also denied not wanting to support Governor Obaseki to run for a second term, saying he has nothing to gain in doing so.

Too bad

THE Election Petition Tribunal in Benin City today dismissed the petition brought before it by Hon. Omosede Igbinedion of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Hon Dennis Idahosa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the March 23rd 2019 national assembly election for Ovia federal constituency seat.
Igbinedion had asked the tribunal to declare her winner of the election on grounds that Idahosa was not qualified to contest the election being a Canadian citizen and did not resign his appointment with the Federal Ministry of Environment as a member of the National Agency for Great Greenwall board.
In a unanimous judgment by the three-man panel headed by Justice O. Ogundana the tribunal said there was no merit in the petition filed by Igbinedion.
He said Igbinedion also failed to prove allegations of over-voting, forgery and falsification of results.
Justice Ogundala whose judgment took almost three hours to deliver said Igbinedion failed to prove her case beyond reasonable doubt because the PW8 called by the petitioner in respect of the allegation of dual citizenship was not the maker of the P99 document tendered.
He said “Since PW8 is not the maker of the document he deposed before the tribunal, the tribunal did not attach any probative value to the document tendered.”
READ ALSO: Tribunal Strikes Out Ndoma-Egba’s Petition
He held that since the petitioner is of the view that the voted scored by the 2nd and 3rd respondent were allocated by the 1st respondent (INEC), the 1st and 2nd petitioner failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt the allegation of electoral malpractice.
“All these allegations have not in the least being proved by the petitioner not to talk of proving them beyond reasonable doubt. The reasons canvassed therefore have no merit and are hereby dismissed.
“The argument of the petitioners is most untenable. They did not show relevant documents and pleaded facts are not before the tribunal.
“Aside the pleading of the grounds, the petitioners did not place anything on their side. They did not made prima facie case. Averments in petition prove nothing without evidence. The onus of prove has not shifted to the defendants.
“The petitioners failed to prove non-qualification. All these allegations have not been proven. Even if ground three has not been struck out, it would not have survived.”
In reaction to the judgment, Idahosa commended the Tribunal for a thorough job just as he commended the support he has got from the APC and particularly women from Ovia Federal Constituency who he said have been untiring in their support.
Counsel to Igbinedion, K.O. Obamogie thanked the tribunal for an exhaustive judgment but pleaded to it to make available the Certified True Copy of the judgment so as to enable his client study it in order to make decide what to do with it.

We don't need any war in any part of the country again

I will get the full details from BBC football news or Goal.com international when he finally makes its decision

D’Tigers have confirmed their place in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games after beating China 86-73 at the FIBA World Cup game played at the Gyangzhou Gymnasium, China.
The Nigerians pipped African champions, Tunisia to the ticket after Sunday crucial win.
Both teams finished with three wins from five games but D’Tigers got the ticket with better goal difference.

Congratulation

Good way to go

Catholic Bishops of South Africa respond to Xenophobic attacks in honest and courageous way.
It is with dismay that we take note of the recent upsurge in violence against foreign nationals, starting two weeks ago in the Johannesburg CBD, last week in Pretoria, and this week again in the Johannesburg CBD, Malvern, Turffontein and Krugersdorp.
Once again we receive reports of the authorities doing very little to protect the victims. We received report of police standing by idly in Pretoria while shops were looted and people attacked. Not a single arrest was made on that day.
Once again the authorities resort to the old explanation: that this is not xenophobia, but the work of criminal elements.
Let us be absolutely clear – this is not an attempt by concerned South Africans to rid our cities of drug dealers. And this is not the work of a few criminal elements. It is xenophobia, plain and simple. If it was about drugs, why are South African drug dealers not being targeted as well? Are we really to believe that there are none?
And why are drug addicts who rob people in our city centres to get money to buy drugs not being targeted? If it is the work of a few criminal elements, why are South African owned businesses not being looted as well?
The teaching of the Church is direct and uncompromising. More than 80% of South Africans claim to be Christian. What are our religious leaders teaching the multitudes that fill our Churches every Sunday? Galatians 3:28 says: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” By the same token, there is neither South African nor Nigerian nor Ethiopian. We are all one in Christ Jesus.
God makes it absolutely clear that He has a special concern for refugees, migrants and strangers. Deuteronomy 10:18 says: “He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.” He isn’t just concerned about the foreigners. He loves them.
Jesus goes even further. Matthew 25 says: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me”.. He identifies directly with strangers. By welcoming a refugee or migrant, we are welcoming Jesus Himself.
In his scathing attack on the inactivity of people of good will to do anything against the Nazi tyranny in Germany, Pastor Martin Niemoller said:
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a socialist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Let us take heed of this. We are facing a rising tide of hatred and intolerance, no different to the rising tide of hatred in Nazi Germany. If we do not take urgent action to stop it, there will be nothing left.
I appeal to all people of faith, and all people of good will, to speak out and take action. In the words of St Francis: “Make us channels of your peace”.
My prayer is that God will fulfil his promise made in Ezekiel 36:26:” I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
Archbishop Buti Tlhagale OMI
Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference Office for Migrants and Refugees

Openly expressing his madness

I just hope & pray that the minister keep his promise of renovating the Abuja national stadium but also focus on other federal stadias across the country. He should also pay attention to other sporting events & look at ways to help the various sporting associations to be a bit self funding rather than totally depending on government.

The Edo Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, a project partly sponsored by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in Edo State and being developed by AIPCC Energy Limited at Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, will commence operation before the end of the year.
Refinery
The fabrication of 6,000 barrels per day (bpd) modular refinery has been completed and will be inspected by officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) before it will be shipped to Nigeria.
In a statement, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr Crusoe Osagie, said the project is part of the state government’s efforts to transform Edo from a civil service state to an investment and industrial enclave.
He said the modular refinery project joins the growing list of ongoing legacy projects, which also includes the CCTEC Ossiomo Power Plant; the Benin Enterprise and Industrial Park and the Benin River Port.
According to the governor’s aide, “We are making progress on a number of projects aimed at transforming the state into an industrial hub. At the moment, work has reached advanced stage on the modular refinery project, which benefits from the governor’s smart investment acumen, through which he mobilised seed fund for the project.”
Technical Director on the project, Mr. Tim Tian, said the refinery will get its feedstock (crude) from the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company’s (NPDC) facility – oil mining lease (OML) 111, near Benin City.
He added that when operational, the refinery will produce from its feedstock 50 per cent of diesel (500,000 liters), 25 per cent of naphta (300,000 liters) and 20 per cent of fuel oil (200,000) liters.
Recall that the Edo State EXCO had approved the release of N700 million as redeemable preference shares (investment) in the Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited.
FG Grants License For Construction Of Ikwe-Onna Refinery In A/Ibom(Opens In A New Browser Tab)
He added that the venture “will create legitimate employment opportunities thereby reducing poverty, provide job opportunities for teeming youths in the communities, facilitate the establishment of a fabrication yard as proposed by the promoters, and create basis for expertise, professionalism and further training in the oil and gas industry.”
The take-off of the Edo Refinery and Petrochemicals Company followed series of groundwork by the Obaseki-led administration that led to the setting up of Edo Investment Scheme Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to hold N2 billion investment funds in which the Ministry of Finance Incorporation (MOFI) and the Edo State Oil and Gas Producing Areas Development Commission (EDSOGPADEC) which are to hold shares of 20 per cent and 80 per cent respectively.
It would facilitate the state’s investment in various initiatives across the oil and gas sector; petroleum exploration, drilling and filling station, sales and supply of gas, agro-allied products, petroleum and petrochemical products and other related businesses.

Rip

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos , Joe Igbokwe , has made the list of the new commissioner and special adviser designates of the Governor Babajide Sanwo -Olu administration .
Igbokwe created controversy on Tuesday after saying on Channels TV Politics Today that anyone who criticised the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for nonperformance was from the pit of hell .
Also on the list is a former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Lagos State , Mrs Lola Akande .
Sanwo -Olu , according to a statement , transmitted the final list of his nominees to the state House of Assembly on Tuesday .
This is coming four weeks after the governor sent the first batch of the list to the lawmakers for screening.
Thirteen commissioner - and special adviser - designates made the second list , which had already been transmitted to the legislature .
The statement , signed by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor , Mr . Gboyega Akosile , said the second list had names of accomplished politicians and technocrats who “understand the current need of Lagos ” and the development agenda of the Governor .
Below are names in the second batch of nominees :
1 . Mr . Oladele Ajayi
2 . Mr . Oluwatoyin Fayinka
3 . Mrs . Yetunde Arobieke
4 . Mr . Olanrewaju Sanusi
5 . Mr . Joe Igbokwe
6 . Mr . Bonu Solomon Saanu
7 . Arc . Kabiru Ahmed
8 . Mrs . Lola Akande
9 . Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi
10 . Mrs . Solape Hammond
11 . Mr . Moruf Akinderu Fatai
12 . Mrs . Shulamite Olufunke Adebolu
13 . Mr . Tokunbo Wahab

https://punchng.com/breaking-joe-igbokwe-others-make-sanwo-olus-new-cabinet-list/amp/#click=https:///LrhKakvxA2

Rip

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has said that the alleged rift between himself and his successor, Governor Godwin Obaseki is the creation of people with personal interest, describing Obaseki as his brother.
Oshiomhole said this on Monday night while receiving Governor Obaseki, who led members of his cabinet to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir Festival with his former boss, at his Iyamoh residence in Estako West Local Government Government Area of the state.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting which lasted for about an hour, Oshiomhole said the meeting was not unusual as he was in constant touch with Governor Obaseki.
According to Oshiomhole, “from time to time, we have always been meeting. It is not an unusual visit, the meeting afforded me the opportunity to meet with my brother and with people I have worked with.”
Oshiomhole added that it was unfortunate that the media liked creating factions for their own gain.
Obaseki also noted that the visit to his predecessor was not unusual, saying that he decided to celebrate Sallah with his former boss.
He said the visit was to celebrate Edo leaders just as the former APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, was celebrated by the state earlier in the day.
“There is nothing unusual about this meeting; today is Sallah and we have just finished celebrating with the former APC national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun in Benin City, and we decided to come here to celebrate Sallah with my predecessor,” the governor said.
He added that people who think there was a rift between him and his predecessor should stop thinking.

Congratulation

The Governor of Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki appears to have set aside the alleged rift between his administration and his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomole when he called on the Iyanmoh residence of the latter in celebration of Eid al Adha.
Governor of Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki and Comrade Adams Oshiomole
In his special Sallah message to the Muslim community last week, the governor had enjoined all citizens to eschew bitterness and rancour and work for the development of all of Edo State.
The Governor demonstrated the virtues of the season with his visit to the Party Chairman and his mother, Hajia Aishetu Oshiomole, in spite of the rumoured differences between both men.
During the visit, Governor Godwin Obaseki expressed his delight at the incredible support he received from the Muslim community and reiterated his commitment to the transformation of Edo State and the empowerment of all its people.
In response, the Otaru of Auchi commended the governor for his uncommon leadership and advised him not to succumb to the forces of darkness preaching division in Edo State. He encouraged the Governor to remain prayerful and continue to strive in the interest of the people.
Speaking after the visit, the Special Adviser to the Governor on media and communications, Mr. Crusoe Osagie congratulated the Muslim community and lauded the Governor for his demonstration of exemplary leadership. He suggested that the visit would likely unnerve a tiny fraction of the people of the state.
“The notion that these two men are adversaries is being propagated by morally and financially insolvent people seeking to profit off of the challenges they have been working so hard to foment. You cannot blame such people really. Their talents and abilities are severely limited, so it is in their collective interest to stoke tension and drive division, but I can tell you that they have already failed” he posited.
“It is not in their interests for Edo State to peacefully progress, so they will try to mis-categorise this visit. This is what they’ve always done and it’s their stock in trade”.
“True leaders understand that they represent the people in whose interests they must serve. This is why His Excellency has always said that the resources of the state, are for the people only, and not for a negligible minority and nothing can ever change this” he concluded.
Asked whether this means that a new proclamation of the State House of Assembly will be issued by the Governor in conformity with the directives of the National Assembly, Osagie was unequivocal. “I cannot speak on this matter as it is sub-judice. But I think the whole world knows that the Edo State House of Assembly has already been inaugurated. No person or institution of Government can order a state governor to do anything. We are a nation of Laws and by the special grace of God, will all be alive to witness the law run its full course” he concluded

It is high time President Buhari changes so many of his political appointees because so many has performed badly

says no fundamental issues with predecessor, Oshiomhole
…Names civil service training center after Odigie-Oyegun
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that he has met with his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and that efforts are being made to resolve issues created by third parties in the state, stressing that there are no fundamental issues between them.
ObasekiEdo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (right); his wife, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki (2nd right); Former National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun (2nd left); his wife, Mrs. Victoria Oyegun (left), at Chief Odigie-Oyegun’s 80th birthday thanksgiving service in Benin City, Edo State, on Monday, August 12, 2019
The governor said this in his address during a mass at the St Paul Catholic Church, in Benin City, to mark the 80th birthday of the first executive governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on Monday.
According to him, “I thank you very much for the remarkable homily. I listened very attentively and I have taken every word in your remark to heart and very seriously. I want to assure you that we are in pursuit of peace and we will have peace in Edo State.
“We have met – me and my predecessor in office – and fortunately, we do not have any fundamental issues. And because we do not have any fundamental issues, I believe that whatever third parties are trying to propagate I am sure we can talk over it. I assure you that very soon things will return to normalcy in Edo State.”
He said the state government, in line with the spirit of Nigeria’s national anthem, will not forget the labour of past heroes, which he said, shall never be in vain.
How Obaseki Shocked Opponents, Battled NASS To A Standstill(Opens In A New Browser Tab)
“Today we are here to celebrate our own Chief Odigie-Oyegun. On behalf of the people and Government of Edo State, I want to congratulate you on your 80th birthday,” Obaseki said.
The governor announced that the state government has named the soon-to-be-completed Civil Service Training Center after Chief Oyegun, for his contributions to the development of the state and the country at large.
“For your contributions and what you have done for our dear state, I have decided to name the public service academy, which is under construction, after you. We know your passion for public service; we know and acknowledge the contributions you made to public service in Nigeria. Therefore, we have decided to name this edifice which will be completed within the next 60 days, by the grace of God, after you. President Muhammadu Buhari will come and commission the academy, with you standing beside him. It will be known as the John Odigie-Oyegun Institute for Public Administration.”
The Institute, according to the governor,is on “three floors and is made up of large training rooms that will host 220 people. Two halls hold 118 people each. There are seven training halls that will host 58 people each. There is a library, a sick bay, a cafeteria and 12 offices. This facility at any point in time can hold and train a minimum of 900 people. It will be the largest facility for training public servants in Nigeria.”
Other dignitaries that graced the church service to celebrate with Chief Odigi-Oyegun were Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and his wife, Betty Akeredolu; Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu; the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye; the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Esohe Ikponmwen, Minister Designate, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq; National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus; representatives of the Benin Monarch, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II; former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion; Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, Esama of Benin Kingdom, Commissioners, members of Edo State House of Assembly, among others

Enjoy your reign because nothing last forever

May God help her & her children

The lawyers that are representing Atiku at the election petition tribunal should be ashamed of themselves for not getting their facts right before pursuing the server issues

This is the way to go in politic where parties put their differences aside & appreciate those in power that has done something good but they should also be ready to criticize with facts in need be

Sorry to say this to those expecting Atiku to win this case that both Atiku & PDP has already list this case especially with the type of witnesses they brought to testify for them in the case

Too bad

Good write up but the OP should realize that sharia laws does not apply to election petition issues

The person that is finish in this issue is Femi Fani Kayode & his expectations of all the dubious contracts that he was expecting to get if Senator Adeleke had won at the Supreme court today. He should now put on all his hopes on Atiku's case so that he can achieve all that he has lost from Osun state