Adamu, other APC chieftains for Tinubu Lagos rally

Lagos state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will Saturday hold a presidential campaign rally for the party presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Announcing the preparation of the party for the rally at a press briefing in Lagos, Wednesday, the director general of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the presidential campaign in Lagos state Campaign Council, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, said the rally will be a homecoming for the former Lagos state governor and the national leader of the party.

Solomon said the rally holds a promise for mass attendance by members of the APC and members of the general public because of the popularity of the party’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Tinubu, whom he said has remained the most consistent, and the biggest contributor and the most visible democratic icon since the advent of democratic dispensation in 1999.

“You may wish to recall that Asiwaju Tinubu excelled as a Senator of the Federal Republic representing Lagos – West Senatorial District, and as the governor of Lagos state between 1999 and 2007. Therefore, the event is like a homecoming for our leader and mentor who has become a national pride.

“As a responsible political party, it is imperative to seek the cooperation of members of the general public as regards the need for temporary diversion of traffic and mass movement of supporters within the vicinity of the rally.”

On security arrangement, Senator Solomon reassured members of the public that men of the Nigerian Police Force, LASTMA officials and other law enforcement agencies would be fully mobilised to ensure that the rally will be an event devoid of the security infractions and traffic disruptions.

Speaking about security measures put in place because of the anticipated large number of people that will attend the rally, the party chairman in the state, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, said, “On the issue of security, we will try to make the venue very conducive for all.”

(Blueprint)

Alleged N3.1bn fraud: Court to hear Okorocha’s preliminary

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Tuesday fixed November 25, to hear the preliminary objection filed by a former governor of Imo state, Senator Rochas Okorocha, in his trial over alleged N3.1 billion fraud.


Okorocha is facing the fraud charges alongside Anyim Nyerere, Naphtali International Ltd, Perfect Finish Multi Projects Ltd, Consolid Projects Consulting Ltd, Pramif International Ltd and Legend World Concepts Ltd.

When the matter came up, Okorocha’s counsel, Ola Olanipekun, SAN, told the court that the business of the day was for hearing of a motion on notice seeking to quash the 17-count charge slammed against Okorocha by the federal government.

In his argument, the prosecution, Abdallah said he had filed a counter affidavit to the first defendant’s motion on notice and was

Olanipekun said he served the reply Tuesday because the prosecution’s counter affidavit was served on him late Friday.

(Blueprint)

Kogi East Christian Elders Float 10 Million Naira Flood Victims Appeal Fund

Call For Politics Of Inclusiveness

…Decry Muslim-Muslim Ticket

Kogi East Christian Elders Forum has launched 10 Million Naira Flood Victims Appeal Fund to support those affected by floods in the state, just as they tasked politicians and parties to play politics of inclusiveness ahead of the 2023 general elections in order to move Nigeria consciously and developmentally forward.

This can only be attained if they are sensitive to the realities of the multi- religious, multi-tribal and multi- cultural character of Nigeria.

This is contained in a communique issued at the end of the Forum’s National Prayer Congress held Wednesday in Ankpa, Kogi State.

The communique which was jointly signed by the National President of the Forum, Pst Joseph  Egwuda, and the National Coordinator, Engr Samuel L.S Salifu, reads in part, “

The Forum outrightly condemned the issue of same faith ticket adopted and practiced by some insensitive politicians and political parties.

“That politicians and parties must be sensitive to the realities of the multi-religious, multi-tribal and multi-cultural character of Nigeria and play the politics of inclusiveness in order to move Nigeria consciously and developmentally forward.

The Forum notes with grave concern the present plight of citizens of Kogi State that suffered devastation of flood and therefore appealed to participants and others to donate generously to the Flood Victims Fund which will be transmitted along with the list of the donors to His Royal Majesty, Attah Igala for distribution latest 15th of December 2022. The Forum is targeting Ten million Naira.

“As a matter of urgency, the advocacy for restructuring, is an eye opener and the only way all regions can own, control and market their own resources and bring equity to our competitiveness and development as a nation

“The strength of dialogue as the  weapon of choice demands that we must never miss any opportunity to give listening ears to each other and close our divides as fast as possible.

The Forum believes that Kogi State
has had the history of tolerance, inclusiveness and brotherly love across all divides, hence the need for all to reject all types of vendors of political acrimony

“Because of the present precarious Security position of the country, the Forum strongly caution Christian youths and office seekers to avoid violence in all ramifications.

“The Forum observes with appreciation, the comparatively peaceful disposition of Kogi State pioneered by the State Administration.

“The Forum emphasizes the need for all denominations and their affiliates  to pray fervently for the peace of Nigeria .

“While advocating a strong Voter Education, the Forum said INEC must be seen to be visibly transparent in the forthcoming general elections”.

With the theme, “With God, We can do Valiantly,” the Congress featured prayers, sermons and a keynote address on ” Repositioning Nigeria For Greater Political Development: The Options For Middle Belt” delivered by the National President of the Middle forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu.

Dr. Pogu reminded the participants of their peculiar character as christians of the Middle Belt extraction strategically positioned by God to beam the light of the Gospel.

Having defined the Middle Belt and its antecedents, Dr. Pogu called on all and sundry to shun the politics of money, religion and nepotism, all of which had hitherto negatively affected the development of the Middle Belt and the entire country.

The Middle Belt Forum President  emphasized that Christian Elders are divinely positioned to put a stop to the menace which the present Administration has used to bring the entire country to its knees- taken loans to the detriment of future generations, when ironically rich enough, to lend to many.

Dr. Pogu said the Middle Belt should beam the light of common sense, equity, and justice on both the political North and political South, advocating the need to have the next leadership of this country from the South-  specifically South  East, in the person of the Labour Party candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.

The engine room of the “Obi For President” movement is the youth who are looking to secure their today and future . We enjoin everyone of goodwill to cooperate with this lofty aspiration of the youths.

The Prayer Congress was attended by Christian Elders, traditional rulers from home and in the diaspora and most importantly, His Royal Majesty, Attah Igala, Matthew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche Akpa ll who was represented by the Odoma Attah, Chief Jacob Ocheni to deliver the Royal goodwill message for prosperity and unity in the land.

The communique added that goodwill messages were received from political party candidates and aspirants as well as some socio- cultural and political organizations of like minds, including the Middle Belt Forum, Igbo Nation, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEV) and Yoruba Nation

The Kogi East Christian Elders Forum, KECEF comprises all denominations in Igala and Bassa speaking area
of the State

Zamfara govt to reconstruct 5 broken bridges in 4 LGAs for N700m

The Zamfara state government has disclosed that it would reconstruct five broken bridges linking four local government areas of the state.

The Commissioner for Rural Development and Cooperatives, Alhaji Abdullahi Gurbin Bore, made the disclosure while fielding questions from newsmen during an inspection of the One Brigade cantonment access road project embarked upon by the state government through his ministry in Gusau on Friday.

“The aim of the quick response by the state government is to ease transportation among the benefitting communities,” he said.

He added that already the state government under the leadership of Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle had approved the release of over N700 million for the commencement of the whole project through direct labour by the ministry.

The affected bridges, according to him, are two bridges at Dansadau in Maru local government; one bridge at Gayari village in Gummi local government; one bridge at Gurusu in Bukkuyum local government; one bridge at Ruwan Gora in Ruwan Gora village under Talata Mafara local government and a 500-metre inaccessible road at one brigade cantonment, Gusau.

(Blueprint)

EFCC busts Yahoo hideouts, arrests 18 in Lokoja

As part of efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) to curb the rising wave of internet related fraud otherwise known as ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’, the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Commission has again extended its dragnet to Kogi State leading to the arrest of 18 suspected ‘Yahoo-Yahoo Boys’ in Lokoja, the state capital.

This is the second such operation in the State within the last two months.

Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC, had in June 2022 arrested 19 suspected fraudsters at different locations in Lokoja.

The latest arrest, which was made on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 followed actionable intelligence received by the Commission.

Among the suspects are two siblings – Bala Caleb Abdulkarim and Ayuba Bala. Others are Adebayo Olubunmi, Yusuf Salawu, Victor Yakubu, Victor Udeh, Abutu Francis, Moses Akeji, Aiyegbe ThankGod, Eniola Adeniji, Abraham Ayodele, Julius Omowale, Samuel Onojah, Saka Usman Ojo, Isaac Emmanuel, Yusuf Mohammed, Ibrahim Musa and Omaonu Ojochenemi Victor.

Preliminary investigations have shown that the suspects operate as a syndicate to scam unsuspecting victims.

The suspected ‘Yahoo-Yahoo Boys’, had incriminating items in their possession including five different brands of exotic cars, phones and laptops. They have volunteered statements to the Commission and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigations.

(Blueprint)

Monitor constituency projects’ implementation, expert advises journalists

A media consultant, Mr. Stephen Salawu, has urged journalists to ensure constant monitoring and tracking of constituency projects by the executive and legislators to ensure proper delivery of such projects.

Salawu gave the charge in Lokoja on Friday at a training workshop organised by Stallion Times.

He said the real reason growth and development had been eluding most communities in the country was because the media and citizens cared less about budget implementation.

“Unless journalists and the public begin to ask questions as to who is doing what project, in which community and how it’s started and completed, development in our communities will remain a mirage.

“We must keep monitoring, tracking with probing questions and reporting exactly what we saw, no matter who is involved, to get things done in the right way,” he said.

Salawu advised participants to do more of investigative stories that would create awareness with the intention of provoking positive reactions from the public.

According to him, the executive and legislative arms of government must be hold accountable to the people on the resources entrusted in them in accordance with the law.

Also speaking, the Editor-in-Chief, Stallion Times, Mr. Isiyaku Ahmed, expressed optimism on the impact of the training workshop on the 30 journalists in Kogi, for beautiful investigative stories on the status of constituency projects in the state.

Ahmed reminded journalists of the high expectations the public had on the media on correcting the ills of the Nigerian society with their write ups.

“Stallion Times expects you to go all out there to monitor and report exactly what’s happening with the projects of both federal and state constituencies.

“I believe that as we keep the tempo, corruption and levity will be checkmated and our communities will begin to witness some levels of growth and development,” he said.

(Blueprint)

Plateau State Govt to construct 844 housing units for workers

The Plateau government has inaugurated the construction of 844 housing units at Zanwra in Miango District of Bassa Local Government Area of the state
for workers.

Speaking while performing the ground-breaking ceremony, Gov. Simon Lalong of the state
described the housing unit as “a dividend of peace in the area”.

He said the project would bring succour to workers by enabling them to have access to modern affordable housing, with flexible payment system.

He commended Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for prioritising access to affordable housing for civil servants, through its collaboration with the Federal Housing Authority and the Federal Mortgage Bank (FMB).

“Through the Workers Housing Estate, our civil servants will no longer have cause to worry about owning a house or renting accommodation since there is a mechanism for them to own one under very friendly terms,” he said.

He said the state government in collaboration with FMB has provided home renovation loans worth N2 billion to more than 2, 500 civil servants to assist them address housing challenges.

The governor said tha a committee headed by the Head Of Service had been constituted to establish the residential houses, offices, farms lands and all assets owned by the state.

“The committee will also advise government on which of the property could be given out on owner occupier and those to be redeveloped under public private partnership,” he said.

He urged the developer of the housing units to ensure compliance to development control standards, adding that the houses should be constructed according to approved plans to prevent building collapse.

(NAN)

I’ll defend my mandate at tribunal — Adeleke

Osun’s governor-elect, People Democratic Party’s (PDP) Sen. Ademola Adeleke, has said that he is ready to defend his victory at the election petition tribunal and retain his mandate.

Adeleke said his emergence as governor-elect was entrenched in total compliance with the law and in the will of the people.

His declaration is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Osogbo by his spokesman, Malam Olawale Rasheed.

Sitting Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was defeated at the July 16 election and his party, filed a petition before an election tribunal on Friday challenging the election’s outcome.

Adeleke, however, claimed that the election was one of the most transparent in recent history in Nigeria, adding that the people’s mandate, freely given against overwhelming odds, would be defended and validated.

He said in the statement that PDP’s Legal Department was taking appropriate action on the petition and called on his supporters to remain calm.

“This divine victory cannot be stolen through the backdoor.

“I urge the good people of Osun who voted massively to reject bad governance to remain calm.

“We are doing the needful to defend their mandate.

“We will do all within our powers to ensure judicial validation of our victory as this is an election globally certified as a great advancement in electoral transparency and integrity.

“We also want to reaffirm our faith in the judiciary as a bastion of hope and justice.

“We have unshakeable trust in God that this election petition shall end in another landmark victory for us and the resilient people of Osun,’’ he said.

INEC declared Adeleke winner of the election on July 17 with 403,371 votes to Gov. Oyetola’s 375,027 votes.

(Vanguard)

ASUU Strike: Ganduje Calls For End To Crisis, As NLC, CSOs Visit Him

As governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state received state leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), who were at the Government House, Tuesday, protesting in solidarity to the cause of the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), he lamented that the crisis must be resolved to save the system.

“This crisis must be resolved to help save the system. We don’t want system collapse in this country at all,” he said.

He assured that, the striking University lecturers are in the strike action “… to save the system from collapsing.”

While lamenting the plight of students across the country, for being idle all this while, he reveals that, “Myself and my colleagues from all the 36 states, irrespective of our party differences are concerned about the prolonged strike action and we will put our heads together to bring an end to the crisis.”

The Chairman of the Kano branch of NLC Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir commended governor Ganduje for not joining others in no work no pay resolution against University lecturers.

“We really appreciate the state government under your able leadership, the people’s governor Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje for your magnanimous approach in not stopping the salary of the teachers of two state universities. This shows you are education-friendly governor,” Comrade Minjibir appreciated.

Others in the peaceful protest, were ASUU members, students’ bodies, civil society groups, youth organisations, human rights activists, among others.

Christian/Muslim clerics reject Society of Nigerian Broadcasters Bill

The College of Bishops, Imams and Clergy Councils has unanimously rejected the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters Bill, which is currently before the National Assembly.

The bill when passed into law aims to duplicate the functions of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

Convener of the group, Abel Kings, at a news conference in Abuja, said the group is ready to address issues that may prompt sentiments and are at variance with nation building.

• 

He condemned the recent action of the former Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Professor Tony Iredia, calling for self-regulation of the media in Nigeria.

“Iredia’s call is meant to give impetus to the bill to establish the so-called Society of Nigerian Broadcasters (SNB) before the National Assembly. However, Iredia’s position, like the bill he seeks to support, is fraught with dangers, which makes such a piece of legislation not to be contemplated at all, tendered for consideration, or even allowed to see the light of the day.  

“The Society of Nigerian Broadcasters bill is based on a faulty logic, that is, self-regulation in an industry where professionalism is completely lacking or totally absent. It is a bill which attempts to undo the role of the National Broadcasting Commission as an independent government agency responsible for regulating, monitoring and sanctioning erring violators of acceptable media ethical and professional codes.

“In the history of broadcast in Nigeria, broadcast practitioners come from journalism, mass communication, English, Linguistics, Sociology, Political Science, Estate Management, among other courses offered in the universities or polytechnics. Most of these courses have nothing to do with broadcast or media practice.

“Self-regulation, that is, entrusting the regulation of activities and conduct of members of the media in the hands of the society of broadcasters might look attractive or even desirable. However, in using the long practice established for doctors, lawyers, nurses, engineers, among other professional bodies, it might be rightly argued that broadcasters or media practitioners in Nigeria should not be allowed to self-regulate their own activities and conduct of their members,” stated.

(Blueprint)