News

KOGI 2023: ODODO’S VICTORY UNCHALLENGEABLE, ASSURES APC

Published

1 year ago

September 23, 2023

As the campaign for the November 11 gubernatorial election in Kogi State gains momentum, members of the All Progressives Congress in Umomi/Ochadama Ward in Ofu Local Government Area of the State have resoundingly declared that victory for the party’s candidate, Ododo Ahmed Usman, will be indisputable.

This affirmation came during their political party gathering and roadwork event in support of Ododo/Joel in Umomi on Friday, September 22, 2023.

Addressing the gathering, which included prominent political figures and fervent supporters from the area, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kogi State, Onogwu Muhammed, expressed deep appreciation for the people’s unwavering trust in the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello, CON, and their consistent support for the APC in previous elections. He applauded the residents of Umomi/Ochadamu Ward for upholding the political principles and ideals of the first and second executive governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, whom he lauded as the founding father of the All Progressives Congress in the State. Onogwu acknowledged that Prince Audu’s vision was to transform Kogi State into an industrialized hub with abundant job opportunities for its people. In pursuit of this vision, Prince Audu established the Obajana Cement Company PLC and passionately championed the reactivation of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.

“I want to express my gratitude to all of you for your unwavering support for the leadership of our governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON. It is noteworthy that since 1992, when our leader was first elected and in all subsequent elections, Umomi/Ochadamu Ward has never faltered to opposition. Even after 2003, when Prince Audu lost to the party in power at the federal level due to ‘federal might,’ he was unable to realize his dreams of revitalizing Ajaokuta. Our governor shares the same vision of industrializing Kogi State. He has tirelessly confronted and surmounted numerous challenges to ensure that the people of Kogi benefit from the abundant natural resources bestowed upon us by God, which are found in every local government area. Consequently, when the opportunity arose for the nomination of a minister, he wasted no time in nominating the son of the late Prince Abubakar Audu, Prince Shaibu Audu. When some of us inquired about his choice of Prince Shaibu Audu, Governor Bello emphasized that the political principles and ideals of Prince Abubakar Audu must continue to thrive, and he would do whatever it takes to vigorously pursue his vision. Our President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who also served as the Governor of Lagos while Prince Audu governed Kogi, shares the same aspirations for reviving Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited. To this end, he established the Ministry of Steel Development and appointed Prince Shaibu Audu as the minister. This clearly demonstrates that the prospect of Ajaokuta’s revival, which would create thousands of jobs, is brighter today. Additionally, when the search for the deputy governorship candidate intensified, with just three days left until the deadline, many names were presented to the governor and the party. Upon review, he noticed that none of the candidates hailed from Ofu local government. Without hesitation, Governor Yahaya Bello journeyed to Ofu and selected Hon Joel Salifu Oyibo just one day before the deadline for candidate submission to INEC. When asked about his decision, the governor emphasized that Ofu holds a special place in his heart and must be part of Kogi State’s political decisions. Therefore, I implore you all, this election is another battle we must win to honor the legacy of Prince Abubakar Audu and to reciprocate the gesture of our governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello over the years as we have done before, and as we shall continue to do,” he stated.

Onogwu also revealed the State Government’s commitment to providing free education at the primary and secondary school levels in Kogi State, along with covering WAEC, NECO, and JAMB fees for students in public schools. He urged the people to reciprocate this gesture by ensuring a resounding victory for the APC on November 11.

In his address, the counselor representing Ochadamu Ward, Hon Jonathan Thomas, reiterated that the party has been fortified to guarantee an unassailable victory for Ododo/Joel in the November 11, 2023 polls.

He praised Governor Yahaya Bello for his support of the federal government’s initiative to provide palliatives to the people following the fuel subsidy removal. He noted that, through the State Government, palliatives have been distributed to the area’s residents, a thoughtful gesture that was highly appreciated.

News

PANDEF Clarifies Visit To Tinubu, Knocks Wike Over Inflammatory Comments

Published

2 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Online Editor

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to prevail on the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to retract his publicly disparaging remarks made recently against the socio-political body.

PANDEF described as regrerrable and embarrassing comments by Wike in the aftermath of the group’s visit to Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, even to the extent of insulting the late former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Chief Edwin.

Recall that the FCT minister had, on Thursday, during a media chat, described PANDEF as “the worst organisation anybody can rely on”, while also calling the board of trustee members of the body “political merchants”.

In a statement signed by PANDEF Chairman on Saturday in Abuja, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, urged President Tinubu as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent.

Igali clarified that the meeting with the president provided a valuable platform to discuss pressing issues of national and regional importance. Adding that “PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region.”

His words: ^To set the record straight, PANDEF the foremost socio-political body representing the South-South regions, composed of some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities. The delegation to Mr. President included chairpersons of at least four of the six SouthSouth states’ traditional councils, senior traditional rulers of major ethnic groups, former governors, past presiding officers of the Senate, prominent entrepreneurs, academics, and high-ranking retired military officers.

“It is, therefore, highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that a serving minister in the Federal Government would exhibit such brazen disrespect towards individuals of this standing. This attitude perhaps explains his continued refusal of the Minister to engage with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which PANDEF constituted as far back as October 2024, despite repeated attempts to reach.

“The Honourable Minister (Wike) characterized PANDEF as the worst organization ever” and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favors. These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature.

“PANDEF hereby calls upon Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers who were, after all, esteemed guests of the Commander-in-Chief. It is apt to remind that the Minister does not own the Niger-Delta and his errant conduct should not be condoned.

“Notwithstanding this regrettable development, PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region,” Igali stated.

On efforts to restore peace in River State, Igali restated PANDEF’s commitment for peace in the oil-rich State.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which remains committed to resolving the Rivers State crisis,” Igali stated.

News

IPOB’s lawyer accuses Anambra govt of violating citizens’ rights, wants all arrested charged to court

Published

6 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Online Editor

The counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has called on the Anambra State Government to either charge to court or release individuals allegedly detained for the past five weeks without trial.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Ejiofor criticized what he described as “violations of citizens’ rights,” emphasizing that the detainees have not been presented before any court or formally charged with a crime.

“Today, March 15, 2025, marks five full weeks since several citizens of Anambra State were arbitrarily arrested and detained in a private facility controlled by the state government. Shockingly, they have not been charged with any offense or brought before any court of law. This is a flagrant violation of their fundamental rights,” Ejiofor stated.

He expressed concern that the detainees were not held by the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), or the military, but instead in an undisclosed facility, without any official explanation from the government.

Ejiofor, who has previously supported the government’s security efforts, urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to ensure the rule of law is upheld.

“I have always championed active citizen participation in combating insecurity and have publicly urged the government to act against criminal elements. However, this must be done legally and transparently,” he said.

While commending the efforts of the state’s Agụnechemba security outfit, Ejiofor insisted that professionalism and adherence to due process are crucial.

He reaffirmed his support for lawful measures to combat crime but warned that arbitrary detentions could erode public trust in the government’s security strategy.

News

Osun Amotekun recruits accuse Adeleke’s govt of nepotism

Published

6 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Online Editor

The Osun State Amotekun Corps has denied allegations of nepotism in its ongoing recruitment of 1,000 cadets, following claims by some dismissed recruits that they were removed in favor of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members.

Some affected candidates, seen outside the NYSC camp venue in Osogbo, alleged they were removed due to their affiliation with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking on behalf of the group, a dismissed cadet, Usman, claimed that they had been in camp since Sunday before being replaced by PDP members, some of whom, he alleged, were unfit for training.

However, Amotekun’s Board Chairman, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Wale Abass, dismissed the allegations as baseless. He explained that those removed from the training camp either failed to meet the required standards or did not follow the proper recruitment process.

“The 1,000 cadets invited for training went through a rigorous selection process. They submitted applications online, underwent document verification, and passed physical fitness tests before being invited to camp,” Abass stated.

He further revealed that some unqualified individuals managed to gain access to the camp, while some selected candidates failed to meet the reporting deadline. Those with health issues were also disqualified.

Abass reaffirmed that the Amotekun Corps remains committed to fairness and impartiality in its recruitment process. He described the allegations as an attempt to create confusion and undermine the security outfit’s credibility.