Politics

Buhari’s rejection of state police authoritative – Clark

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A former federal commissioner for information, Edwin Clark, on Monday described as unconstitutional and authoritative President Muhammadu Buhari’s rejection of state police in the country.

The President had last week declared that state police was not an option in the ongoing efforts at ridding the country of crimes and other social vices.

Buhari, who stated this during an interview on Channels Television, expressed fear that state governors would use state police to their advantage.

However, in a statement he personally signed, the elder statesman insisted that state police was discussed exhaustively and approved during the 2014 National Conference as organised by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

He described state police as one of the chief cardinal points of a true federal system of government.

Clark said: “Mr. President dismissed the call for state police in the country. He said that state police was not an option, that governors will misuse it. He gave an unrelated instance of the relationship between state governors, and local governments, that there is no functional local government in the country.

“While the President is right that no local government in this country truly functions as provided by the constitution, not even the joint account under which state governments receive monies on behalf of the local governments because the accounts are fully controlled by the state governors, it is not enough to dismiss the demand for state police.

As I stated in my recent interview, state police is a popular agitation by Nigerians and was robustly discussed and agreed upon during the 2014 National Conference.

“It is very unfortunate that the state governors who are elected under the party are the ones running the party today. But it is unconstitutional and authoritative for Mr. President to say that state police, which was even recommended by the El-Rufai Committee as one of its items under devolution of power to be transferred from the executive list in schedule 1 of the 1999 constitution, as amended, to schedule II of the concurrent list, should be discarded.

“I totally agree with Mr. President that most state governors have undermined the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, where local government is provided for under Section 8. They do not only abuse the joint account system but also engage in establishing caretaker committees rather than conducting a free, fair, and democratic election.

I also agree with Mr. President that state police could be used by state governors in persecuting perceived political opponents, but it is also true that the federal government is also using the Nigeria Police Force to persecute perceived political opponents, undermining the National Assembly and obstructing free speeches.

“But that does not mean that the whole idea of state police should be discarded? That will mean throwing away the baby with the bathwater.”

Politics

PDP will rescue Nigeria from APC in 2023 —Bayelsa Gov, Diri

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The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has insisted that only the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will rescue Nigeria from the “mess and economic woes” the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown the country into in the last six years.

Diri made the assertion while playing host to his counterpart from Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, who was in Yenagoa, the state capital, on a visit on Monday.

While speaking at the reception organized in honour of Wike, Diri insisted that “only the PDP can rescue Nigeria from its present state of insecurity and economic woes.”

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Daniel Alabrah, Diri said:

“The presidency is one sacred office and we must do everything to protect it and ensure that our party clinches victory at the 2023 general polls.

The number one thing for our party is our unity. Second is who becomes president. We have a capable national chairman that can steer us back to power come 2023.”

Diri also had complimentary words for Wike, describing the Rivers governor as a “model of quality leadership and purposeful governance”, stressing that the Niger Delta region needed such leaders to unite and tackle their common challenges.

In his response, Wike said he was confident the PDP would dislodge the APC and produce the next president of Nigeria in 2023.

Today, I came to let everybody know that Governor Diri is one of the governors I can tell you have showed commitment even though he is new and he believes in the development of his state. I am not someone that will come and say what is not correct.

“I have also come to tell him that everybody must work together to make the PDP united because without party, there cannot be presidential candidate. Let us all unite.

“Nigerians are waiting for PDP and we cannot afford to miss this opportunity. As governors, we must work together.

“Anybody can be presidential candidate but if we are not united, it cannot be possible.”

Lifestyle, Politics, World News

Former Nigerian Interim leader, Ernest Shonekan, dies at 85.

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Chief Ernest Shonekan who headed the Interim National Government that succeeded the junta of General Ibrahim Babangida, has died.

Shonekan died in a hospital in Lagos today January 11. He was 85.
He was the interim head of the Nigerian Government between August 26 and November 17 1993 when he was ousted in a coup led by late General Sani Abacha.

Born on 9 May 1936 in Lagos, Shonekan, an Abeokuta-born civil servant, he was one of six children born into the family. He attended the CMS Grammar School and Igbobi college. He received a law degree from the University of London and was called to the bar. He later attended Harvard Business School.
May his soul rest in peace, Amen.

Politics, World News

Plateau Deputy Chief of Staff’s wife and health director kidnapped.

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Dorcas Vem, wife of Silas Vem, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plateau Government House has been kidnapped by gunmen.

The gunmen in a seperate operation, also kidnapped Dr. Samuel Audu, a Director in the Plateau State Ministry of Health.

Punch reported that their abduction were confirmed by sources at the State Government House in Jos and the State Secretariat housing the Headquarters of the Ministry of Health.

A source told the publication;
“For almost three days now, the whereabouts of wife of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Dorcas Silas Vem has remained unknown. She is a staff of the University of Jos and her husband is the Deputy Chief of Staff in the office of the Deputy Governor of Plateau state, Professor Sonny Tyoden.

“Their house is at the Little Rayfield in Jos, very close to the Government House. The woman was just driving to their house when some gunmen accosted her in front of their gate. They forcefully dragged her out of her vehicle and took her away to an unknown destination. The incident happened on Sunday and since then, we have not seen her.”

Confirming the abduction of the Ministry of Health Director, a staff said;
“It was just last night (Monday). The Director has a hospital Barkin Ladi LGA. He was in his car driving back to his house in Barkin Ladi after attending to an emergency at his hospital when some people emerged from nowhere and blocked his vehicle at his gate at the Chairman’s quarters.

“He was still calling his wife to open the gate for him when the hoodlums immediately, ordered him into their waiting vehicle and drove away.

“We don’t know what is happening in Plateau state with regard to the security of the people because the kidnapping and abductions are just too much. Something needs to be done and quickly too before the situation gets out of hand.”

The State’s Police spokesperson, Ubah Ogaba confirmed the abduction of wife of the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, but said efforts are being made to rescue her.

Politics

Biafra agitation will not end with Igbo President in 2023 — Former IPOB leader, Mefor

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Former Deputy-Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Uche Mefor, says the agitation for a Republic of Biafra will not end even if an Igbo man becomes President of Nigeria in 2023.

Mefor, who has been in a running battle with the hierarchy of IPOB and his former boss, Nnamdi Kanu since he was removed from his position, said in a statement on Monday that the clamour for a president from the South-East region in 2023 has nothing to do Biafran agitation and will not stop the demands for a republic.

In the statement he posted on his Facebook page, Mefor said an Igbo president will even do more to intensify the agitation for the restoration of Biafra.

Mefor titled his statement ‘Will the Nigerian President of Igbo-Biafra extraction stop Biafra agitation?’ which reads:

“This is very unlikely. An Igbo president of Nigeria will even intensify the agitation for the restoration of Biafra.

“Biafrans must concentrate on the Biafra territorial politics with a view to controlling the political space in Biafraland.

Nigeria, as a ideal candidate, would be completing the cycle of the status of an ideal contender highly and likely to be subjected to remedial secession if she manhandles the Igbo bid for the presidency and denies or schemes them out of the presidency in 2023, will be justified as a last resort in extreme case of oppression.

“It will also mean an arbitrary or systematic human rights violations against a group that qualifies as a ‘people’ or ‘peoples’ and ultimately, the denial of INTERNAL SELF-DETERMINATION against such group(s) by a state (in this case, Nigeria).

“When that happens, and to such an extent that the territorial intergrity of such state (in this case, Nigeria) is called to question, that state loses her claim to her sovereignty because she has failed to adequately represent her whole population in the governance of her affairs.

“No doubt, there are consequences but if crafted and guided and guarded strategically, the group(s) is/are likely to succeed with recognition of the members of the international community.

If the Igbos (either alone or in collaboration with others) decide to seek for a separate country by exercising their right to self-determination through the LENS OF REMEDIAL SECESSION, they are strongly and likely going to be justified subject to external RECOGNITION.

“In summary, I believe that Nigeria has since reached the threshold to such an extent that any Indigenous People of any ethnic origin within the Nigerian state can seek REMEDIAL SECESSION on account of monumental human rights violations and extreme oppression against them by the Fulani-controlled Nigerian state government.

“Nigeria is, indeed, an ideal candidate ripe for and should be subjected to REMEDIAL SECESSION by the component units. This is what the Biafra agitators must continue to focus on and consolidate.”

Politics

MALI: ECOWAS against coups in West Africa – Osinbajo

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said on Sunday the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) would not accept forceful takeovers of governments in the sub-region.

Osinbajo stated this during a media briefing after participating at an Extraordinary Summit of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Accra, Ghana.

The Vice-President represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the meeting convened by West African leaders to deliberate on the current political crisis in Mali.

He said: “So, I think what is being done is unprecedented; in the years gone by, African Union, then known as Organisation of African Unity, never came down heavily on coup d’etat.

But it is evident now; there is a very strong resolve that the ECOWAS, and indeed the international community, will not accept unconstitutional takeovers of government in the form of coup d’etat and other such unconstitutional means of taking over governments.

“So, it is very evident that there is a very strong resolve which is why we are here today.”

Politics

Ayade rejects APC demand for workers’ sack in Cross River

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The Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, on Friday ruled out sack of any staff in the state.

Ayade was reacting to demand by the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the sack of workers who are still loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The governor, who addressed journalists at his office in Calabar, said: “I do not have the heart to lay off my workers or government staff. Sometimes I will have reports about those that have committed very serious offences.

“I have even personally caught some red-handed doing the very wrong things.

I will ponder over what they, especially their wives, children, and dependants would go through if I sack them. These thoughts would force me to overlook and forgive them.

“It is not morally very right to lay them off from their works simply because they are not in my party yet.

“I play politics with moral conscience. As governor, I am also a father of the state. I can only be forced to sack when it has become too unbearable.”

Politics

Bauchi govt sues Dogara, 28 others over crisis in communities

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Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and 28 persons have been dragged to a Bauchi State High Court by the state government over the killing and destruction of properties following a botched celebration in the Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Areas of the state.

The crisis was allegedly triggered after the state government cancelled a ceremony to mark the 21st memorial anniversary of Baba Peter Gonto, a Sayawa nation crusader, the majority tribes of the two local councils.

Dogara had allegedly written a letter to the Director-General of State Security Services (SSS), and the Inspector General of Police, warning of an impending security threat if the anniversary of Baba Gonto was allowed to hold.

The action had triggered the anger of Sayawa youths who took to the streets in a protest which snowballed into violence with several people killed and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.

However, on Friday, the state government slammed an 11-count charge against Dogara and the 28 other persons, accusing them of “conspiring to cause bodily harm on people in the area in order to frustrate the progress of the memorial anniversary.”

Parts of the 11-count charges against the lawmaker and his co-defendants seen by Ripples Nigeria reads:

“Pursuant to Sections 98 (1) & (2), 100 (b) and 103 (b) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Bauchi State, 2018.

“Count One: That you, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, male of Maitama, Abuja-FCT, Air Commodore Ishaku Komo (Rtd), male of Kaduna-Abuja Road, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Rev. Markus Musa, male of Tafawa Balewa Town, Peter Emmanuel, male of Tafawa Balewa Town, Ga’Allah Daniel, male of Tafawa Balewa Town, Iliya Emmanuel, male of Tafawa Balewa Town, and others did,
on or about the 29th, 30 and/or 31st day of December, 2021 agreed to do or cause to be done an illegal act to wit:

‘You conspired amongst yourselves and others at large to incite the youths of Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Towns to disturb public peace by burning people’s houses, blocking access roads, physically attacking invited guests and other participants attending the 21st Year Memorial Anniversary and Book Launch of Late Baba Peter Gonto at Bogoro Town.

That your actions led to the destruction and burning all facilities provided for the occasion, there by committing an offence contrary to Section 96 and punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Bauchi State.

“On or about the 29th, 30th and/or 31st day of December, 2021, you agreed to do or cause to be done an illegal act to wit:

“You conspired amongst yourselves and others at large to commit the offence ‘Mischief by Fire’ by burning people’s houses in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Town during the 21st Year Memorial Anniversary and Book Launch of Late Baba Pe Gonto at Bogoro Town and to destroy and burn all facilities provided for the occasion, thereby committed an offence contrary to section 96 and punishable under section 97 of the penal code law of Bauchi state.

On or about the 29,30th and/or 31st day of December, 2021 agreed to do or cause to be done an illegal act to wit: you conspired amongst yourselves and others at large to commit the offence of Culpable Homicide during the Year Memorial Anniversary and Book Launch of Late Baba Peter Gonto at Bo Town and that you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 96 punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Bauchi State.”

Politics

Working for 6 to 8 hours daily is not a joke, age telling on me – Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari said on Thursday he was looking forward to May 29, 2023, when his tenure would end.

The President, who stated this in an interview with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), said age was telling on him, and desperately in need of a deserved rest after ruling the country for about seven years.

President Buhari turned 79 on December 17, 2021.

The President said he had served Nigeria dutifully and expressed the hope that the citizens would acknowledge the efforts at the end of his tenure next year.

He said: “About my age, I see my colleagues, they are now resting, and I assure you that I look forward to the next 17 months when I too will be less busy.

The age is telling on me, working now for six, seven to eight hours per day in the office is no joke — there are questions of executive council, memos from as many states as possible to be considered virtually every week. Really, it’s a lot of hard work, but as I have said, I asked for it and I cannot complain.

“I have been a governor, I have been a minister, and I’m in my second term as President. So, I have gone through all the systems, and really, what else can I do for this country? I have given my best.”

Politics

Atiku will unify Nigeria in 2023 – Dokpesi

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The Chairman of Daar Communications, Raymond Dokpesi, said on Thursday former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would unite Nigeria if elected as the country’s leader in 2023.

Dokpesi, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, stated this at a stakeholders’ meeting in Adamawa.

He decried the poor state of the country under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

The politician had in October last year declared that no presidential candidate from Southern Nigeria would win the 2023 presidential election.

He said: “Now that 2023 is approaching again. Now that the economy of the country has totally collapsed, and our children cannot find employment, let us work together to heal the wounds.

It is very glaring that we need somebody who is a unifier, who is very sound, who has business acumen, who himself has investment and wealth of experience and wherewithal to be able to properly lead the country out of its present quagmire like Atiku.

“The country has never been disunited as we have it today, both on religious and ethnic lines. Our economy is in shambles. We have not borrowed as much money externally and locally as we have experienced in the last six or seven years of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.

“What we have under the Buhari administration is a Nigeria that is flowing with the blood of our children. The banditry and insecurity that is available is one which is unprecedented.”

Politics

‘Put your house in order or lose power to opposition in 2023,’ Buhari charges APC

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to settle its disputes or risk defeat in the 2023 general elections.

The President, who made the call in an interview on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), insisted that the ruling party must resolve its disagreements before the national convention.

The party has tentatively fixed its national convention for February.

Buhari insisted that APC would not be a safe haven for corrupt politicians.

He also reiterated his desire to bequeath a secure and economically vibrant country to his successor next year.

The ruling has been rocked by several crises in the last two years.

One of the crises led to the sack of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by Adams Oshiomhole, in 2020.

Several members of APC had also been demanding the dissolution of the party’s National Caretaker and Extra-Ordinary Committee headed by the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala-Buni.

The President said: “My own position is simple. I think I succeeded in trying to get my position understood in the sense that I said we start from bottom upward, from the polling units to wards, to local government, to state, and then to Abuja. So it is the party because I am only concerned about my party. The party members in all constituencies will know that their convention is coming up and therefore when they come to Abuja, they are likely to act together.

There is no kingmaker from Abuja that will say take this or take that, no constituency is to be dictated to, all the constituencies are supposed to produce their leadership in our party, what other parties do is their own business.

“But we want to make sure that our party members understand that they are respected from polling units to wards,  to local government,  to state, and up to Abuja. So those who want to be elected at any level let them work for it, nobody is going to appoint anybody.

“We have a time frame for the national convention, we have to work because the four-year circle is constitutional. It cannot be interfered with by anybody. So if the party couldn’t agree, then the opposition can take over.

“What did the PDP do? They saw that they can’t come together but when ACN, ANPP, CPC, APGA came together before PDP realized it they were off, they are still off, so they can see it.”

“I have always said that joining the APC is no guarantee to  escape prosecution if you are corrupt.”     

Politics

Buhari reveals problem with restructuring, South-East

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President Muhammadu Buhari said on Wednesday those pushing for the restructuring of Nigeria lacked the basic knowledge of the process.

The President, who stated this in an interview on a Channels Television, also flayed the people of South-East for demanding an additional state.

Several Nigerians including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, among others had in the past demanded the restructuring of the country to prevent its total collapse.

The President said: “Those who talk of restructuring; I want them to define what they mean in their own concept of restructuring.

“Do they want more states? If they want, look at the map of Nigeria, at whose expense?”

“I have a problem with people from South-East; they said they wanted another state, as each of the geopolitical zones has six states.

“I said go and look at the map and see how many of the existing states will contribute to other states. That was the last I heard from them.”

Politics

Akeredolu raises the alarm over possible jailbreaks

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Rotimi Akeredolu, the Ondo State Governor has raised the alarm over possible jailbreaks due to the withdrawal of soldiers from the Nigeria Correctional Service centres across the state.

This warning was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Richard Olatunde, on Wednesday.

According to Akeredolu, men of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigeria Army, Akure, attached to the centres in the states had been withdrawn.

He also expressed worries that the withdrawal of the soldiers could encourage jailbreaks.

The statement read in part, “Last night, Governor Akeredolu received reports from the Commissioner of Police in the state that soldiers attached to the correctional centres in the state had all been withdrawn.

This development came as a surprise, considering the fact that both the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Correctional Service belong to the Federal Government.

“It is, however, pertinent to alert members of the public and the Federal Government to this unwholesome situation. Findings into the remote cause of this action have only revealed that it was an ‘order from above’ without corresponding details.

“The situation notwithstanding, proactive efforts have been made to secure these centres so as not to allow premeditated jailbreaks as whoever gave the order to withdraw those soldiers was in the process of encouraging such.”

Politics

Ortom dissolves cabinet, retains seven commissioners

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The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, on Tuesday, dissolved the state executive council.

However, the governor retained the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Michael Gusa, and six others in the cabinet.

Other retained Commissioners are Nenge Nenge (Land and Survey), Dr. Godwin Oyiwana (Energy, Science, and Technology), David Olofu (Finance), Dr. Joseph Ngbea (Health and Human Services), Dennis Ekpe Ogbu (Housing and Urban Development), and Nylazungwe Igirgi (Women Affairs).

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Tony Ijohor, disclosed this in a statement in Makurdi.

He added that the governor had forwarded the list of eight nominees to the State House of Assembly for confirmation.

The nominees are – Ternar Jester Kyange, Unngwa Sechia Jude, Agbatar Rodney Williams, and Michael Umoru Inalegwu.

Others are – Agber Benjamin Armar, Dr. Jane Ogoma Aja, Sarwuan Tamongo, and Nguhe Teyima Levi.

Lifestyle, Politics, World News

Following the passing on of former Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji Ajeoguguniso 1, crisis looms.

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Following the passing on of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji Ajeoguguniso 1, crisis is about to be unravelled concerning who will become the next king.

Recall that during the previous administration in Oyo state , the former governor, Late Senator Ajimobi crowned 20 kings excluding Senator Rashidi Ladoja.
In accordance to the customary law of any Yoruba town, an oba (King) cannot be crowned twice.
This puzzle is yet to be unravelled, as legal practitioners advice the current governor of Oyo state , Governor Seyi Makinde, about the way out , as there is need to crown another king.

Below is the letter addressed to the recent governor of Oyo state, Governor Seyi Makinde.

Politics

El-Rufai charges security to bomb bandits’ hideouts in Nigeria’s North-West

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The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday charged the security agents to completely flush out the bandits from their hideouts in the North-West.

The governor, who made the call during an interview on Arise TV, said inadequate security personnel was the reason why the bandits continued to reign supreme in the region.

He called for the deployment of more security personnel, technology, and military equipment against the bandits.

El-Rufai said: “These bandits operate in the periphery because their hiding place is in the forest. It’s a major problem. The security agencies are doing their best but they are overstretched.

The reality is we don’t have enough boots on the ground to address the myriad of security challenges that we face, and these security challenges are asymmetric, widespread, and there’s no part of Nigeria that doesn’t have one security problem or the other.

“Ramp up the number of boots and more technology and more investment in armament and wipe these guys once and for all.

“I have always believed that, you know, we should carpet-bomb the forests; we can replant the trees after. Let’s carpet-bomb the forests and bomb all of them. There will be collateral damage, but it’s better to wipe them out and get people back to our communities so that agriculture and rural economies can pick up.”

Politics

PDP chieftain, Akobundu calls for dialogue on South-East crisis

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A former National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Austin Akobundu, on Monday urged the Federal Government to embrace dialogue in resolving the crisis in the South-East.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had been unrelenting in the push for the release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is standing trial for alleged treasonable felony and other allied charges at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The group on Monday banned the recitation of the Nigerian National Anthem in schools through the South- East.

The region witnessed several killings, kidnapping and destruction of public property last year.

Akobundu, who made the call in a statement, charged South-East leaders to unite, and seek sustainable solutions to the issues confronting the region.

He said: “I earnestly call on the federal government to immediately ease the tension in the Southeast by heeding to demands for political solution and dialogue to address the issues agitating the people.

“South-Easterners are not violent but peace-loving and very hardworking people who are mostly misunderstood.

“Moreover, the time has come for leaders of the south-east to put aside all personal interests and come together once more to find lasting solutions to the economic, political and social challenges facing our region.

“The South-East is blessed with abundant natural, and most importantly, highly ingenious, inventive, hardworking and resilient human capital resources that when fully developed and harnessed, will guarantee the desired economic revolution in the region.”

Politics

Igboho’s lawyer quits over clash with Prof. Akintoye

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Pelumi Olajengbesi, one of the lead counsels to embattled Yoruba Nation agitator and self-appointed freedom fighter, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho, has announced his withdrawal from the activist’s legal team.

Olajengbesi who has been having a running battle with the leader of the umbrella body of Yoruba Self-Determination Groups, Ilana Omo Oodua (IOO), Prof. Banji Akintoye, announced his withdrawal from the Igboho defence team in a statement on Sunday.

Olajengbesi who is the Managing Partner of an Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor, in the statement on his official Facebook page, said though he represented Igboho and the people arrested by the DSS in a raid on his Ibadan home, he was not an advocate of the Yoruba Nation agitation.

Olajengbesi’s resignation followed a statement by Akintoye who accused the lawyer of playing double standards and not speaking for Igboho nor was he involved in the Yoruba Nation self-determination struggle.

Part of Olajengbesi’s statement reads:

“This is to officially announce my resignation as counsel involved in any matter relating to Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho and the Yoruba Nation agitators.

“As a firm, we are satisfied with our little best in contributing to providing legal solutions and representations to Chief Sunday Adeyemo (Igboho) and associated Yoruba Nation agitators as far as ensuring the protection and enforcement of their rights in this matter.

We were able to secure the release of 12 persons brutally and unlawfully arrested by the reckless State Security Service (SSS), and also secured the release of an innocent herbalist equally unlawfully arrested and detained by the SSS.

“We have two persons with on-going terrorism trials at the Federal High Court and our firm will dutifully continue and close the trial having commenced their matter.

“While thanking everyone, particularly Chief Yomi Aliyu SAN for the opportunity and freehand service, Dr. Olasupo Ojo for his fair leadership and Chief Femi Falana for allowing his industry to be tapped and for the moral support, I most respectfully wish to now step aside.

“I have stated ab initio that the scope of my work will only be within the purview of my professional duty as a lawyer to Sunday Igboho and his aides.

“I am a strong believer in constitutional democracy, civil liberty and human rights which includes the right to self-determination but I am not a Yoruba nation agitator, nor a member of any like organisation.

“My reaction to Prof. Akintoye was not to undermine the Yoruba struggle but is based off my personal convictions which I am entitled to.

“I do hope my friends in the struggle will allow me enjoy the benefit of my right to such a choice as a person of thought and conscience,” he said.

Politics

PDP accuses Gov Akeredolu of financial recklessness

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State on Sunday accused Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of financial recklessness.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary in the state, Kennedy Peretei, the party alleged that the governor had been using his wife and children to siphon funds from the state’s coffers.

The PDP stressed that the grandeur and opulence in which Akeredolu and his family had been living was a sharp contrast to the appalling standard of living in the state.

The statement read: “Every passing day in Ondo State, one is confronted with the reality that there is a very slim possibility of Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo State, and his All Progressives Congress completely serving out his remaining tenure.

This speculation is fueled by the financial recklessness, brazen lack of respect for rules by Akeredolu’s wife, Betty, his son, Babajide, and lately his daughter, Teniola, and her husband Michael Olatunde.”

However, the state government in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, dismissed the allegation.

He said: “A responsible government does not descend into the arena of perfidy and frivolities triggered by idleness to trade words.

“This is not the first time the opposition party will cry in this mindless manner. Of course, you don’t expect a child not to cry when flogged.

“The PDP must be seen to be saying something at least. We can only sympathise with them even though we won’t share in their self-inflicted pains.”

Politics

Gov Sule rejects predictions on APC break-up after Buhari’s exit from power

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The Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on Sunday rejected predictions on the break-up of the All Progressives Congress (APC) after the expiration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure in 2023.

Sule, who featured in a Channels Television’s programme, Sunday Politics, also slammed critics who predicted Nigeria’s break-up in 2015.

He assured Nigerians that the APC would present a competent candidate in the 2023 presidential election.

The governor said: “The same people who have told us that by 2015 Nigeria will break up and there will be no Nigeria, we still have Nigeria. So the same people are predicting the APC disintegration.

“There are people who just believe in this kind of prophecies. I don’t believe our party will go into pieces. Yes, the absence of Muhammadu Buhari on the ticket is a major thing for us, that is the reason we have to look and make sure that we have a presidential candidate that is acceptable to all, including Muhammadu Buhari himself.”

He stressed that the APC would have no problem winning the elections with generally acceptable candidates in place at all levels.

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