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  • APC Expresses Concern as Adeleke Forms Cybercrime Panel

    APC Expresses Concern as Adeleke Forms Cybercrime Panel

    The Osun State Government has announced the establishment of a Cybercrime Action Committee to combat the proliferation of fake news within the state, a move that has raised suspicions among members of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

    According to the Commissioner for Information and Public Engagement, Kolapo Alimi, the decision to form the committee is aimed at creating a more responsible and honest political atmosphere, free from the negative impacts of fake news.

    The initiative comes amid escalating social media conflicts between supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC, focusing on governance issues and individual party personalities.

    The committee, housed in the Ministry of Justice, comprises journalists and legal experts tasked with curbing the spread of fake news and ensuring compliance with relevant laws, including the Cybercrime Act of 2015.

    Tajudeen Lawal, the Osun APC Chairman, expressed skepticism about the committee’s intentions, viewing it as a tactic to stifle opposition voices and consolidate power in the hands of the governor.

    Lawal criticized the timing of the committee’s formation, alleging it was a response to scrutiny over alleged irregularities in road contract awards. He vowed that the APC would legally challenge any attempts to suppress opposition activities in the state.

    The Osun APC accused Governor Adeleke of attempting to deflect attention from alleged corruption scandals within his administration, emphasizing their commitment to holding the government accountable for its actions.

    In response to these accusations, the Osun State Government reiterated its commitment to upholding transparency and accountability while combatting the dissemination of false information. The Cybercrime Action Committee is set to commence its operations, focusing on enforcing existing laws to ensure responsible online behavior.

  • The Ordeal of Akosu Tor Micheal and the Struggle for Equity.

    The Ordeal of Akosu Tor Micheal and the Struggle for Equity.

    ADVOCATING FOR JUSTICE

    In the heart of Benue state, a troubling narrative unfolds—one that encapsulates the fight for justice and the relentless pursuit of truth. This is the story of Akosu To Micheal, a brother unfairly entangled in the grip of law enforcement, enduring days in custody without a shred of evidence to justify his confinement.

    With each passing day, the severity of the situation becomes increasingly evident. The silent outcry against injustice reverberates throughout the corridors of power, resonating in the hearts of all who stand for fairness and equality. For Akosu Tor Micheal, these days represent more than just marks on a calendar; they symbolize a distressing ordeal endured in the shadows of uncertainty and fear.

    Yet, his plight extends beyond his individual experience. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of justice in our society and the pressing need for vigilance. It beckons all who uphold the sanctity of human rights to rise and confront the injustices that tarnish our collective conscience.

    In the digital era, our voices serve as formidable tools, and the battleground is the expansive realm of social media. Here, we must wage our battle, harnessing the power of our words to challenge the narratives of those who seek to oppress and silence. Each tweet, each post, each share becomes a beacon of hope, piercing through the darkness of corruption and tyranny.

    Our determination must remain steadfast, our resolve unyielding. We must stand in solidarity with Akosu Tor Micheal, refusing to be intimidated by the coercive tactics of those in power. Appointees of the Governor of Benue state have been using their influence to abuse the rights of citizens, targeting dissenters and unlawfully detaining innocent individuals. This is exemplified in the case of Akosu Tor Micheal, who was arrested in defense of his principal against defamatory remarks by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Sir Kula.

    Akosu’s struggle is a reflection of our own vulnerability in the face of unchecked authority.

    As we navigate the complexities of activism, let us heed the words of Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” We cannot afford to be passive bystanders in the theater of injustice. We must catalyze change, advancing with unwavering determination until justice is served, and Akosu Tor Micheal is vindicated.

    In the crucible of adversity, our resilience is tested, and our humanity shines brightest. Let us stand united in our pursuit of justice, unwavering in our commitment to a brighter future. Though the road ahead may be fraught with obstacles, with courage as our compass and righteousness as our guide, victory is not merely a hope but an inevitability.

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  • Ambassador Tsoken Hails Governor Uba Sani For Keeping His Campaign Promises.

    Ambassador Tsoken Hails Governor Uba Sani For Keeping His Campaign Promises.

    By Jabiru Hassan.

    The national President of the APC Initiative For Good Governance (APC-IGG) Ambassador Musa Mohammed Tsoken has described governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state as a leader who sticks to his promises through good governance.

    He made the description in a statement he signed and issued to newsmen, adding that from his inauguration to date, governor Uba Sani remained very committed towards the development of Kaduna state without bias.

    ” based on what we have monitored, Kaduna state is one of the northern states that is witnessing the presence of democratic dividends in every sector despites some challenges, and from what is being seen on ground, governor Uba Sani deserved respect and gratitute for the job well done”. The statement added.

    Ambassador Tsoken disclosed that human development is one of the key factors that transform livelihood, therefore what governor Uba Sani is doing would tackle security challenges and provide succour to the people of Kaduna State through his transformation agenda.

    Commenting about the activities of APC Initiative For Good Governance, the statement stated that” Our support group is working selflessly to ensure that there is hood governance everywhere, and we focus on development and excellent leaderships, therefore our struggle would be a continuous project so as to makes things more fruity “. He emphasized.

  • A’Ibom: Opposition parties surrender to PDP

    A’Ibom: Opposition parties surrender to PDP

    By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
    In a rare move of solidarity and alliance, more than 35,000 members of major opposition parties in Akwa Ibom last weekend surrendered their Ward, Local Government and State structures to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state.
    At a formal event in Uyo, leaders, stakeholders and members of the various opposition parties who defected to the PDP said their decision to collapse their structure into the PDP was fuelled by the stability in the  PDP in Akwa Ibom since the return of Democracy in 1999 as well as the performance of Governor Umo Eno in the last nine months.
    In a message at the event, the State Chairman of the PDP Obong Aniekan Akpan lauded the defectors for deciding to yield to superior reasoning and joining the PDP, noting that the Party would continue to keep its doors open for new members and those who had also gone to taste the “political waters” elsewhere.
    “I am very elated to welcome you back to the PDP on behalf of the Leader of our Party in Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno. With your decision to join the PDP today, you have all demonstrated patriotism and rare courage and I stand here to tell you that this demonstration of courage, solidarity and patriotism will be positively recorded in the books of the Political history of our dear State.
    “We receive you back with open arms and we have instructed the entire structure of our dear Party at the Ward and Local Government levels to completely reintegrate you into the fold of the PDP. The PDP is one happy family and I assure you that you will feel the warmth and coverage of the umbrella at all times.”Akpan said.
    Governor Umo Eno, who is also the Leader of the PDP in the State, said it was heartwarming to see several tens of thousands of elders, stakeholders and Executive Committee members and teeming supporters of the opposition parties come out to publicly declare that their decision to abandon their party was chiefly as a result of the early superlative performance of his administration.
    Eno commended them for the show of overwhelming acceptance of the enormous strength of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State, stressing that in his time as leader of the PDP in Akwa Ibom, the umbrella of the Party would continue to grow wider for many Akwa Ibomites to find political coverage under it.
    “As Governor, I stand here today to re-echo my unwavering resolve to continue to lead an administration of broadbased people centric transformation so that the lives of Akwa Ibom people who overwhelmingly elected me to serve can become better while our partymen and women can also become proud of our stewardship.
    “I am sure that with the return of these enormous structures from all the other opposition parties in the state, our ranks as a Party will be better for it.
    “Let me use this opportunity to direct that at the State-wide Ward meetings of the Party scheduled to hold on March 30, all of us must return to our wards and meet minds on how to continue to deepen the taproot of the PDP across the State.” The Governor said.
    In their various remarks, representatives of the defectors, including former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon Emma Ukoette, Former state Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr Nkereuwem Enyongekere, Former member of the House of the Assembly, Hon. Mabel Udongwo, Former Transition Chairmen Ukanafun, Mr Udomfu amongst others said they are back to the PDP to contribute to the sustenance of the PDP winning streak in future elections.
    Presenting a Register of the defectors to Governor Umo Eno, Political Adviser to the Governor, Dr Godwin Ntukudeh, said he was elated by the en masse return of the structure of the opposition parties into the PDP and urged them to swiftly learn and remain committed to the ideals of the PDP.
  • Tinubu Enforces 3-Month Ban on Public-Funded Foreign Trips for Government Officials

    Tinubu Enforces 3-Month Ban on Public-Funded Foreign Trips for Government Officials

    By Daniel Edu

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instituted a three-month moratorium on publicly-funded international travel for ministers, heads of agencies, and other government representatives. The directive, communicated through a letter dated March 12, 2024, by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, aims to curtail expenses in governance while ensuring continued focus on government mandates.

    Gbajabiamila emphasized the President’s concerns regarding escalating travel costs borne by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), alongside the imperative for cabinet members and MDA heads to prioritize service delivery. In light of prevailing economic challenges and the imperative for prudent fiscal management, the President has mandated a temporary suspension of all publicly-funded international trips for Federal Government officials for an initial three-month period beginning April 1, 2024.

    Government officials seeking to embark on such trips must obtain presidential approval at least two weeks in advance, with trips deemed “absolutely necessary” warranting consideration.

    Tinubu Implements 60% Reduction in Presidency’s Travel Expenditure

    President Bola Tinubu has initiated a significant reduction, amounting to 60%, in the travel expenses of government officials within his administration. This move forms part of broader efforts to streamline expenditures, impacting travel budgets for the President, Vice President, First Lady, Ministers, and heads of agencies.

    According to the presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s entourage during foreign travels is limited to a maximum of 20 staff members. Furthermore, each minister is constrained to four accompanying staff members, while heads of agencies are restricted to two, further emphasizing the administration’s commitment to prudent resource management.

  • Court declines to halt impeachment proceedings against Edo Deputy Governor amidst rift with Governor Obaseki.

    Court declines to halt impeachment proceedings against Edo Deputy Governor amidst rift with Governor Obaseki.

    Impeachment proceedings against Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, continue as the Federal High Court in Abuja declines to halt the process. Despite Shaibu’s request for a status quo order, the court rules that the Governor and House of Assembly haven’t been properly served. Consequently, the court allows serving the papers on Governor Obaseki and the Assembly by alternative means, directing them to be posted at government and Assembly gates. Further proceedings are adjourned till April 15. The impeachment stems from allegations of leaking government secrets, prompting Shaibu to file a suit seeking to restrain the proceedings. However, this marks the second time the court refuses Shaibu’s request for temporary relief. The rift between Shaibu and Governor Obaseki, possibly triggered by Shaibu’s gubernatorial aspirations, appears to fuel the ongoing saga.

  • INEC Issues Warning to Parties Regarding Disruptive Primaries

    INEC Issues Warning to Parties Regarding Disruptive Primaries

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expressed dissatisfaction with the actions of political parties leading up to the gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo states.

    The governorship election in Edo State is slated for September 21, 2024, while the Ondo State governorship election is scheduled for November 16, 2024.

    Senator Monday Okpebholo, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, emerged as the winner of the Edo State All Progressives Congress governorship primary election. Similarly, Olumide Akpata, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, clinched the governorship primary of the Edo State Labour Party, becoming the party’s candidate for the forthcoming election. Asue Ighodalo was chosen as the candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party in the upcoming Edo poll.

    During the first regular quarterly consultative meeting with political parties in Abuja, INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu expressed concern over infractions such as contentious primaries and the emergence of multiple candidates, which often result in unnecessary litigation among party members.

    Yakubu urged political parties to adhere strictly to their proposed dates and methods of primaries, emphasizing the disruption and costliness associated with frequent changes.

    He also cautioned against acrimonious primaries and the tendency to grant waivers to candidates who were recently members of other parties, urging parties to find solutions to these issues to avoid unnecessary legal battles.

    Regarding the nomination process, Yakubu revealed that only six parties contesting the Edo governorship poll have uploaded their nominations to the portal, while 16 out of 19 parties have expressed interest in running for the Ondo governorship poll. He warned that no extension of the deadline would be granted.

    Meanwhile, Yusuf Dantalle, the National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, assured that the council would be proactive in ensuring that the Edo and Ondo States governorship elections meet the expectations of Nigerians and the international community. He emphasized the importance of strict adherence to internal party democracy to reduce pre-election litigation.

  • Adeleke Relocates to Government House 16 Months After Swearing-In

    Adeleke Relocates to Government House 16 Months After Swearing-In

    After approximately one year and four months in office as the governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke has officially moved into the Okefia Government House, Osogbo, the designated residence for the state governor.

    Adeleke assumed office on Sunday, November 27, 2022, but opted to continue residing in his private residence in Ede, a neighboring town to Osogbo, instead of immediately relocating to the Government House like his predecessors.

    Despite facing criticism from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), Adeleke remained in his private residence, occasionally conducting state affairs from there, citing ongoing renovations at the Government House.

    However, according to a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Sunday, the renovation works have been completed, and Adeleke has now moved into the official residence.

    Rasheed elaborated that the renovation project included refurbishing the main house, completing a previously abandoned multi-bedroom guest house, remodeling various structures, and repairing numerous dilapidated facilities.

    Speaking at the unveiling ceremony attended by top government officials, Adeleke emphasized his administration’s commitment to upgrading state assets, whether inherited or newly initiated.

    He highlighted the rehabilitation of the Government House and the completion of the guest house as examples of his administration’s dedication to improving state infrastructure for the benefit of current and future generations.

    Adeleke assured the people of Osun State of his administration’s determination to fulfill its promises outlined in the five-point agenda and emphasized the importance of delivering good governance.

    However, in response, the Osun APC Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, criticized the renovation of the Government House, labeling it a misplaced priority and suggesting that the funds could have been better utilized to address pressing issues affecting the people of the state.

  • Mrs. Ododo Applauds Nig First lady, Oluremi Tinubu for Promoting Education in Kogi

    By Noah Ocheni Lokoja

    The First Lady of Kogi State, Mrs Sefinat Usman Ododo has commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her initiative aimed at promoting access to education for Nigerian children under the RenewedHopeInitiative.

    Mrs Ododo who is the Coordinator of RenewedHopeInitiative in Kogi State was speaking at the flag off of the distribution of exercise books to students and pupils of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) International Children School in Abuja by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    She noted that Senator Oluremi Tinubu has demonstrated her commitment as a true mother of the nation by ensuring that students and pupils are encouraged to enroll and stay in schools with the distribution of exercise books to them under her RenewedHopeInitiative, adding that the initiative will enhance learning in schools and reduce the menace of out of school children especially among female children in Nigeria.

    “I am very happy to be a part of Her Excellency’s RenewedHopeInitiative in reaching out to Nigerian children who are in need of a role model and a source of inspiration like our mother, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    She has been a true mother and a role model for our nation and this gesture will go along way in encouraging more students and pupils to enroll and stay in schools.

    “It will also encourage all First Ladies in the country to do more in promoting access to education in all the states in Nigeria,” Mrs Ododo stated.

    The Kogi State First Lady said she was particularly delighted by the passion and dedication demonstrated by Senator Oluremi Tinubu in promoting access to education and for making women and children focal points of the RenewedHopeInitiative.

    Mrs Ododo further assured of her support for all activities of the RenewedHopeInitiative in Nigeria especially in Kogi State where her pet project is also supporting indigent women and children through formal and vocational education as well as empowerment for widows, orphans and People Living With Disability.

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu plans to distribute about 2 Million Exercise books across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory under the education component of her renewedHopeinitiative.

  • Violation Of Court Order: Ex- AGF Aondoakaa, SAN Write Wike, Over review of allocations in Games village 

    Violation Of Court Order: Ex- AGF Aondoakaa, SAN Write Wike, Over review of allocations in Games village 

    The Registered Trustees of Games Village Abuja, has written to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Barr Nyesom Wike, seeking the review and revocation of all allocations that were approved through deceit and not in line with the Federal Executive Council Resolution of May 11, 2005.

    The letter, dated March 14, 2024, was written by Chief Michael Aondoakaa SAN, Managing Partner, Prime Jurists, solicitors to the Registered Trustees of Games Village, Abuja.

    The letter was titled: “Volation Of Court Order In Suit No.  FCT/HC/CV/0367 17, Between Incorporated Trustees Of Games Village Resident Association Of Abuja and the Minister, FCT, Federal Capital Development Authority, and Abuja Metropolitan Management Council”.

    By the letter, Chief Aondoakaa, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, demanded the FCT Minister to “issue Right of Occupancy to the Resident Association of Games Village on all the identifiable areas handed over to the Association by the FEC Resolution of 11th May, 2005 including plot No: 1765, Cadastral Zone Bll, Kaura for the development of school, sporting and recreational facilities.

    The Games Village Resident Association also requested Wike “to give approval to the Resident Association of Games Village to use part of the site office used by CCECC during the construction of Games Village which is plot No: 1765, Cadastral Zone BII, to build a school for the benefits of the Children in Games Village Estate”. 

    Further more, the Association asked the FCT Minister to direct the Department of Development Control to reconstruct and furnish the Secretariat of Game Village Resident Association and all the structures that were demolished and also compensate the Association for all the losses incurred as a result of the demolition by FCDA. 

    Aondoakaa stated  that the Games Village Estate was built by the FG to host athletes for the COJA Games in 2004, and after the completion of the Games, the FG set up a Presidential committee for the disposal of the assets in the Games Village. 

    The former AGF revealed that in the 19th meeting of the FEC dated 11th May, 2005, the Council passed a resolution that the site office used by CCECC during the construction of the Games Village be used by the Facility Manager. 

    “However, on November 9, 2017, the Department of Development Control in a fragrant disobedience to the Federal Executive Council Resolution of 11th May, 2005 and an affront to the powers of the President in Council wrote a letter to the Chairman, Games Village Resident Association directing the Association to vacate plot No: 1765, Cadastral Zone BI, Kaura which is the site office used by CCECC during the construction of Games Village on the ground that the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council intends to use the said plot for purpose of developing Senior Staff Cooperative Housing Scheme. 

    Aggrieved by the eviction notice by the Department of Development Control, the Association filed a suit at High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, to protect its right over the said plot No: 1765, Cadastral Zone BII, Kaura.

    On May 13, 2017, Aondoakaa wrote that the Association  obtained an order of interlocutory injunction  restraining the defendants by themselves, their agents and or servants from evicting the Plaintiff (The Registered Trustees of Games Village) from the said plot pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

    “When the said order of Court was served on the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the then Minster of FCT, Musa Bello, personally visited Games Village estate in company of all his Directors to get first-hand information about the situation, and was shocked about the illegal allocation of plot NO: 1765, Cadastral Zone Bll,  Kaura, which is the site office used by CCECC during the construction of Games Village as well as other recreational and green areas as plots to private individuals, Aondoakaa stated. 

    In obedience to the Court order, the then FCT Minister directed the suspension of all building plan approval on all such plots illegally allocated. 

    But while the suit against the Minister of FCT is still pending with a subsisting restraining order, the officials of FCTA, the Department of Development Control on March 7, 2024, at about 10AM, invaded the Games Village estate with their caterpillars and a team of over fifty armed men and demolished the secretariat of Games Village Resident Association, which is the site office used by CCECC during the construction of the Games Village, and forcefully took possession of the said plot in defiance of the Court order. 

    The senior lawyer informed Wike that the actions of officials of FCTA, Department of Development Control to say the least, “is an affront on the executive powers of the President in Council and a calculated attempt to disobey the order of Court issued on May 13, 2017, which we suspect was carefully concealed in order to cause embarrassment to you as a person and the office of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, a highly condemnable act which should be visited with a severe sanctions to serve as a deterrent”. 

    Based on the aforesaid circumstances, Aondoakaa said they have commenced committal proceedings against the staff who participated in the violation of the subsisting Court order and physically took part in the destruction of the Plaintiff’s property.