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Category: Politics

**Labour Party Factional Leader Addresses Accusations of Supporting Bola Tinubu**
By Daniel Edu
Lamidi Apapa, the factional national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has responded to allegations of supporting President Bola Tinubu and clarified the party’s internal crisis. In an interview with BBC Yoruba, he stressed that he has not received financial support from Tinubu, contrary to popular belief.
Apapa challenged those accusing him of affiliating with the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate to provide evidence for their claims. He also made it clear that he voted for Mr. Peter Gregory Obi in the February 25, 2023, presidential election and has no issues with Obi.
Addressing the accusations against him, Apapa expressed his frustration, saying, “What I am angry about is that some people accused me of working for President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As of now, Tinubu has never provided me with financial support, although that may change in the future. The truth is, I do not support him. My vote in the election was solely for Mr. Peter Gregory Obi.”
He posed two essential questions for those believing he supports Tinubu: “First, will I assist him in garnering more votes after the election? Second, am I the presiding judge in Peter Obi’s lawsuit against him? These are critical questions to consider.”
Regarding Peter Obi’s decision to join the Labour Party, Apapa expressed his enthusiasm about the move, viewing it as an opportunity for the party to lead the country and gain more visibility. He also acknowledged the hopes of long-time party members for such a development.
In response to the party’s internal crisis, Apapa explained that a legal case in a federal high court in Abuja led to an injunction instructing Barrister Julius Abure and three other prominent party members not to act as leaders of the Labour Party. However, they did not comply with this directive, resulting in a dispute at the presidential election tribunal. Apapa emphasized that there is no evidence supporting the claim that he agreed to support Tinubu’s candidacy.
October 12, 2023
Kogi Guber: Okun Leaders Assures Ododo of Victory, chart victory path for APC In Kogi
From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Okun political leaders, on Wednesday, unanimously agreed to work with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and promised to deliver en masse for the Governorship Candidate of the party, Usman Ododo.
The leaders gave the assurances during a meeting convened by the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, which drew all the First Class Traditional, Political and opinion moulders from the five Local Government Areas of the Okun speaking part of Kogi State.
The Royal Father had convened the meeting to appeal for peaceful poll.
But the stakeholders told the Royal Father that they had unanimously agreed to support the APC as they were not prepared to play ethnic politics when Kogi needs to be at the centre.
The various speakers concluded that they could not be in the opposition to the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the centre.
The various political leaders and opinion moulders therefore resolved to return to their various Local Government Areas to work for the victory of APC in the forthcoming November 11 Governorship election.
“With the love the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello has shown to the Okun nation in the location of projects, infrastructure and in appointment, we have every reason to go in the direction of Governor Bello, President Tinubu and the APC,” a prominent stakeholder in Okunland, Erick Fiki, said.
The Chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Taofiq Isah, said it was a collective agreement to deliver Okunland to the APC and its governorship candidate because of the many good things that Governor Bello had done for the Okun people.
“The people of Ijumu have resolved to stay with the APC. We have never had it this good since the creation of the State. We have therefore resolved to vote for the APC in the forthcoming Governorship election,” he said.
On his part, Hon. Philip Orebiyi described Yagba as the home of the APC, insisting that the outcome of the November 11 Governorship election would reflect the people’s reward for the love Governor Bello has for Okun nation.
“Let me assure that in Yagba, we will reward the APC with the love Gov. Bello has shown to us in the upgrade of infrastructure, traditional institution and appointment. The outcome of the Governorship election will reflect a landslide victory for the APC,” he assured.
In his address at the meeting, the Commissioner For Information and Communication and Spokesperson for the APC Governorship Campaign, Kingsley Fanwo, described Governor Bello as a Lover of Okun nation.
“Beginning with the Ejiba Ricemill, one of the biggest projects of this administration; the construction of Kabba township roads, the landmark project of the GYB Model Science Secondary School in Kabba Bunu and the recent establishment of the Kogi State University, Kabba, the administration has proven without mincing words that Okun is dear to its heart,” he said.
He added, “The Governor understands that education is our industry. Over time, we have had to use our taxes and resources to develop other universities where our children go to seek education.
“The message of Governor Bello to this meeting is for us to build and develop a partnership that will enable us remember Kwara State and old Kabba province.
“This partnership, according to Governor Bello, will enable us record another history regarding the Governorship of the State in the future. Let us work therefore in building enduring legacies that will work with this meeting.
“Governor Bello has urged us to strive towards unity amongst the people of Okun and Ebiras that dates back. He has promised that in or out of office, he will continue to add his voice in ensuring that Okun nation is rewarded abundantly.”
Fanwo described Governor Bello as a highly detribalised Kogite who believes in fairness and justice, assuring that the Okun nation would remain a priority under Usman Ododo when elected.
He urged the leaders of Okun nation to ensure that the November 11 Governorship election reflects an overwhelming result for the APC.
In her remarks at the meeting, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr (Mrs) Folashade Ayoade, described the meeting convened by the Obaro of Kabba as one in the right direction.
In his welcome message, Oba Solomon Owoniyi said the meeting became necessary for the leaders to set an agenda and direction for traditional institution and for Okun people so as to ensure a peaceful election.
The Royal Father also thanked the Governor for all he has done for Okunland.
Highlights of the meeting was the setting up of a technical committee that would collate the views of Okun people with regard to their expectations for the incoming administration and chart the direction for Okun people in the forthcoming election.
October 11, 2023
“Elevating Nasarawa’s New Leaders: Holding Governor Sule Accountable in the Wake of Post-Election Controversy”
… How would you Explain Gayam Chiroma Manipulations
In a development that highlights the post-election challenges in Nasarawa State, a group of stakeholders led by Hon. Rafiu Abdullahi Kura has called upon ousted Governor Abdullahi Sule to honor the commitments he made prior to the governorship election on July 13th, 2022.
The stakeholders have also issued a warning to members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that the mandate of the people is upheld, rather than resorting to electoral malpractices.
The ousted governor, who hosted his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe and members of the state executive council on Sallah homage at his Gudi country home warned them not to approach him to alter results of elections.
“We must try everything possible to win our elections because if somebody else wins and you want to come to me to change the election, I will not change it, even if it’s my election.”
“If I lose my election and you want me to change and steal it, I will not steal it, I will give it to whoever wins. There’s nothing that I am looking for. I must face that and be honest with our people,” he said.
Kura, in a statement on Wednesday, emphasized the importance of Governor Sule adhering to his previous statements, particularly in light of the tribunal’s ruling against him, which followed events in Chiroma and Gayam wards.
They challenge the governor and the APC to explain How they arrived at this figures during the march 18, governorship election.
” In Chiroma Ward as Decaled by INEC TOTAL’REGISTERED VOTERS 58,454 Accredited Voters 2l ,833 } Valid Vote Cast 20,542 BUT APC ALONE SCORED 50,944″
” In Gayam Ward as Declared by INEC, TOTAL VOTERS REGISTER 33,477 Accredited Voters 13,820 Valid Votes Cast 15,525 BUt APC Alone Scored 29,857 while PDP scored 1,448 votes others 2,215 Bringing the Total votes cast to 33,525 whxih is more than the original accredited voters in the ward.”
He further advised the governor to accept the tribunal’s decision, stressing that he still had an opportunity to uphold his promises.
The stakeholders also cautioned Governor Sule against using religion as a means to deceive the public, suggesting that people were already aware of his attempts to sow division and influence the decisions of the appeal court justices.
They pointed out that the returning officer who had announced the disputed election results was a Christian, indicating that religion should not be exploited for political gain.
Rafiu further alluded to the governor’s previous statement, made after the controversial announcement of the March 18 election results, in which he had criticized the moral character of women who protested against the outcome. In response to the recent protests by APC members, the stakeholders questioned the governor’s stance.
In their closing remarks, the stakeholders urged the APC not to prolong the dispute but to accept defeat in the interest of the state’s citizens, as Governor Sule had claimed to prioritize the people’s well-being. The ongoing debate and demonstrations underscore the complexities of the post-election landscape in Nasarawa State.
The situation remains fluid, and the state’s political future is uncertain as legal battles continue.
October 11, 2023
November 11: VP Shettima and 14 APC Governors Kick Off Imo Governor Campaign (In Pictures)
By Daniel Edu
Vice President Kashim Shettima, along with 14 other Governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), has touched down in Imo State to launch the gubernatorial election campaign for the party.
These prominent figures have converged in Imo to extend their support and express solidarity for Governor Hope Uzodimma. The Vice President and the group of APC Governors, accompanied by other party dignitaries, are in the state to inaugurate the governorship campaign. The grand rally is set to take place at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
Reports indicate that the gates of the Dan Anyiam Stadium, the chosen venue for the rally, were opened as early as 8 a.m. to allow thousands of enthusiastic APC supporters from all 27 local government areas to join the event.
For a glimpse of the occasion, take a look at the photos below.
October 11, 2023
Group disagrees with Policy Alert on Gov Eno’s appointments, policies
By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
A socio political group ARISE Ambassadors has described the position of Akwa ibom based Non governmental organization Policy Alert on the recent appointment of over 368 political Aides by Governor Umo Eno as biased and ill informed.
Policy Alert, a Civil Society Organization that promotes fiscal and ecological justice in the Niger Delta has said that the administration of Governor Umo Eno has failed to learn from the mistakes of the last administration in terms of its cost of governance.
The NGO also said the current administration appears to have towed the path of its predecessor by recruiting over 300 personal assistants, in addition to other advisers and aides to the governor, which the organization said only create a bloated payroll that does not really add any value other than the political.
Policy Alert made this known through its Executive Director, Tijah Bolton-Akpan while making interventions during the Akwa Ibom State Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) 2024-2026 Consultation.
The organization noted that the cost of governance in the State as seen in the trend of the State recurrent expenditure being higher than the capital expenditure has continued to give reason for concern.
However, the National Chairman of ARISE Ambassadors Revd. Richard Peters in a press conference with Journalists on Tuesday said the NGO is completely oblivious of the policy direction of the present administration in the state as captured in its ARISE Agenda Blueprint which placed so much emphasises on rural development
According to him, ” Beyond the basic obligations of government which is protection of lives and property, government is bound to make life more meaningful for its citizens.
“For Government to make positive impacts on the lives of her citizens, several programs and policies are designed and these are expected to be driven by people and not robots.
Governor Umo Eno has desired to reach every nook and cranny of the state and had announced 31 projects for the 31 local government areas of the state in addition to the ongoing ones, He needs people to assist him coordinate his programs and policies in the rural areas”.
He further highlighted, ” The Appointments of the 368 aides will not only add value to the effective administration at the grassroots level but also provide jobs for a good number of citizens and the positive multiplier effects will trickle down to several others who will be impacted both family members and others in the community” adding that government operates in stratas for transparency and accountability in all its dealings.
He opined, ” we sincerely disagree with Policy Alert on their position, the appointment had already enliven the rural areas, the aides will help quicken the implementation of policies and programs, it has also shown the promised policy of inclusiveness in governance which the governor pledged, more people are now involved directly in policy formulation and implementation in the state”
Debunking the allegations of mismanagement of resources by the immediate past administration in the state through high cost of Governance, Revd Peters recalled, ” There is no basis for saying that as several reputable organisations including the US Consul General rated the past administration high in transparency and accountability in governance, The state also came top in budget implementation while the yearly audited account of the state is always put out in the public domain”
“The incumbent administration in the state welcomes objective criticism as it will help government remains focused I will advise the leadership of Policy Alert to rather canvass better or more beneficial ways to do things. It is a known fact that the game of football is always sweeter to watch and criticize with a bottle of beer in the bar but difficult when you are in the pitch as a player” he stressed.
October 11, 2023
Atiku Responds to Certificate Discrepancy Allegations
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has provided an explanation regarding the discrepancies in his Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) certificate, which bears the name “Sadiq Abubakar.”
Atiku’s clarification was conveyed by his aide, Dele Momodu, via a social media post on Tuesday, in response to allegations of forgery made against Atiku by members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Some APC members had raised concerns about the use of the name “Sadiq Abubakar” on Atiku’s WAEC certificate, which appeared to differ from his other credentials.
In his response, Atiku explained, “Yes, I used Sadiq Abubakar to sit for my WAEC, and after passing my exams, I went to swear an affidavit to say I am the same person as ATIKU Abubakar. I went to ABU as Atiku Abubakar and passed my Exams as Atiku Abubakar. Interviewed as Atiku Abubakar by the Federal Civil Service Commission and hired into the Customs Service as Atiku Abubakar. So where is forgery there?”
October 10, 2023
Bayelsa APC to Challenge Court Decision Disqualifying Sylva from Gubernatorial Race
By Milcah Tanimu
The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has responded to the disqualification of its governorship candidate, Timipre Sylva, from the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state. The party has vowed to challenge the decision.
Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had delivered a judgment on Monday disqualifying Sylva from contesting in the governorship election. The court held that Sylva, having served as Governor of Bayelsa for two terms totaling five years, would violate the 1999 constitution as amended if allowed to contest again.
In response to the judgment, the Director of Media and Publicity for the APC Bayelsa Gubernatorial Campaign Council, Perry Tukuwei, issued a statement indicating that the party has instructed its lawyers to appeal the decision. Tukuwei expressed confidence that the Court of Appeal would overturn the judgment of the Federal High Court.
Tukuwei argued that the judgment appeared to favor the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate and was filed by Chief Demesuoyefa Kolomo, who is not a member of the APC and did not participate in the party’s governorship primaries. He also pointed out that the case was filed outside the constitutionally prescribed 14-day period for election matters.
Additionally, Tukuwei criticized the decision to hear the case in Abuja instead of the state where the party primaries were held, contrary to a directive by the Supreme Court. He suggested that the case was part of a strategy by the PDP to thwart Sylva’s electoral prospects.
Despite the legal challenges, the APC expressed confidence in Sylva’s candidacy and urged Bayelsa residents to remain resolute in their support for him. The gubernatorial election is scheduled for February 14, 2024.
October 10, 2023
Sunday Igboho Breaks Free: Yoruba Leader Triumphs Over Detention, Vows to Return to Nigeria
After spending two years in detention in Benin Republic, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, expressed his gratitude to Yoruba leaders and traditional rulers, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Afenifere leader Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Professor Banji Akintoye, Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, and others for their relentless efforts in securing his release from Benin Republic.
Igboho was arrested on July 19, 2021, at Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, by Interpol while en route to Germany.
His departure from Nigeria came after a raid on his Soka residence in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, by the Department of State Services, which had accused him of stockpiling weapons.
In a statement he shared on his Instagram handle, Igboho confirmed his release and extended his gratitude to Yoruba leaders and traditional rulers for their roles in securing his freedom.
He stated, “My sincere appreciation goes to God almighty, the master of the universe for making this day. I want to say a big thank you to all Yoruba sons and daughters all over the world for their love and support before and after the loss of my dear mother, though she’s still kept at the morgue, waiting for me to come and give her the befitting burial that she deserves.”
Igboho also expressed his gratitude to President Talon of Benin Republic and members of his cabinet, as well as Professor Banji Akintoye and Professor Wole Soyinka for their support during his ordeal.
He continued, “I will not forget to appreciate former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Baba Ayo Adebanjo for their roles, even though only God gives freedom.”
Igboho thanked religious leaders, pastors, Muslim clerics, and traditional worshippers for their prayers and acknowledged the support of royal fathers, Obas, and Chiefs in Yoruba land.
Hinting at his return to Nigeria, Igboho stated, “I am now free to return to Nigeria and visit any country in the world. I have fulfilled all the legal conditions attached to my bail a few years back, and I am coming home to Nigeria, my country of origin, any moment from now.”
Confirming Igboho’s release, one of his lawyers, Yomi Aliyu, SAN, stated, “I can confirm that he has left Benin Republic.”
October 10, 2023
Accord Party’s Candidate Woos Kogi Central, Coalition Expresses Concern Over Election Campaign Model
By Milcah Tanimu
In preparation for the upcoming governorship election in Kogi State on November 11, Admiral Jibrin Usman (retd), the Accord Party’s candidate, has promised to prioritize the well-being of the people in Kogi Central if elected into office.
Admiral Jibrin Usman, a former Chief of Naval Staff, assured a large crowd in Okene that the suffering experienced by the people is similar to what the people in Kogi West and East Senatorial Districts are facing. He pledged to address the current state of infrastructure decay across the state and put measures in place to improve the quality of life in the state.
He called on the largely Ebira-populated Senatorial District to support the Accord Party and expressed his commitment to ending the suffering of the people once he assumes office.
Admiral Jibrin Usman highlighted key aspects of his campaign promises, including addressing hunger, poverty, thuggery, and infrastructural decay. He also promised to ensure that primary school teachers and Local Government staff receive their full salaries and to empower women and youths in the state.
In the midst of campaign activities, the Coalition for Credible Elections expressed concerns about potential violence ahead of the governorship election in Kogi State. The group particularly mentioned Muritala Ajaka, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), whom the police authorities in the state have raised concerns about, alleging that his actions undermine security efforts in the state.
The upcoming election in Kogi State is expected to be closely monitored, with a focus on security and peaceful conduct to ensure a credible electoral process.
October 9, 2023
Gov Alia Didn’t Direct LGs to Remit Their PAYE Through Softnet Platform, Says Chairman BIRS
By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
The Acting Chairman, Benue Internal Revenue Service, BIRS, Mr Emmanuel Agema, has described as false the allegation circulating on the social media platforms that Benue State is being defrauded of revenue through Pay as You Earn (PAYE).
The Chairman who debunked the allegation through his Media Assistant, Jacintha Bernard in a press statement, said that the service is not aware of any directives by the Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia to the Directors General, Services and Administration, DGSAs, of the 23 Local Governments in the state to make remittances of pay as you earn, PAYE tax through the platform of Softnet as alleged in the write up.
Mr Agema explained that all PAYE remittances by the 23 Local Governments in the state and other government agencies are paid directly into the Consolidated Revenue Funds (CRF).
“The relationship between the consultant, Softnet, and the service is purely contractual with obligations on either side, which obligations are being religiously complied with, without breach by both parties.”
According to the statement, the Chairman and his management team has never cried out to any individual or media organization about Softnet as alleged in the write up.
The tax Boss acknowledged the stand of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia on transparency in the business of revenue collections in the state, stressing that he is fully committed to operating on that path.
Mr Agema noted that the publication is not only mischievous but also totally false and misleading, and should be disregarded. He said Mr Steve Tyover, the alleged writer of the publication depicted obvious characteristic of a falsehood merchant.
The Chairman, restated his commitment and that of staff of the service to effectively carry out the mandate of the state revenue agency in generating optimum revenue for the state. He pledged the unflinching loyalty and support of BIRS to the administration of the Governor.
October 9, 2023