legal hurdle distrupt Olubadan succession

 Twenty-four hours after the passage of Oba Saliu Adetunji, some Ibadan chiefs, yesterday, held a assembly at the house of the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, chief Lekan Balogun, who is anticipated to emerge as the brand new Olubadan.

The chiefs, who met at the Ali Iwo home of high chief Balogun, the day past afternoon, included the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, high chief Abdulateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe; Balogun of Ibadanland, high chief Owolabi Olakuleyin; Asia Olubadan, high chief Eddy Oyewole; Ekarun Olubadan, high chief Amidu Ajibade, amongst others.

It was gathered that the chiefs met over the next line of motion following the demise of Oba Adetunji on Sunday. The late Olubadan was buried on Sunday at the Popoyemoja palace.

It was accrued that the Osi Olubadan, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, was not at the meeting. don't forget that he was the only high leader who turned down the Obaship title the administration of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi conferred on others. He sooner or later took the then administration to court over the overview of the chieftaincy title.

meanwhile, there are sturdy indicators that legal tussle might also have an effect on the appointment and installation of the following Olubadan. this is contrary to the general function that the Otun Olubadan need to routinely step in as the subsequent Olubadan in keeping with tradition, as Governor Seyi Makinde has been counseled to exercise some restraint earlier than putting in a new monarch.

most of the stakeholders in Ibadan, consisting of former governor Rashidi Ladoja, refused to talk on the problem when beckoned on the day before today. those who reluctantly spoke off the file stated: “the issue could be very delicate.”

As a matter of fact, a number of them cautioned that any unguarded comments or feedback now ought to prompt disaster and that Governor Makinde also had to exercise critical restraint before taking any motion that would cost him re-election in 2023.”

however a former attorney-general of Oyo state, Michael Lana, in a letter to the governor, yesterday, argued that Lekan Balogun is not worthy to be crowned as the next Olubadan.

The attorney noted a few ongoing legal cases that affected the eligibility of Balogun to come to be the Olubadan, pronouncing that installing Balogun as Olubadan might amount to an “aberration and illegality.”

in line with the ex-attorney-popular, Balogun, some high chiefs and Baales have been earlier conferred their titles by way of the late Abiola Ajimobi, when he was the governor.

a part of the letter read: “Kindly be aware, your Excellency, that your predecessor in office, with out taking into consideration the criminal outcomes of his movements on the future of Ibadan traditional institution, conferred the title of Obaship on some high chiefs and Baales and gave them the right to put on beaded crowns and coronets in 2017.

“This motion was challenged in suit No. M317/ 2017-high chief Rashid Ladoja V the governor of Oyo state.

“however, the court of appeal in appeal No.CA/111/99/ 2018 set apart the said judgment of Aiki J on technical grounds without touching at the merit of the case and despatched the case returned for retrial.

“Upon your assumption of office, it become resolved that the matter be settled amicably and the same was settled through the instrumentality of a terms of agreement, which have become the judgment of the court.

“The said terms of agreement recognized the illegality of the said actions, and therefore, set aside the gazettes by means of which the said chiefs became Obas with a right to wear beaded crowns and coronets.

“those high chiefs and Baales were upset with this consent judgment and therefore instituted separate suits to set apart the consent judgment while at the same time clinging to the title of Obas (which truely is in contempt of court). one of these cases is match No. I/ 22/ 2020-HRM Oba (senator) Lekan Balogun & ors V governor of Oyo nation & ors.”

The lawyer similarly explained that although the judgment amended the Ibadan chieftaincy customary regulation, “the Olubadan Chieftaincy declaration of 1957 was no longer amended and therefore stays extant.”

He delivered: “underneath that declaration and all relevant regulation, no Oba can ascend to the throne of Olubadan.

“In other words, as long as the high chiefs still dangle to the identify of Oba, they can't ascend to that throne and any set up of any of them for the duration of the pendency of that fit is illegal, null and void.

“it's miles in step with this criminal state of affairs that I recommendation, most humbly, that you need to withhold any approval of any high chief to come to be the Olubadan so that you will not also join in the desecration of Ibadan chieftaincy customary law.”

Lana defined that until the instances are concluded or withdrawn, Balogun would be unfit to be established as Olubadan.

“If the court holds that they have got the right to be Obas and entitled to put on beaded crowns, then they're perpetually barred from becoming any other Oba. Nowhere within the customary law of any Yoruba metropolis is an Oba elevated to become another Oba.

“however, if the court holds that the phrases of settlement stands, and their Obaship title is illegal, then they may be unfastened to be elevated to the post of Olubadan.”

Reacting, the leader Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, stated: “As you can see, nowadays is a public holiday. offices aren't opened. The attorney-general has confirmed to me that he isn't in ownership of this kind of letter from Lana.”

however, to douse the anxiety, individuals of the Olubadan-in-Council, yesterday, condoled with Governor Makinde, the people of Ibadanland and family participants of the late monarch.

rising from a two-hour closed-door meeting held at the Alarere house of Otun Olubadan and the could-be successor to the throne, the Olubadan-in- Council, described the deceased leader of the Council as an indefatigable ruler whose reign would be difficult to forget about.

whilst praying for the repose of the soul of the departed king, the Council entreated the bereaved own family to stay joyous and happy for the legacies of excellent reign left behind by their patriarch.

The Council reiterated that the historical and conventional succession plan to the throne of Olubadan remains sacrosanct, the elevation conferred on all the contributors of the Olubadan-in-Council as Royal Majesties notwithstanding.

The Olubadan-in-Council said the elevation granted the participants, who also serve as kingmakers, had not in any manner altered the age-lengthy and enviable traditional succession plan to the Olubadan throne in Ibadanland.

consistent with the Council, “there should be no controversy as to who will become the next Olubadan among us because the preceding elevation that made us Royal Majesties did not in any way have an effect on our respective offices in the Olubadan-in-Council and would no longer preclude any people to mount the Olubadan throne every time it's miles the person’s turn.

“we are the kingmakers and we will do the needful at the perfect time. For now, we are still all within the mourning mood of our departed father and respected leader inside the Council and we simply need to assure the generality of our humans both domestic and within the diaspora that there’s no reason for alarm,” the Council brought.

The Baale of Ekotede, Dr. Taiye Ayorinde, said Lekan Balogun need to normally become the subsequent Olubadan.

“The succession programme is that Ibadan chieftaincy is based on a hierarchical rotational system. usually, the next person need to be Lekan Balogun. but alas, what we don’t understand is how does he place the first crown he had?

“in any case, nothing is hard that can't be resolved. He should be forgiven. Ibadan ought to forgive him and also overlook the errors of the past governor in putting in a few Obas in Ibadan.

“only the kingmakers, the Olubadan-in-Council can nominate the king, which means that they must discover a manner of sorting it. they are the simplest ones that may do it. They should make a recommendation to the governor.

“however rumour has it that the connection between Lekan Balogun and the current governor isn't a clean one. we are able to only pray the governor does no longer believe in victimisation and he follows what's within the records and tradition of Ibadan.”

No going back on Edo poll, says INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said the Edo State governorship election will hold on Saturday as planned.
The electoral agency noted yesterday’s  protest by students who complained that the poll will clash with the General Certificate Examination (GCE) organised by the West African examination Council (WAEC).
INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu’s media aide Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, who spoke on telephone, said the commission, the political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders were ready for the poll.
He said while the INEC sympathised with the affected examination candidates, the poll cannot be shifted because the stage is already set.
Oyekanmi recalled that during the last stakeholders meeting in Benin City, the state capital, involving INEC officials, security agents and representatives of parties, the Edo State Commissioner of Police raised the issue.

Why Edo should vote wisely, by Obaseki

Obaseki and Ize-Iyamu

The people of Edo State will decide on the future of the state on Saturday. They have two options; either to vote for Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the continuity of progress or endorse the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. Group Polical Editor EMMANUEL OLADESUwrites on the succession battle in the Southsouth state.
Who should succeed Governor Adams Oshiomhole among the 14 candidates eyeing the Edo State Government House? This is the question on the lips of observers as the people prepare for the Saturday poll. The answer to the puzzle is not elusive. To resolve the puzzle, three factors are important; what has happened in the past, what is happening now and what the people expect in the future.
Eyes are on two parties; the ruling All Progressives Congres

‘Edo can become another Lagos’

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has urged the people of Edo State to troop out and vote for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Godwin Obaseki on Saturday for the continuity of the people-friendly policies and programmes.
Speaking at the grand rally of the APC  at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, Ambode said Edo, being the heartbeat of the South-south region, has all it takes to become another Lagos, but the people must play their part by voting for Obaseki to build on the successes recorded in the last seven and half years by Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
Ambode who is the Chairman of APC National Campaign Council for the Edo governorship election, said without any controversy, Edo State under Governor Oshiomhole had witnessed the best developmental progress more than any other period in the last 17 years, saying that a vote for APC in the coming election would be another sure way to greater progress.

IGP deploys DIG, AIG, 3 CPs, 25,000 personnel, others

The Ag. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has deployed a Deputy Inspector General of Police, (DIG), an Assistant Inspector General of Police and three commissioners of police to Edo State for the governorship election.
The election is scheduled for Sturday.
The senior officers are expected to coordinate the security operations, supervise the deployment of personnel, to facilitate the electoral process throughout the state.
The police boss also deployed additional 25,000 police personnel comprising the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Units (CTU), anti-bomb squad, marine Police, conventional policemen, armament units, personnel from Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID), Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and the Sniffer Dog Section.
The IGP noted that police aerial surveillance helicopters, gun boats, armoured personnel carriers and 550 patrol vehicles would be deployed to cover all the polling units.  The deployment according to the IGP, is to ensure that the election is conducted in accordance to electoral law and in the atmosphere of peace and security.

This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday by the Spokesman of the Force, DCP Don Awunah.
The force further said  that Idris would convene a peace meeting of all the political parties, candidates, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, election observers and other stakeholders in the state.
According to the statement: “This meeting will focus on the overall desirability of peace during the election and adherence to the rules of the game.
“All police personnel and other complementing sister security agencies are under strict instructions to be professionally polite and civil, but firm in the discharge of their statutory duties,” he said.
The police explained that the meeting was part of measures aimed at guaranteeing a credible election.
He also advised political parties, traditional rulers, community leaders as well as parents and guardians to prevail on their members, supporters, subjects, children and wards to be law abiding.
“The law will be fully applied on any person or group of persons found violating the Electoral Act,’’ he said.
Idris assured the electorate and all law abiding citizens of the state, of adequate security throughout the election and enjoined them to cooperate with the police in the discharge of their duties as the security personnel will operate within the framework of democratic policing.

We believe Obaseki ‘ll do better in Edo, says NUT

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Edo State has said it believed candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, will do better in terms of teachers’ welfare and state of education in the state.
It said it was happy with the current state of education and absolved Governor Adams Oshiomhole of owing them salaries.
Chairman of NUT, Comrade Mike Uhunwangho, stated this during an interactive with Obaseki.
Uhunwangho urged Obaseki to sustain the regular payment policy in the state, as well as provision of buses for teachers.
Obaseki assured the teachers that he would not take them for granted and promised to hold frequent teacher’s conference to address problems of teachers in the state.

‘Ize-Iyamu envious of my achievements’

oshiomole

Governor Adams Oshiomhole says the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, is jealous of his achievements. He achieved a feat which the PDP government failed to do in 10 years.
In a response to Ize-Iyamu’s allegation that the Oshiomhole government caused the flooding on Ugbowo road, Benin City, the governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Peter Okhiria, said: “We note that Mr Ize-Iyamu is still living in the past; a past filled with emptiness and incompetence which was displayed by the Government of Mr Lucky Igbinedion in which Ize-Iyamu served as Chief of Staff and Secretary to Government.
“It is laughable that Ize-Iyamu has come out to make such a wild allegation of flooding on Ugbowo road. The same road on which many people were washed away by flood during their eight years of crass incompetence and cluelessness.

‘I ‘ll not be a puppet to any godfather’

•Obaseki

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said he would not be a puppet to any godfather, if elected governor. Obaseki made the declaration during a live programme on TVC monitored in Benin-City yesterday.

He said: “I will not be a puppet to any godfather or godmother if I become governor of Edo State”. The APC candidate said if he needed to be a puppet to anybody, he would rather be a puppet to the good people of Edo State, whose mandate are required to become the governor. Obaseki described  Governor Adams Oshiomhole as a true democrat who, according to him, does not like the concept of godfatherism, let alone expecting someone else to be his puppet.

He commended the great achievements of the administration of which he was an integral part, and promised to work on the good template already set by the governor to move the state to greater heights. Obaseki promised to make a more positive difference in governance and deliver more dividends of democracy to the good people of the state.

Catholic men drum support for APC

A head the governorship election, the Catholic Men Organisation has endorsed the All Progressives Congress  (APC) candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and his running mate, Hon. Philip Shaibu.

The body, which described the two candidates as worthy ambassador in their chosen careers, explained that it has started mobilising it people across the 18 local government areas to support Obaseki and Shaibu.

At a reception in honour of Shaibu in Auchi by the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, the body said as a recipient of the prestigious catholic men ambassador award, Shaibu is assured of their supports during poll.

Shaibu donates bus to Edo North

Philip Shaibu

The joy of the Catholic Women Organisation of Edo North (Auchi Diocese) knew no bound yesterday when the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr. Philip Shaibu donated an 18-seater brand new bus originally bought for his campaign to the group.

While announcing the donation, his wife, Mrs Mary-Ann Shaibu, said the gesture became necessary when she found  out that only the Edo North CWO did not have a bus in Edo State.

During a programme in Benin last month, she discovered that only the Edo North CWO did not come with a bus of its own and God ministered to her she vowed to provide the bus for the Catholic women.

“In fulfillment of the vow, she urged  her husband to donate the bus to the organisation.

Responding on behalf of the women, the President, Mrs. Felicity Izobo, expressed gratitude to the donor, stressing that she was overwhelmed with joy.  The president said, mobility has been their biggest challenges.

Presidency denies poisonous rice importation

Femi Adesina, President NGE

IT is uncharitable for anybody to link the Federal Government  and Dangote Group with a plot to ‘flood’ the country with Genetically Modified (GMO) rice, the Presidency said yesterday.

The government was reacting to some individuals on social media to link the importation of killer-rice to the government and the company.

In a statement, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said that the Federal Government in 2014 signed a $1 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for investment in integrated rice project  with Dangote Industries Ltd.

The statement clarified that in line with the agreement, Dangote Industries Limited this year cultivated over 8,000 hectares in Hadejia, Jigawa State, creating over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs for farmers who are the major beneficiaries of the scheme.

It reads: “In consolidation of the rice project of the Federal Government, President Muhammadu Buhari administration is also in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other reputable companies to tap into the vast potentials in the private sector and broadening the economic base of the country.

Three aspirants petition against APC primary’s result

THE Appeal Committee set up by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee confirmed yesterday it received three petitions from aggrieved aspirants on the conduct of Ondo State governorship primary.

Its Chairman, Mrs. Helen Bendega, said the committee would look dispassionately into the petitions, and promised that justice will be dispensed in the matter.

Former National President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Chief Rotimi Akeredolu was elected winner of the primary, supervised by Jigawa State Governor Badaru Abubakar.

Some APC stakeholders have rejected the election, alleging that the list of delegates used was not the same list given to them by the party’s national leadership.

An aspirant, Akinwale Akingbade, told reporters in a telephone interview that some people who came to the venue as delegates were not on the list they were given.

Wanted journalist Salkida released

Salkida

Less than 48 hours after he was taken into custody by the Department of State Security Service(DSS), a journalist, Ahmed Salkida, has regained freedom.

He might be allowed to renew his international passport to be able to rejoin his family in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

It was learnt that Salkida was released because there was no incriminating allegation against him.

He was also said to have made “honest and frank” suggestions to the government in the past on how to resolve the abduction of the Chibok girls through dialogue.

According to a top source, Salkida was released on Tuesday after he told his interrogators that all his stories were “only in line of duty as a journalist.”

Council of State okays Buhari’s recession plans

•President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari’s measures to take the country out of recession have received the support of the Council of State.

After being briefed at yesterday’s meeting – the second to be called by Buhari since he assumed office on May 29, last year – members endorsed the measures after making some suggestions.

The meeting also ratified the appointment of Ibrahim Idris as Inspector General of Police (IGP), pending the Senate’s ratification.

The Police Council had on Wednesday confirmed Idris’ appointment.

Idris has been acting IGP since the retirement of Solomon Arase last June.

Five feared killed as Hausa, Fulani clash

A man injured during the clash receiving first aid treatment...yesterday

No fewer than five persons were yesterday feared killed and many others injured as some Hausa and Fulani men clash in Lagos

The cause of the fracas in Abbattior/Kara, Agege, was the alleged robbery of some Hausa men by some Fulani boys at a hotel in Kogiri.

The police confirmed the clash but said only one person died in the violence that lasted for many hours.

The area was tension-soaked in spite of the heavy security presence and the deployment of an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

There were many accounts of the incident as recounted by those who claimed to have knowledge of it.

A trader who gave his name as Usman said the Hausa boys complained to their brothers and a complaint was filed before the Seriki Fulani, Bello Damobapa, who allegedly took no action to sanction the boys.

Angered by the alleged silence of the Seriki, the Hausa boys were said to have stormed his palace on Tuesday night and vandalised three Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) belonging to him, his deputy and secretary.

By yesterday morning, it was learnt that a crowd of Fulani boys armed with sticks, bottles and cutlasses trooped to the railway lines where Hausa scraps collectors operate and started attacking people.

Usman said: “I usually sleep here but last night something just made me go home and I did. So I came out here around 7am and one woman told me to go back that Hausa and Fulani men were fighting.

“But I crossed to the other side and I saw a large number of Fulani people. They were carrying sticks with which they rear cattle, cutlasses and bottles. They were marching down, attacking anyone in sight

“The retreating Hausa men regrouped and confronted the Fulani group. The Hausa group called their kins from other markets for reinforcement. They came from Katangura, Agege and other markets. They chased the Fulani back into the abattoir complex.

“By that time, the police and soldiers had not come.  When they chased the Fulani people back, the Fulani went into the market and started attacking anyone they saw. They attacked even people who are not Hausa.

Police spokesman Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent (SP) said four persons had been arrested.

She said the fight erupted following the assault of a Hausa girl by a Fulani man.

“The command’s operatives from Area G, RRS, and Abattoir Division moved in to quell the crisis. Normalcy was restored. Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni has directed that a peace parley be held with leaders of both groups. We shall also intensify the patrol of the area.

“Value of properties destroyed are  yet unknown, one person died, four suspects were arrested,” she said.

DSS, police to INEC: shift Edo governorship election

DSS

Citing terrorist threats during the forthcoming Sallah celebrations, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police yesterday jointly asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to postpone Saturday governorship election in Edo State.

At a joint media briefing, which lasted less than five minutes at DSS headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, police spokesman Don Awunah and Garba Abdullahi of DSS stated that the move became necessary because of intelligence reports about insurgents’ plans.

Abdullahi and Awunah, who read a prepared one-page text on behalf of the two security agencies, refused to take questions from reporters.

“The Nigeria Police and Department of State Services wish to inform the general public that credible intelligence availed the agencies indicate plans by insurgent/extremist elements to attack vulnerable communities and soft targets with high population during the forthcoming Sallah celebrations between 12th and 13th September, 2016.

“Edo state is amongst the states being earmarked for these planned attacks by the extremist elements.” Awunah stated, emphasising that the issue deserves to be treated with seriousness.

INEC keeps parties, others in suspense over Edo poll

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chair Prof. Mahmoud Yakubu yesterday convened a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin, the Edo State capital, after receiving the security advice that Saturday’s governorship election should be shifted.

Leaders of political parties, civil society and traditional rulers attended the meeting, which sparked a huge debate and suspense.

Yakubu told the impromptu gathering that the call for postponement had nothing to with the preparation for the election. He said INEC was ready for a successful poll.

He is to meet with security agencies for more details about the threat and how it could affect the election.

A decision will be taken today on whether the election will go on or not, Yakubu said, adding that the independence of INEC is guaranteed.

IDPs return home to Konduga two years after

Party chiefs urge appeal committee to cancel exercise
Senatorial chair resigns over primaries outcome
All Progressives Congress (APC) Ondo Central Senatorial District Chairman Adegboyega Adedipe yesterday resigned his position in protest against the handling of the party’s governorship primary election.
Adedipe, one of the leaders of the party who petitioned the leadership over the ‘fraud’ that pervaded the primary, calling for the cancellation of the “corrupt outcome.” He claimed that the list of delegates from his senatorial districts was “padded”.
Publicity Secretary of the party Abayomi Adesanya, confirmed the resignation of Adedipe, adding that the party official had returned all the party’s property in his care to the secretariat in Akure, the state capital.

“I can confirm to you that Mr. Adedipe has resigned as the chairman of Ondo Central Senatorial District of the APC. He said he took the decision for peace to reign in the party and also for the progress of the party”, he said.
It was learnt that State Chairman Isaac Kekemeke, who was disparaged by Akeredolu before the primary, might also resign.
It was gathered that Kekemeke had removed his personal effects including his photographs from the secretariat.
AFTER the initial calm that followed its Ondo State governorship primary, the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday got the signs that all was not well.
Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) was declared the winner of the election, which some stakeholders have rejected, urging the party to cancel the exercise. They said the list used for accreditation of delegates was not authentic.
One of the petitioners, Mr Akintunde Temitope, chairman of APC, Ondo East Local Government, premised his disapproval of the primary election on what he described as doctored delegate, list used for the exercise in his area. He attached the list of delegates and marked out fictitious names in the list.
Temitope said: “We were shocked to discover the massive fraud that characterised the September 3, governorship primary.  A strange delegate list was introduced on the night of the election after everybody had gone to sleep only for us to wake up on the morning of election to see a massively adulterated delegates list.”
According to him, names of 47 per cent of the legitimate delegates in Ondo East Local Government were either deleted or substituted with people who were not known to the party as executive committee members.
He said contrary to the agreement between the APC national secretariat and the aspirants  that only the list of those who had voted in the National Assembly election and other previous primaries  would be used for the governorship primary,  the list used was different.
“The national secretariat of the party released a definite delegates list, which is in tandem with correct realities in our Local Government,  among others, to all the aspirants three days to the election  on Wednesday 31st of August, 2016, only for the midnight list to surface on the morning of the election.
“We wrote a petition to the Primary Election Petition Chairman on the morning of the election and he repeated the fact that only people that had been voting in previous primaries would be allowed to vote, with a promise to stand down the voting process for Ondo East and Ondo West Local Governments. We were shocked that the committee never honoured the pledge,” he stated.
APC Ondo Central Senatorial District Chairman Mr Adegboyega  Adedipe said the result “is not anywhere near  the true reflection of the opinion of our party in the state”.
Adedipe stated that “the delegates list used for the primary was so padded that no meaningful results could be based on such a warped list. Ondo East and Ondo West were the worst-hit in my senatorial district where about 50 per cent of the legitimate delegates were disenfranchised.
“Many non-delegates were seen  voting on Saturday with the connivance of the corrupt security agencies. In view of the corrupt practices that dominated the primary, Ondo Central is calling on you to quickly investigate the huge fraud and order a fresh primary that will be a true reflection of the opinion of our party.”
In a letter of protest, the APC Chairman, Ondo East Local Government, Mr Akintunde Samuel said it was disheartening that the election committee had reneged on the promise to use the official delegates list released by the APC national secretariat which had been previously used for primary elections.
The letter dated September 2, 2016 which was addressed to the Chairman, Governorship Election Committee, the leader of APC in Ondo East said: “We were shocked to find fictitious names thaty have never voted before, and even names from Ward 2 that never held congress, talk more producing delegates from same.”
An APC chieftain,  Comrade Sola Iji,  said the delegate list was manipulated . He cited the case of Ondo South Senatorial District Woman Leader, Ms Toyin Ajinde whose name was substituted with unknown name. He said there were similar cases of authentic delegates whose names were missing on the list.
Iji said on the surface value the process appeared transparent but the exercise was bungled with multiple delegates list flying around among the aspirants and stakeholders.
A staunch supporter of Chief Sola Oke, one of the aspirants, Mrs Simisola Jegede-Ayoade, said: “When we heard about 3 a.m. on Saturday the day of the election that they had changed the delegates list, we called our candidate to ask if he was aware. Chief Oke told us he was aware but that nothing could be done about it because the time was too short.”
Mrs Ayoade said there was confusion over list for Ondo East, Ondo West and Ondo South. “Even Ese-Odo Local Government, where Oke hails from, only 11 delegates on the list were authentic. Oke has every right to complain. If he had started raising alarm on the day of election, people would have misconstrued his position.”

IDPs return home to Konduga two years after

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Konduga Local Government of Borno State have returned home after about three years of residing in refugee camps in Maiduguri.
Governor Kashim Shettima urged them to be law abiding while at home. He added that the action was aimed at allowing the IDPs celebrate Sallah in their homes.
“We thank God for today because it is significant in our efforts to return people back to their liberated communities.
“Government has set aside 25 hectares of land to allow the people engage in meaningful ventures. We will assist those wishing to engage in agriculture in terms of improved seedlings and other things,” he promised.
Last week, the state government announced its intention to relocate IDPs from Konduga, Mafa and Dikwa councils back home following the return of peace to the areas.

Govt: no fuel price hike

•NNPC chief Kachikwu

Kachikwu, Baru: nothing like that
The Federal Government has no plan to increase fuel price, despite the dwindling fortune of the naira, two officials said yesterday.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Ibe Kachikwu and Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Maikanti Baru doused the tension building up following the suggestion by former NNPC Group Managing Directors (GMDs) at the weekend.
Baru and the ex- NNPC GMDs, after what was tagged a strategic meeting on sustenance of availability of fuel amid the forex crisis,  said the  N145 petrol pump price cap would have to be lifted to avoid acute scarcity.
The group noted that allowing the pump price to remain at that peg might lead to a crisis, including  a resurgence of  huge subsidy which could cripple the economy further.

Kachikwu and Baru spoke separately with reporters at the State House after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.
Baru, who was the first to come out of the meeting, said “there is nothing like that”.
Kachikwu, who came out 15 minutes later directed reporters to speak with Baru and when told that Baru had declined comments said there was no memo before the Federal Government asking for a review of the price.
Last month, oil marketers pushed for the liftig of the N145 petrol price cap because of the scarcity of foreign exchange to finance import.
The Federal Government on May 11 began the liberalisation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry when petrol price increased from N86 and N86.5 per litre to a N145 cap. Importation of products was liberalised. The policy effectively ended the long queues. Some marketers sell the product below N140 per litre.
The chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, also yesterday took a swipe at Baru and his predecessors over their call for further increase in the pump price of petroleum products.
Senator Abdullahi (Niger North) cautioned the Federal Government against heeding the call, especially when Nigerians are groaning under severe economic hardship.
He described the oil chiefs as “enemies of Nigerians and the government”.
The lawmaker, who said that he was speaking in his personal capacity, noted that it was obvious that the ex- NNPC GMDs contributed to bringing the country where it is today.
“The NNPC as an institution was expected to be the life wire of this nation. As we have all known, refineries that we have in Nigeria have not been functional because if they had been functional and if that institution had been up and doing in tandem with its peers in other countries that have similar resource endowment like ours under the directorship of these former GMDs, we wouldn’t have been in this mess.
“All the problems we are having is as result of what all these people who have assembled now to be the wise men and to tell us what should be done…
They do not have the moral standpoint to even advise us on what to do because they had a hand in it. I cannot see how you can solve a problem under the same condition that created it. They are more or less acting as enemies of the people and even the government they are advising.
“As far as I am concerned, maybe they were sent to destroy this government and as far as I am concerned we would not allow them to do that”
Abdullahi noted that President Muhammadu Buhari and his economic team were doing their best to turn things around for better.
He insisted that if supported by Nigerians, the government would succeed to turn things around for the good of the country.
But the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said it will resist any attempt by the government to increase the petrol price, adding that the NNPC management is not fit to manage the oil sector.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Acting General Secretary Simeso Amachree, the congress said the statement by ex-NNPC chiefs calling for an increase in the price of petrol from N145 was an act of provocation of Nigerian workers.
The TUC said it was sad the call came when the Federal Government is yet to fulfil its promises and agreement reached with organised labour during the protest against the last hike in May.
It said: “In case the management of the NNPC has forgotten, the economy is in crisis and life has become very difficult for the common man who now can hardly afford two meals per day. The present minimum wage can longer purchase a bag of rice.
“Businesses are shutting down, leading to millions of job losses, which of course have accentuated increased cases of crime and other vices. If all the members of the NNPC team can offer as recipe to curtail this scourge of economic downturn is to hike the price of petroleum products, then they are not fit to manage the sector and should throw in the towel.
“If the country had other sources of forex or produces most of what it imports, the economy would not be what it is now. What stops the government from building more refineries and diversifying the economy?
“The Federal Government should maintain some stability of forex, taking into cognisance the fact that Nigeria is an import-dependent country. The implication of refining outside the country is enormous: if you are refining outside you must pay for cost of transportation, insurance and port charges etc. We just cannot continue to tow the same line.
“The economy is already on its knees, and it is our thinking that the priority of government now should be how to salvage the situation through other creative and resourceful avenues, such as: downwardly reviewing the cost of governance, creating friendly business environment and jobs, diversifying the economy, setting up an economic team that would creatively fashion out modalities to navigate the stormy waters of recession.
“If persons in government feel our pains as it claims to do, then the news that people are already exchanging their children for bags of rice should prick their conscience.
”The Congress will resist further hike in the price of petrol if that is what it will take to get the government into thinking out of the box. We do hope it doesn’t get to that.
“We urge the government to fulfil its promises for which it set up the joint Governemnt-Labour Committee to determine a new more economically realistic national minimum wage and proffer ways by which pains of the last increment can be ameliorated.”

Source: http://thenationonlineng.net/govt-no-fuel-price-hike/

See The New Weapons, Armoured Tanks Buhari Sent To Finish Niger Delta Avengers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kib5F2aInIE

Police Arrests House Guard Who Killed Employer In Ajah, Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested one Tanko Abdulateef, a 22-year old House guard who allegedly killed his employer, Mrs Mabel Mba Okafor in Ajah area of the State on August 17, 2016.

The suspect, who was arrested from his hiding in Bali, Taraba State, was said to have stabbed the victim in the stomach and left her stomach ripped open.

It was also gathered that the suspect took away valuable items from the victim including three phones, trinket and a lot of clothes, all of which were recovered from him.

When contacted, Public Relation Officer of the State Command of the Nigerian Police, Dolapo Badmos confirmed the arrest, adding that the suspect would be charged to court after conclusion of investigation.

Ugandan Man Jumps From A Six-Storey Building (Photos + Video)

A young man shocked passersby in Uganda this afternoon after falling from the rooftop of Mabirizi Complex in the city Centre. The man who was seen on the roof top of the six story building -suddenly jumped with his arms spread out to the shock of those wondering what he was doing there.

Instead of dying as he wanted, he landed on top of a car parked by the roadside, thus escaping death with serious injuries. He however left the car damaged.

No one knows the reason for his action as he was rushed to a Hospital for treatment.

Source; http://www.nationalhelm.net/2016/09/man-falls-from-rooftop-of-mabirizi.html

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