Thursday, 20 July 2017

FALEKE SLAMS GOV BELLO OVER KSU ASUU PROSCRIPTION


Member House of Representatives and Deputy Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress( APC) in the 2015 Governorship election in Kogi State, Hon James Faleke has condemned the recent proscription of the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU), Kogi State University,s Chapter by the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
In a Statement he personally signed, Faleke said the so-called proscription has no legal basis as there is no provision  in KSU Law 1999 that gives the governor such sweeping powers to undermine the rights of the lecturers to free association.


He expressed worries concerning the increasingly dictatorial attitude of Governor Bello never before witnessed in the annals of responsible governance in this country,  an unfortunate trait he warned could throw the state into unprecedented anarchy.


" I was shocked when I heard the news that Governor(Yahaya) Bello has made the headlines again, albeit for the wrong reasons. Some of us are beginning to be ashamed of the juvenile theatre of the absurd daily playing out of Lugard House in Lokoja. At a time when the the governor who is still grappling with the unmitigated disaster of accumulated salaries should be circumspect and sober, he has opted to thread the infamous path of dictatorship by announcing with Hitleric glee the proscription of ASUU in KSU over their demands for a return of civilised engagements with the State Government. It beats my imagination how the apparently thoughtless decision could advance the course of educational development in the State".

Hon Faleke said instead of ban, what the governor should do was continously engagement with the Lecturers devoid of over bloated ego in an atmosphere of give and take.

" It is unfortunate that after several months of closure of the University over unpaid salaries and unfavourable conditions of service, with our students losing valuable time wasting away, the State,s Chief Executive is crossing the line for another round of battle with the Lecturers which may lead to yet another  breakdown of academic activities in our beloved Ivory Tower. Now, why can't reason prevail over might? Is it not better to jawjaw than warwar? Must Kogi continue to slide into the dark in the comity of States? Must our government remain the laughing stock of the nation at all times?"
Hon Faleke called for the immediate reversal of the obnoxious proscription order and a return of peaceful and Civilised  engagement with the Lecturers in order to save the state another round of school shutdown, throwing our youths and parents into mindless agony.


It will be recalled that the State Governor had early this week announced the proscription of ASUU on Kogi State University campus over the refusal of the teachers to resume lectures until their demands for better working environment are met.

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

CONVERSION OF ABU COLLEGE OF AGRIC TO FULL FLEDGED UNIVERSITY: ALL HANDS MUST BE ON DECK - Tunde Akanmidu

Mr. Tunde Akanmidu has said that the success of the current pursuit to convert the ABU College of Agriculture kabba to a full fledged University will require every hand to be on deck.
He made the charge yesterday in Abuja stressing that everyone join hands with Sen. Dino Melaye and all other critical stakeholders in Okunland and Kogi State to ensure the project succeed.

He described the project as one of the best development that will happen to Okunland when it eventually becomes a reality.

I therefore call on all well meaning sons and daughters from Okunland to march to the National Assembly on Thursday in support of the public hearing for the conversion of the College of Agric to a full fledged University, Mr. Tunde Akanmidu said.

The Senate has slated tomorrow  Thursday for the public hearing for the conversion of the ABU College of Agric, Kabba to a full fledged University just like other colleges of Agriculture were converted.

ABU College of Agric is situated in Kabba, headquarters of Kogi West Senatorial District of Kogi State.
Recalled that the Senator representing Kogiwest Senatorial District,  Senator Dino Melaye had sponsored the bill that have past through 2nd reading for the conversion some months back.
Conversion of ABU College of Agric To Full Fledged University: All Hands Must Be On Deck-Tunde Akanmidu

Mr. Tunde Akanmidu has said that the success of the current pursuit to convert the ABU College of Agriculture to a full fledged University will require every hand be on deck.

He made the charge yesterday in Abuja stressing that everyone join hands with Sen. Dino Melaye and all other critical stakeholders in Okunland to ensure the project succeed.

He described the project as one of the best development that will happen to Okunland if it could see the light of the day.

I therefore call on all well meaning sons and daughters from Okunland to march to the National Assembly on Thursday in support of the public hearing for the conversion of the College of Agric to a full fledged University, Mr. Tunde Akanmidu said.

The Senate has slated tomorrow  Thursday for the public hearing for the conversion of the ABU College of Agric, Kabba to a full fledged University.

ABU College of Agric is situated in Kabba, headquarters of Kogi West Senatorial District of Kogi State.
Recalled that the Senator representating Kogiwest Senatorial District, Dino Melaye had sponsored the bill for the conversion some months back.

Conversion of ABU College of Agric To Full Fledged University: All Hands Must Be On Deck.

Mr. Tunde Akanmidu has said that the success of the current pursuit to convert the ABU College of Agriculture to a full fledged University will require every hand be on deck.

He made the charge yesterday in Abuja stressing that everyone join hands with Sen. Dino Melaye and all other critical stakeholders in Okunland to ensure the project succeed.

He described the project as one of the best development that will happen to Okunland if it could see the light of the day.

I therefore call on all well meaning sons and daughters from Okunland to march to the National Assembly on Thursday in support of the public hearing for the conversion of the College of Agric to a full fledged University, Mr. Tunde Akanmidu said.

The Senate has slated tomorrow  Thursday for the public hearing for the conversion of the ABU College of Agric, Kabba to a full fledged University.
Recalled that Senator Dino Melaye had sponsored the bill for the conversion some months back.

Saturday, 15 July 2017

Late Oba of Kakun Laid To Rest in Grand-style.


The late Oba of Kakun and Obanobi of Owe land in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State was laid to rest yesterday amidst jubilation over the well life spent by the Royal Father.

The late Oba has been described by many as a very intelligent and highly respected Oba among his peers in Owe land.

The Obanobi of Owe land was born in January 1930 to the royal family of late Chief Onilu, the Obagunyi of Owe land and late princess Chief(Mrs.) Omoboja Onilu in Gbehin district of Kakun in Owe land.

Under the Obaship of the late King, the ancient kingdom of Kakun experienced peace, unity and development.

Without lobby or persuasion but by divine providence and predestination, he was nominated and made the Oba Gbehin village, his ancestral home in 1982 and subsequently made the Oba of Kakun Kingdom in 1985, even when the salary was N4.00(Four Naira Only).

Ascending his ancestor's throne, he remained bound to his commitment to ideas and innovations that prospered and unite his people. He was eventually elevated to the rank of a 3rd class king by the Kogi State government in 2007. Hence, his thirty two years reign witnessed significant peace and progress, until it was brought to an abrupt end on the 18th April, 2017.

As a high ranking traditional ruler in Kakun Kingdom, the late Oba was instrumental to the following achievements

Police Post Kakun-Kabba

Creation of more district heads

Grade II Area Court Kakun.

To mention but few, the late Oba was Excellency of Dignity, Excellency of Power, he was also instrumental to peaceful resolution of knotty issues within and outside Kabba/Bunu, as long as they affected the socio-political and economic interest of the people.


Wednesday, 12 July 2017

The Senate on Tuesday received a petition against Kogi state Chief of Staff, Mr. Edward Onoja involving a fraud of N53 million when he worked with Guarantee Trust Bank PLC.
While submitting the petition against Mr. Onoja by Senator Hamman Misau representing Bauchi Central Senatorial district, he explained that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had sometime ago invited Onoja, but was let off the hook.
Admitting the petition in line with the Senate rules, Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki asked the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions headed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu representing Imo East Senatorial district to do a thorough investigation and revert to the Chambers.
The petition was, however, coming at a time the National Assembly was entangled in a face-off with Kogi state government over the circumstances surrounding Dino Melaye’s recall.
The Chief of Staff to governor Yahaya Bello worked with Guarantee Trust Bank PLC before being appointed into office.

SUPREME COURT PDP CHAIRMANSHIP VERDICT: TRIUMPH FOR THE SURVIVAL OF NIGERIA -Tunde Akanmidu

Mr. Tunde Akanmidu, whom many have considered as a DIVINE REPLACEMENT for the Kabba/Bunu House of Assembly seat in Kogi State said that the supreme court verdict on the lingering crisis that has been rocking PDP is a triumph for the survival of the country.

He made the statement while addressing one of our correspondent immediately after the judgement in Abuja.

He said this is the time for the Party to immediately commence the process of reconciliation within the party.

The one and only Chairman of the party as affirmed by the apex court should without delay call for peace, reconciliation, and the safe return of all defected members.

Before the supreme court verdict there were threats and rumors that some bigwigs of the party will be leaving the party but now I believe this will not happen with the verdict of the apex court.
The verdict is victory for the people, the PDP and Nigeria large.

It's a triumph for the survival of our country and Kogi State in particular from deficient governance and ineffective leadership.

I believe the party will rise up from its ashes like a Phoenix to forming a formidable opposition in the country.

PDP in all the 36 States is now positioned to rescue Nigerians from non-payment of over salaries, Pension, retrogression,   lack of infrastructure, bad roads and wastage of our common patrimony as currently experienced in Kogi State.

Monday, 10 July 2017

OSUN WEST SENATORIAL ELECTION: AWAKENING CALL FOR KABBA/BUNU AND KOGI STATE ELECTORATES -Tunde Akanmidu



The just concluded OsunWest senatorial election which was squarely won by the PDP with a wide margin has been described by Mr. Tunde Akanmidu as an eye-opener for the people of Kabba/Bunu and Kogi State in general that power indeed belongs to the people and not any political party or godfather.

He said what happened in OsunWest on saturday is a simultaneous and spontaneous reaction from the people to the failure of state government in the district and particularly in Osun state at large.

The people of OsunWest has demonstrated absolute capacity to taking their destiny into their hands by overwhelmingly voting for the opposition party in the state, this can be and must be made to happen in Kabba/Bunu Local Government soon, he said.

He further said power must be made to return to the people. The people must be allow to be in total control of their choices as this will enable them do proper evaluation of those seeking their votes, he reiterated.

I therefore call on the people of Kabba/Bunu Local Government to take what happen in Osunwest by-election as a wake-up call to the possibilities of installing the right people of their choices into different political offices in the local government and the state at large, he concluded.

Recalled that the opposition party PDP won the last Saturday OsunWest by-election with a resounding wide margin despite the ruling party at the centre of government.

Tunde Akanmidu whom many has considered a DIVINE REPLACEMENT is running for Kogi State House of Assembly  Election to represent Kabba/Bunu constituency come 2019.

Thursday, 6 July 2017

NBA National Crisis : Civil Society Organizations Petitions CJN, urges NBA to obey court order

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Thursday at a rally in Abuja, urged Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to obey court order that nullified election which produced the association’s incumbent President Mahmoud Abubakar (SAN).
The Convener of the rally, Mr Omoluabi Adeyemi, told newsmen that the Federal High Court judgment Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/545/2016 between OLASUPO OJO and
THE REGISTERED TRUSTEES OF THE NBA nullified the actions, decisions and activities of the NBA.

He stressed that the NBA ought to obey the order.

Adeyemi, therefore, expressed worry that the association, which was key association in the judiciary sector, decided not to obey the order which was delivered since March.

Reading from the coalition’s petition, also presented to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnonghen, Adeyemi urged the CJN to prevail on Abubakar to vacate his office pending the determination of the court case brought against him.

He said “we are calling on your lordship to use your good office and powers to embark on activities that will ensure that Mahmoud Abubakar vacates the office he is currently occupying.

“In your lordship’s capacity as CJN and double as Chairman of Body of Benchers, it
is within your powers to enforce compliance to the judgment,” the coalition petition read in part.

“Non-enforcement of the Federal High Court judgment which nullified the 2015 Amended Constitution of the NBA among other reliefs granted meant
that anything the Constitution gave life to was now dead.

“It also meant that the 2016 national election of the NBA was voided and the national officers ousted.”

He added that the tenure of the Abubakar-led NBA ended abruptly by virtue of the instant court judgment.

He noted that the judgment, however, necessitated takeover of the administration and management of the affairs of the NBA by Body of Benchers.

Adeyemi said that the CSOs decided to speak up because NBA would be sending wrong signals to the public by not obeying the judgment.

“The election that brought the current leadership of NBA did not seem to have respected the laws of the association and some members of the bar who went to court and got judgment.

“We were surprise that a judgment delivered on March 30, 2017, was not obeyed
up till now.

“If NBA can fragrantly disobey court orders, then Nigeria is gradually turning to
banana republic.

Africa Media Roundtable Initiative, Ahead Nigeria, Adopt A Goal, Policy Advocacy and Integrity Network, among others, were part of the coalition. (NAN)

BY Emmanuel Oloniruha
Abuja, July 6, 2017 (NAN)

Sunday, 2 July 2017

Bursted on Video, Kogi State Governor, Chief of Staff Edward Onoja behind plot to recall Sen.Dino.

In a new video currently being circulated on social media, the Chief of Staff to Kogi State Government, Edward Onoja was caught live on camera boasting of recalling and bringing down Sen. Dino Melaye from the red chamber.

Recalled that the state government had openly denied any direct or indirect involvement in the attempt to recall Sen. Dino Melaye claiming the exercise to recall the senator only emanated from the constituency and was not sponsored by the state government.

But in a new twist, the video which surfaced online has uncovered the truth and revealed those behind the recall process.

Its now obvious that the state government has been behind the exercise to recall the senator all along contrary to the earlier claim of the government.

In the video, the Chief of staff while addressing a group of people boasted that before the end of June if Senator Dino Melaye do not cease to be Senator of the federal republic then it means there is no God.

In his words he said, there is somebody in Kogi State who called himself Sen. Dino that promised to bring me and my twin brother(Governor Bello) down, if by end of June he is not down in Kogi State then there is no God.

In a swift reaction from a member of Kogiwest constituency, said the question begging for answer is that, the month of June has passed and Sen. Dino Melaye still remain a Senator of the Federal Republic, does that mean there is no God or is it that the god of Edward Onoja is dead, your answers is as good as mine.

There are claims that the state government has spent a whopping sum of N2b on the fruitless exercise despite owing state workers and pensioners over 15months salaries.

Watch Video below:

Saturday, 1 July 2017

House of Rep: Wemi Jones meets Constituents based Abuja.

KOLAWOLE EMPOWERS CONSTITUENTS IN GRAND STYLE




The Majority Leader, Kogi State House of Assembly and member representing the good people of Kabba - Bunu State Constituency, Hon. Prince M. O Kolawole, in fulfilment of his avowed promise to bring dividends of democracy closer to his people during his electioneering campaign is today, Ist July, 2017 , empowering his constituents with varying equipment, materials, tools and implements for demand - driven skills and needs.

Though, a legislator whose primary responsibility is law - making for the betterment of his people,  but the need to affect lives meaningfully should not be toyed with,  taking cognizance of the precarious and poverty ravaging our people.

In the opinion of one of the traditional head in Kabba, Chief Gbenga Olutobaje, he said and I quote, " what we are witnessing today in Kabba is unprecedented in the political annals of Kabba - Bunu State Constituency. And if I'm not mistaking, since the inception of Kogi State, Prince Kolawole is the 6th Assembly member. I'm pretty sure Kabba Town and our neighbouring communities and villages will be agog after the empowerment scheme, because the people have not experienced this kind of feat from any of their previous representatives in the House of Assembly."

In one swoop, 100 hoes, 100 sprayers, 15 dryers, 4 ovens, 16 clippers, 16 sewing machines, 6 deep freezers, 2 desktop computers, 9 generators, 12 grinding machines etc are to be distributed.

In addition, a non - revolving start - up capital for 45 petty traders is also up for grabs. Cash donations to 18 trade associations is also in the offing. Presentation of dozens of plastic chairs not exempted.

" I'm very excited for Prince. He did say, 'please, trust me and I will not disappoint you ' and in all fairness, judging by what I see him distributing today, he hasn't,"  enthused an enthusiastic elder from the Majority Leader's Okedayo ward.

This is not the time for praise singing, not is it the moment for destructive criticism as well, though a constructive one is imperative.

Let us use this moment to pray for Hon. Prince Kolawole not to derail from what he is doing and hope for better empowerment schemes, soul- lifting legislative inputs for the overall benefit of our people.

In addition to the distribution of empowerment materials and in justifying the mandate given to him by the people, Hon. Prince Kolade Mathew has also since becoming the people's representative ensured various communities in Kabba/Bunu Constituency are not left out in the provision of adequate water and power supply through the installation of motorized boreholes and transformers. 

Several churches, mosques, schools and hospitals are not also left out in Prince Kolawole magnanimity as they have received cash donation, equipment's and other relief materials respectively.

While addressing members of his constituency, Hon. Prince Kolawole assured the people of his doggedness in giving a purposeful representation to the people.
This is just the tip of an iceberg, we will ensure we attract and bring more positive and people oriented development to Kabba/Bunu constituency and also put together bills and motions that will have direct positive impact on the people of Kabba/Bunu, he said.

The Majority leader thanked all the royal fathers, critical party stakeholders, women leaders, youth and students organizations present for their cooperation and confidence reposed on him.
He said their mandate will be judiciously utilize to making lives better in the constituency.

More photos:

#Itisthedivinemandateinndeed.