Opeyemi Ojagun(Okun Boy) emerges Okun Students National President(Full Exco List)

AFTER a very pulsating election, at the Aiyegunle Gbede, the National Association of Okun Students, NAOS, has elected Comrade Opeyemi Ojagun a.k.a Okun Boy as the 13th President of the apex students’ body in Okunland. 

Okun Boy is from the University of Abuja and Yagba West LG, while Comrade Magreth Olupehin of the Kogi State University Anyigba KSU and from  Kabba/Bunu LG, emerged the new Senate President.

See Photos:

President Elect and Senate President Elect.
Electoral Chairman, Eniola Olayemi Calculus in the middle 

The Electoral Chairman, Eniola Olayemi Calculus reading out the elected executives of the association amidst cheers from delegates. 

See list of 13th NAOS National Executives Below

1. Opeyemi Ojagun Samuel(Okun boy)- National President

2. Olupehin Olubunmi Margareth- Senate President

3. Aiyenigba Mercy- Secretary General

4. Olasunkanmi Owoniyi J- Vice President

5. Aiyegbonka Alaba- Financial Secretary

6. Olusanmi Olayinka- Editor in Chief

7. Adeigba Mosope- PRO

8. Joseph Segun- Director of Sport

9. Saliu Tope- Director of Walfare

8. Olusanmi Shola Samuel- Director of Aluta/Mobilization

9. Anjorin Samuel- Director of Social

Other offices to be announced soon. 

Signed:
Electoral Chairman, Eniola Olayemi Calculus. 

Former National Leaders of the Association who witnessed the election at Aiyegunle Gbede have also congratulated the new executives under the leadership Of Comrade Opeyemi Ojagun(Okun Boy) and gave their support and endorsement by appending their signatures to the communique released by the Electoral Chairman.

Former National Presidents present at the convention/Election and  who gave their endorsements are Alamoh Kehinde Samuel, Obasun Emmanuel, Alepa Vincent Cephas, Gbenga Adeyemi(Skipo), Ogbeni David ONI Sunday, Obanibi Micheal(Brass), Henry Olorunlaye while former Senate Presidents are Ajare Stephen Olusola, Dada Moyinoluwalogo(Labamba) and Aledare Oluwatobi.

Kogi Speaker Constitutes fake NAOS Executives in his Hotel after attempt to bribe students Leaders failed

The just concluded election of the National Association of Okun Students has come and gone but agents of Kogi Government led by the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly have constituted fake executive list to deceive an unsuspecting governor.

Barclay's Global consult, Mr Speaker company letter head used to write the fake list

Fake election results as being written by the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly in his Hotel at Kabba on the letter head paper of his own company Bacllays Consults as displayed above is what they resorted to.
Facts have emerged that the Speaker Kogi State House of Assembly in connivance with the Kogi State AlGON Chairman, Taufiq Isah and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Students and Youth Mr MD Eseyin after collecting the sum of Ten Million Naira  (10,000,000) from the Governor and promised to deliver their candidates failed .
The crisis began after an unsuccessful attempt to bribe the stakeholders failed, he bought the conscience of the outgone President and Senate President  with the sum of  five hundred thousand naira (#500,000) each and paid an advance of three hundred and fifty thousand (#350,000,00) Naira each at his hotel
Unfortunately the Speaker who is not conversant with the constitution of the association didn't know that outgoing President and other executive members lose their powers immediately an electoral committee is set up hence he acted in ignorance.  All efforts by the Speaker to bribe the electoral Committee Chairman duly elected by the congress supervised by the President and Senate President failed.

The students at the convention further resolved to write a petition to the Chief of Army Staff over the casualization of the military apparatus in Kogi by the state government, this is in reaction to the way and manner the government used military to barricade venue of a students election. The association also resolved to sue Nigerian Army for illegal operations against Nigerian students.

It will be recalled that the Electoral Committee ChairmanComrade Eniola Olayemi had announced the victory of Comrade Ajagun Opeyem i of the University of Abuja as the duly elected President and Comrade Mageret Olupehi as the newly elected Senate President that will pilot the affair of the association for another one (1) year.

News flash: Okun Students counter desperate move to stop convention.

Report suggest that the special adviser to governor Yahaya Bello on youth and student affairs Mr MD Eseyin in connivance  with the administrator of Ijumu local government Mr Taofiq Isah has instructed military personnel in the area to stop the election of National Association of Okun Student scheduled for today the 31st of December 2017.

The move came as a result of the vehement refusal of the students and stakeholders of the union to do the bidding of Mr Eseyin who is said to be highly unpopular among the students and youths of Okun nation.

Mr Eseyin is said to be desperate to produce a president for the association and he is now considering an option of a parallel congress outside the scheduled venue which is Ayegunle Gbede for the national convention.

The same scenario played out last year when Mr Taofiq militarized Ijumu students union election there preventing a level playing field for all the participants.

As at press time, the leadership of the association and stakeholders are said to be in a meeting to counter the desperate move of the governors aide.

After exhaustive deliberation by the students and stakeholders to go ahead with the convention despite the presence of military personnel, Opeyemi Julius, a presidential aspirant from Yagba west decided to step down and work for the candidature of Opeyemi Ojagun Alias Okun as the only consensus candidate.

Finally, the delegates to the convention successfully casted their votes for the only consensus candidature of Opeyemi Ojagun alias Okun Boy from Yagba west as the National President and Magareth Olupehin from Kabba/Bunu LG as Senate President of the association. The NAOS Electoral Chairman made the announcement of the elected executives.


Details shortly....

Happy Birthday To A Man With High Quotient Of Intellectual Mobility And Burning Competence. Bashorun Taufiq A Isa.

Kogi Projects Initiatives has the much
pleasure to exhibit and congratulate an iconoclastic Enigma in person of Irawo Oni Of Yoruba Race,Taufiq A Isa on the occasion of his birthday today 24th December 2017.

A sellable
product in our stock; a product that
is essential and effective; a product
with an unquantifiable and
immeasurable values and qualities; a
product that has become a
household name among the Olds,
Young, Elites and the Downtrodden Masses; a
product that was made in Odokoro Gbede but
has gained wider acceptability
across the globe.

The product is better by far with no
blemish record"A PRODUCT THAT
NEVER DISAPPOINTS."

Dear esteem readers, permit us to
introduce to you the incomparable
product of Ijumu, Okunland
and Kogi State at large in person
of: Hon Taufiq A Isa. The Jagaban of Politics in Okun Land

In our efforts to take our readers on a
journey of profile x-ray of this young, workaholic Administrator cum ALGON Chairman per excellence, we do not mean to praise
sing Alh Taufiq Isa, popularly known as
"Jagaban of Politics in Kogi West Senatorial District",but to separate water
from sand.

To get the general public
informed about this Young Innovator, Ebullient  Democrat, Enigmatic
Philanthropist, Spectacular Humanitarian, Viable
Socialite, Veteran Grassrooter, Hope Redeemer, Iconic Politician and Community
Developer.

TAI, is
not just an ordinary man but a man of  substances with enormous sagacity, intellectual mobility and gross competence. He is
a man of many branches. He means
to the young and old of Ijumu, Okunland, Kogi West Senatorial District, Kogi State
and Nigeria at large, what water
means to life!
He is educated and education passes through him, socially enlightened, well-
informed, charismatically endowed, traveled far
and wide; and has turned all these
advantages to the benefits of
humanity and community
services.

These qualities characterised his numerous reputable awards and titles from well respected communities and personalities. His human capacity
building and unwavering commitment
towards uplifting souls can't be
quantified.
He is just an uncommon gift from
our genetic extraction.

Kogi Projects Initiatives met with this young and
purposeful politician in not up to two years, through his political sagacity and humanitarian prowess discharged proficiency in
entrepreneurial growth and community development, hence, he has demonstrated
to us the real sense of leadership and stewardship.

An amazing trait in this Father, Husband and servant  leader is, he's been proving to us
by all standard that: "it is not until one is a public office holder or in a position
of authority before
one can be of help to the society.

Obviously and practically, he has
been tremendously giving back to the
society what the society has given to
him.

In fairness to him, his
generosity is incomparable among
our folds.
This man will always give
you attention, discuss and argue
politely with you on pertinent issues
as concerns the local, state and national
polity as if he's nobody. In the same vein,
he warns severally before he invokes comeuppance.

Hon Taufiq Isa is synonymous to Humility, Intelligence, Generosity, Simplicity"

He has zero tolerance for Corruption,
Discrimination,Penury, Indolence and he's an Advocate of equity, justice and fairplay!

We at Kogi Projects Initiatives are not just
writing in favour or applauding this
young Entrepreneur cum political Icon in person of Bashorun Taufiq A Isa, but to show
gratitude, encouragement and to
challenge him to do more in the area of
ameliorating the socioeconomic
backwardness of his people.

We have in our records the numbers
of good gestures and humanitarian
dispense inwhich he has rendered to
the good people of Ijumu, Kogi West and the State by
extension.

To his credit, he has given
personal scholarship to many indigent
students of both secondary and
tertiary institutions; payment of rent
dues for numbers of needed people;
donation of food items to the less
privileged; distribution of motorbikes, cars to
empower many unemployed youths,
and above all, dashing out a
complete house as shelter to an
indigenous fellow.

Although, Hon Taufiq Isa by
nature does not like his private
gestures to be publicized in this
manner, but we found it worthy to do
this as a profound appreciation for a
selfless gem to the people of his
immediate community, as to also
challenge the blessed among us to
toe his path of kindness
and unrelenting gestures to uplift the upcoming ones.

Verily, if wonderful souls like this
man of repute and integrity should
occupy a position of authority, there
is no doubt that we'd continue to
seek him to represent us over and
over again.

He has endeared himself
into our hearts, especially the
downtrodden masses and we shall continue
to earnestly ask for his higher placement in
the position of authority.

Hon Taufiq Isa
DESERVES THE BEST! HE IS A
LISTENING LEADER WITH AN OPEN
DOOR POLICY! HIS HUMILITY IS
ABSOLUTE! HIS KINDNESS IS SECOND TO NONE!
HIS WISDOM IS DIVINE AND HIS
PHILANTHROPIC SPIRIT IS UNQUANTIFIABLE!!!

Therefore, it won't be out of place to
call on the people's Governor who drives the process of new direction in person of Alh Yahya Adoza Bello, the Executive Governor Of Kogi State to heed to the voice of the
youth and let our wills be done by
giving our dearest own
a more deserved
avenue, where he can
continue with the good works he has been
rendering privately.


We are being objective in our opinion and
submission without fear or favour
that, this man of valour and impeccable characters deserves
commendation and compensation. We are equally happy to
identify with him as our leader
with an enviable track record.

This is neither
sycophancy, nor puppeteering, it is
an appreciation and reality of what
we have seen and heard about the
man in discuss.
We truly love him to
a fault!
We are adding to the loud voice of
the Youths.
# Not Too Young To Run#
Our prayers are with him always....
May he live longer to eat the fruits of
his labour! No devilish weapon
fashioned against him shall prosper!
May Allah answer all his hidden and
apparent prayers.

God Bless Kogi State!
God Bless Alh Yahya Adoza Bello!!!
God Bless Ijumu LG
God Bless Alh Taufiq A Isa.

Once Again, Happy Many Returns.

Kamaldeen Toyin.
President Kogi Projects Initiatives.

YEAR END MESSAGE FROM THE ODA NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Good Day Great Sons and Daughters of Okun Nation at home and in the diaspora.
Compliments of the season.
As we inch closer and closer to the end of 2017 and look forward with hope to a more fruitful 2018, it is important to reflect on a few issues.

First we must all thank the Almighty God that we made it this far. We might not have achieved all our objectives for 2017, I am convinced each one of us can recall a few individuals who we shared happy New Year with in January 2017 who today are no more. Some are alive but in various hospitals. Some are alive and well but in various prisons. Are we alive, healthy and enjoy our liberty because we are better? Certainly not. It was and still is His love, grace and mercy. So we must thank God.

*PROUDLY OKUN*
Part of what we must thank Him for is that He brought you to this  world through Okunland. If you believe that He does not make mistakes, you must know He did that for a purpose. Some have discovered and fulfilled that purpose. Some are yet to discover that purpose not to talk of fulfilling it. Some are on course in fulfilling their purpose. As we start a new year in a few days time I pray that God will reenergise those who are already on course and reveal to those who are yet to discover their purpose for being an important product of and from Okun nation.

*THE ODA AS AN UMBRELLA*

Your Umbrella Association, the ODA, like each one of us, is also not a product of accident. It was inspired by and for a purpose. Over the years, our founding fathers and our other predecessors did their best to fulfil that purpose. We must give credit to them. But as we all know, as long as there is life, there will always be more to do. Therefore there is still a lot to be done.

*A NOTE OF APPRECIATION*

Your new Executive team has the passion, determination , willingness , and eagerness to significantly advance our course towards the accomplishment of the objectives for which ODA was formed.

In this regard the Executive team will like to thank each one of you for the enthusiasm and readiness demonstrated so far in our support since we assumed office about two months ago. There has been a continuous flow of ideas and suggestions as to what ODA should do and how to go about it.

*FUNDING ODA*
In one of our earlier communications to you, we appealed to you all to translate these enthusiasms and support to financial contributions by sowing a seed that will give you a legitimate voice in the affairs of ODA and enable the ODA to function effectively. Once you sow that seed, you automatically acquire all the rights due to all financial members of the Association. You can take the Executive up on any steps taken that you are uncomfortable with. You can insist on being heard. You can challenge financial behaviours. You can initiate changes in any aspect of ODA. You can vote and be voted for. And you enjoy all such other rights that flow with financial membership. The flip side is that if you are not in good financial standing in the Association you are handicapped in all these. The responses to our appeal in terms of how to make payment of the annual due effective were fantastic. We are already incorporating some of the suggestions in our operating procedures to ensure transparency and accountability.
Not later than the 30th of December, by the grace of God, we will publish in every Okun based platform the names of all those that have paid their annual financial obligations in response to our appeal. Pls note that all such payments are in fulfilment of your 2018 financial obligations. Your Association cannot and will not be effective without adequate funding. We therefore urge you to be a part of the continuous improvement process that we are looking for in Okunland.

For the benefits of those who might have forgotten, find below the account details to pay all monies into :

*OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION FIRST BANK PLC ACC. NO-2001849398* (new AC No)*

The old Ac No 2010048022 was cited in our earlier communication. Pls use the new Ac No going forward.

In addition to our annual dues, we will be reaching out to prominent Sons and Daughters of Okun who we believe can do more and will do more than just the annual dues. God will give all of us the necessary enablement.

*OKUN VOICE MUST BE HEARD LOUD AND CLEAR*
One of the recommendations that has been consistently put forward by different people is the need for ODA to have a strong voice on current topical national issues. Many of you will recall that this was one the points canvassed before and during the election of the present Executive. With all sense of modesty, I can confirm to you all that the present Executive has the capability to draw from the best of what Okun has to offer to articulate an Okun position on any current topical national issue. However, for our voice to be heard the way we all want it, we must go beyond the social media. Our engagement so far at the social media level limits our voice to mainly ourselves alone. For our voice to be heard beyond that level, we need the mainstream media, both print and electronics. Thank God Okun is blessed with highly placed and successful practitioners in this field. That notwithstanding, a significant investment of resources would be required for effectiveness and maximum impact. This is one more reason why your annual due is an imperative.

*ODA BRANCH DEVELOPMENT*
A very important part of our plan for 2018 is to see that we launch new ODA Branches in not less than five states of the federation. To this end, we are making a clarion call on Volunteers who would act as contact person(s) in each state where there is yet no formal ODA presence. Or you can suggest anyone you know in your state of residence who has passion for community related work that we can contact.
All Volunteers or others in the Southern states of the country (SW, SE, &SS ), other than Lagos and Oyo states are to forward their contact phone numbers and addresses to the President or Vice President -South, Elder Mesirin S Omotunde 08165009880. Similarly, Volunteers from the Northern states (ie NW, NE,& NC) should forward their phone numbers and addresses to the President or Vice President -North Barr. Sam Morito 08035966619.
 A minimum of 10 people will constitute a branch. ODA Executive will collaborate with any community to launch a vibrant branch of ODA anywhere. Once we have the contact details as requested above, we will swing into action.

*POLITICS IN 2018*
In 2018, we expect to see a lot more of political activities and political engineering in view of the elections of 2019.
We appeal and plead with all our politicians who hope to seek elective political offices to always put the overall interests of Okun ahead of any other interests. It must be Okun first at all times.
We equally appeal to the voters to reflect on the decisions they make with their PVCs. Your decisions will define your future and the future of your children and your children's children. Therefore apply wisdom.

To many  amongst our youths, you must redefine your vision for yourselves.
Ask yourself a simple question. How far can thuggery take me ? Why do I have to risk my life for any one? Will this fellow that I'm risking my future for have been what he is today if he did what I'm doing for him when he was my age? Why don't you have a vision of yourself being in his position sometime tomorrow too.
Again ask yourself, can he allow his own children do this for me in future? Answers to these questions will give a guide.

Whatever you however decide to do, just know that you are laying a foundation of your future. God will guide us all in our decisions.

In conclusion, we like to connect our faith with yours in prayer that in the new year, the Almighty God will send help from above to all Sons and Daughters of Okunland wherever we may be. He will open doors of opportunities for us. He will connect us with those individuals He has anointed to favour us. We will enjoy excellent health. We will have cause to celebrate. Overall, by His grace, the new year will turn out the best year ever for everyone of us.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

ILE OKUN AGBE GHA O

*Femi Mokikan*
National President
Okun Development Association

People of Kogi eulogize former deputy governorship candidate, Faleke on his birthday.

The Kogi People's Club has eulogized the member House of Representatives and former deputy Governorship Aspirant to late Prince Abubakar Audu, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke on the occasion of his birthday.

The Club members in statements released on its social media handle said it attests to the excellent representation Faleke had given to his constituents and people of Kogi State.

It said that, as a lover of the State,  he had displayed remarkable commitment to touching people's life in the state. He has also demonstrated legislative competence in the leadership of the House and in achieving the laudable legislative agenda of the 8th House.

“In your current role as Chairman of the House committee on Custom, your committee has worked diligently and assiduously to end corrupt practices in custom, ensure good governance and strengthen institutions in the country.

One of the member of the club and Treasurer of the party APC in the state said "Happy birthday to our Captain, our Leader and an Example of ÒMÒLUABI,, H E HON JAMES ABIODUN FALEKE. Wishing you many happy returns of the day, long life, sound health and prosperity. I thank the Almighty for HIS Love and Favour over you, for the manifestation of HIS power through you. 

Individual who conspired against are today in a state of regret, the country that allows the conspiracy is today in a state of motion without movement, political party that conspired against you is today in a sorry state, institutions that conspired against you are today trying to uproot the same tree they planted  through conspiracy, the judge that delivered the conspired judgement ended his many years of service at the Bench disgracefully. Remember that case was his last. 

Because GOD is not man, HIS promise of you SHALL come to past. Remain blessed sir"

Hon. James Abiodun Faleke who was the former deputy governorship candidate to late Prince Abubakar Audu was born on Christmas day,  the 25th of December.

The club wish him many more years of good health and successes in the service of our great country.

Celebrating the Independence of Humanity and Salvation of Mankind... Omoluabi

The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ signalled the beginning of the process leading to the independence of Human race and Salvation of Mankind.
This puts to proper perspective, the essence and importance of the celebration.

Reflecting on the state of security, welfare and governance in our nation Nigeria and state (Kogi) at a time like this definitely comes with a lot of pains, confusion and hopelessness because of the obvious economic crisis the vast majority of our people are coping with. Despite these excruciating and killing challenges, I find it needful and responsive to congratulate us all for seeing another Xmas, I congratulate you for surviving and sustaining this far. Rather than throw blames and let loose our anger, I charge us to be strong, resilient, determined and foreward-looking to a prosperous and blissful new year ahead, though remaining reflective and conscious of how we got here. This will definitely avail us another opportunity in 2019 to make a political decision that will determine our survival for another 4 years.
While we ponder on this, I wish to reassure you that our aspiration is one that hopes to bring government to the people. We know where you're coming from, we perfectly understand our current challenges and immediate needs and we believe we will serve you better and deliver on the basic demands of our people.
Let's join hands together to make Kogi West great, let's make the people smile and let's redefine representation together.

 Merry Christmas and a prosperous New year.


Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi (OBA)
Senatorial Aspirant,
Kogi West, Nigeria.

You have mismanaged Kogi Funds, Faleke Tells Bello.

Why should thev wage bill of a state shoot up after the discovery and delisting 5000 names from the payroll as ghost workers? Why should 21 council areas have nothing to show for the 44.7 billion they shared in two years? Why should a state with a monthly wage bill of N3.5 billion be shopping for N30 billion to clear two month’s salary arrears?

The above, and many more, are the posers thrown at Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello by James Abiodun Faleke, a House of Representatives member and running mate to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the November 21, 2016, Kogi governorship election, the late Prince Abubakar Audu.

In a letter to the governor entitled: “A passionate appeal for you to alleviate the people’s suffering this xmas”,  Faleke alleged that public servants in the Confluence State were being denied the dividends of good governance, which formed the plank of the APC electioneering campaign in 2015.

According to the letter, Governor Bello has been economical with the truth on funds accruing to the state from the Federation Account and the application of such revenue.

For instance, Faleke said it stood logic on its head for a state that was picking a monthly wage bill of N 2.6 billion prior to a verification exercise that detected 5000 ghost workers to be paying N3.5b after the verification.

The letter reads: “Shortly after you came in, you embarked on a staff verification exercise which you claimed was aimed at weeding out ghost workers from the payroll of government, thereby freeing more funds for social and infrastructural development.

“You were applauded for taking that positive step aimed at repositioning our state. However, the people’s enthusiasm as to whether the exercise would succeed or not began to shrink when you prolonged the programme to almost two years without paying any of the workers, leaving mass hunger and angst in the land.

“Some died in the process, while most of the workers went through unimaginable stress and humiliation all in the name of a staff verification exercise that till date has been more of burden than blessing to the state.

“Under the previous administration before you started your verification exercise, the wage bill was in the region of N2.6 billion per month, excluding local government wages and when you concluded the verification, you gleefully told the world that your administration had successfully discovered over 5000 ghost workers from the workforce and that you would begin to save at least N1.5 billion monthly through the exercise.

“Surprisingly, Your Excellency, your administration is now claiming your monthly wage bill is around N3.5 billion! So, where is the money recovered from the 5000 ghost workers discovered? If the wage bill under Governor Idris Wada was N2.6 billion, I think your own wage bill should come down to around 1.5 billion naira and not skyrocket to 3.5 billion naira monthly.”

Describing the verification as a waste of time and resources, the federal lawmaker alleged that the principal and vice principal of the secondary school attended by the state’s finance commissioner, were among those delisted from the wage bill as ghost pensioners by the panel that carried out the verification.

Faleke alleged: “Your screening committee did not help matters by declaring bonafide workers and pensioners, ghost workers. So, it is even difficult to know the real bonafide workers and the exact number of the state workforce.

“A critical example is the case of the principal and the vice Principal that taught your Commissioner of Finance, Idris Ashiru, in secondary school. Mr. Isiaka Aina Sule (Principal) and Mr. Christopher Ayo Olubunmi (Vice Principal) were respectively declared ghost pensioners. They are owed 23 months as we speak.”

He described as unfortunate that a screening on which the governor spent N1 billion of the taxpayers’ money ended up as an exercise in futility.

Recalling how he and the late Prince Audu dislodged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration from the Lord Lugard State House in Lokoja, Faleke noted: “It is for these reasons, with very deep pains in my heart and with all sense of responsibility, that I decided to write you this personal letter on the hard times being experienced by the generality of the citizenry of our dear state under your watch.

“I decided on this noble path as a principal stakeholder, who devoted time, energy, finance and risked my safety to crisscross the nooks and crannies of Kogi with our late leader, Prince Abubakar Audu to campaign; through an aggressive marketing of our program of action to the long suffering people of our dear state.

“As Your Excellency is very much aware, the people trusted us and gave us their overwhelming mandate, faithfully handling over the reins of government to our dear party – the All Progressives Congress (APC)  – for a complete positive turnaround of the fortunes of the state.”

On discrepancies in the state finances, Faleke urged the governor to explain why a whopping N30 billion is required to settle unpaid arrears after telling the whole world that his administration was owing only two months of salary arrears.

Faleke said: “Only recently, your government promised to pay all the workers before the end of the year based on the final release of the Paris refunds but surprisingly, your commissioner for Finance was quoted to have said that the state government needs N30 billion to clear all outstanding salary arrears and pensions.

“Now could the N30 billion be the value of the said two months arrears your government is claiming to owe workers? What is really happening? Right now, some states have paid December 2017 salaries ahead, while some have approved the 13th month salaries with bonuses. But, in Kogi, the workers are not even sure if they are workers or not. Most of them are owed over 18 months, while pensioners are crying to be paid.”

Alleging that the 21 local government areas have not justified the more than N45 billion allocated to them in the past two years, the House of Representatives members accused the governor of short-changing the councils.

He said: “Your Excellency, the local government areas under your appointed administrators have received over N45 billion since you assumed office (See Table 1). Yet, there is nothing to show for it. Though, it is common knowledge that your administration releases an average of N10 million per month to these administrations from their allocations.

“The question is, what do you do with the rest of the monies meant for these local governments after giving your administrators their usual monthly N10 million handouts from the over N100 million that accrue to each of them as monthly allocations?

“The local government salaries that are supposed to be paid from those allocations are not paid. And no developmental projects taking place in any of these local governments.”!

Backing with his allegations with two tables, one showing what accrued to the council areas and the other the earnings of the state from internal and external sources, Faleke claimed the state got over N20 billion from the Federation Account and from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

He said: “It may also interest Your Excellency that your administration has received over N200 billion as at today from Federal Government and Internally Generated Revenue sources respectively (See Table 2).

“The question is what you have done with such a humongous sum of money in a state where people are daily dying of hunger and committing suicides.”

Faleke, who warned that the failure of the government to live up to the promises of the APC to people could have grave consequences for the party in the Northcentral state, said: “Are we not playing on the sensibilities of the people as a party?

“Be informed, Your Excellency, that the image of our party, the APC, in Kogi State  has been destroyed to such an extent that other parties in the state are now being emboldened take over power.”

He, however, urged the governor to rededicate him to the service of the people, saying: “It is not too late to make amends. You can start from this December by ensuring that workers and pensioners received their dues promptly.

“Then you can now follow up by abandoning the regime of profligate spending and embracing the noble path of development through aggressive road construction networks across the state, massive infrastructural facilities, provision of funds for the development of our health and educational sectors respectively among others.”

“That is the way to start cleaning the Augean stable that Kogi has become, unfortunately.”

According to Faleke, the performance of the governor must have disappointed those who helped him into office after the logjam created by the demise of Prince Audu before his declaration as the winner of the last Kogi governorship poll.

Credit: Nation

Yuletide: Kogi gives 60percent salary to workers.

Kogi state Government has begin payment of 60percent salary arrears to workers in the state.

In a statement released by the commissioner of finance, he said, we are only able to pay 60% salary across board. It is the sincere hope of government that  through our aggressive drive to increase internally generated revenue, the fortunes of civil servants and all citizens will improve.

It's yet to be confirmed if workers have started receiving the 60percent payment as of the time the statement was released.

With backlogs of over 20months of unpaid salaries and pension its obviously not a fair share for Kogi workers to be paid only 60percent of a month salary during the Christmas period.

Yuletide: Kogi gives 60percent salary to workers.

Kogi state Government has begin payment of 60percent salary arrears to workers in the state.

In a statement released by the commissioner of finance, he said, we are only able to pay 60% salary across board. It is the sincere hope of government that  through our aggressive drive to increase internally generated revenue, the fortunes of civil servants and all citizens will improve.

It's yet to be confirmed if workers have started receiving the 60percent payment as of the time the statement was released.

With backlogs of over 20months of unpaid salaries and pension its obviously not a fair share for Kogi workers to be paid only 60percent of a month salary during the Christmas period.

Your criminal act of double registration has disgraced the good people of Kogi, Faleke tells Bello.

Chairman of the House of Representatives committee on Customs and deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 gubernatorial election in Kogi state, James Abiodun Faleke Tuesday advised Kogi state Governor Yahaya Bello against dragging President Muhammadu Buhari into his double voter registration saga with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Faleke in a statement noted that the governor’s decision to register with the electoral commission multiple times was not only shameful but is an attitude that is opposite to the principles that the president stands for.

He however advised Bello to stop dragging the name of the president in the mud and deal with his decision to embark on double registration.

“Yahaya Bello should stop using the president’s name to commit illegality. I make bold to tell the governor that he has disgraced the good people of Kogi with his criminal act of double registration.

“I can confirm that Governor Bello did his first registration in Abuja on January 30, 2011, while he did the second illegal registration on May 22, 2017 at Government House, Lokoja.

“I challenge him to go to court on this. It is an incontrovertible fact. The governor ought to have known that for a body like INEC to come up with such a decision, it must have gotten its facts right.

“After the registration, the governor’s camp in wild celebration to prove that the governor had succeeded in registering in Kogi state at last, went to town with pictures of the registration process backed by a press release signed by the Director – General of his media team, Kingsley Fanwo explaining why the governor had to re-register in Kogi.

“It is very unfortunate that the Governor even went ahead to induce some INEC staff to remove the hard-drive from the computer used in committing the illegal registration in order to hide his criminal intensions. I have my facts and I also challenge him to go to court on this,” he added

I hereby produce an abridged version of Fanwo’s statement.
In the press statement, Fanwo said: 
“The Governor’s efforts to transfer the card from Abuja to Kogi has not been successful, hence the need to seize this golden opportunity to get registered in Kogi State. The Governor has to register to be able to move his PVC to Kogi State. He urges every Kogite of the eligible age of 18 and above, who had not registered to seize this opportunity by registering in order to be able to participate in the processes that lead to the choices for who to lead or represent them;”

 Faleke wondered why the Governor who gleefully defended his action to register in Kogi State within the Government House through a press release widely published  in the Media would suddenly turn round to deny such.

Governor Bello was last week accused of double registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which also sacked three of its staff involved in the illegal action.

The electoral body said it would have prosecuted the Governor but for the immunity he enjoys.
However, in a frantic move, the governor on Monday this week appeared on a sponsored programme on African Independent Television (AIT) and denied his involvement in the criminal act. According to him, having been receiving regular mentorship from President Buhari, he has been operating above board in his official duties.

Hon Faleke who would have none of Bello’s denials fired back saying Buhari could not have mentored the Governor as the President is a direct opposite of what the Governor stands for.


 “On May 23rd 2017, the Governor travelled to Dubai. So, for the governor who is claiming mentorship of President Buhari to capitalize on the date as announced by INEC to deny a registration he did and his Director General issued a public statement to defend why he did it is extremely mischievous and Un- Buhari- like. 

“President Buhari is known all over the world for his virtues of incorruptibility, honesty, discipline and Spartan life style while Yahaya Bello is known for his unbridled extravaganza and indiscipline. No, Buhari couldn’t have mentored you. Till date, President Buhari still lives in a modest bungalow in Daura, his home town while Governor Bello his supposed “godson”  prefers to live in an estimated N 3.5 Billion Castle in Okene, his home town which he just commissioned as a sitting Governor. He earlier bought an exotic Mansion in Asokoro, Abuja and four others spread across the Federal Capital City. No, Buhari would never have taught you to live corruptly and extravagantly in the midst of a poverty ravaged citizenry”.

 Faleke declared that “it was an open secret that Bello bought a house next to Kogi Government House for an estimated N 100 Million just before he assumed office and later sold the same house back to the State Government for N 400 Million Naira few months after assuming office. Buhari would never be associated with such act”.
According to Faleke, “President Buhari has made it a policy not to owe workers salaries and Pensions but Governor Bello owes Kogi workers several outstanding salaries and pensions ranging from 15 to 22 months”.

“The Governor in the AIT interview claimed that his name is being slandered but I make bold to say that Bello is the chief slanderer of his own name by engaging in acts manifestly inconsistent with the deals of the founding fathers of our party, the APC. How else can one explain that after getting more than N 220 Billion Naira since you assumed office, the only major project you have commissioned is your Multi Billion naira country homes. Not a single road has been constructed and commissioned except the road to his country home in Okene while many more citizens of Kogi are daily dying of hunger and starvation. Only Monday this week, two people were reported dead in Kabba arising from the scourge of unpaid salaries and pensions”.
Faleke Congratulated INEC for having the courage to expose the Governor’s impunity, urging the agency not to be cowed nor intimidated by the antics of the Governor. He enjoined President Buhari to call Bello to order by asking him to stop dropping his name at every opportunity to cover his inadequacies in order to forestall more embarrassing moments for the ruling party and government.

Kogi Governor released 150 million for APC solidarity rally amidst unpaid salaries and pension

Governor Yahaya Bello in his bid to run for 2019/2020 governorship election has reportedly released a whopping sum of N150m to organize a solidarity rally to redeem his  already tarnished image among kogites despite owing over 20months salaries and pension.

The solidarity rally being organized by some of his aides in Kabba Stadium in the west Kogi senatorial district has been disclaimed by the party excos from the district.

In a statement, the excos of the party reiterate that the party has no hand in the sponsored rally and lambasted the Governor for wasting such humongous amount on a needless jamboree despite owing workers and pensioners in the state.

The Governor is accused of being insensitive to the suffering of the state workers and pensioners whom the government is currently owing over 20months.

The people are wise enough to decide who becomes their next governor and no amount of abracadabra will change the fact that the administration of Governor Bello is a failure and a disappointment to all Kogites.

Information revealed that the fund is to be used to hire crowd to the venue of the rally.

An anonymous hired participant revealed that they will collect the money since its their money and vote against governor no matter how much is being offered.

It has also being revealed that a former senator from the district called some of the APC aspirants from the district  to contribute some money to finance the rally.

The stadium podium which is to be reconstructed for the rally is said to cost the sum of N4.5m only even when workers are yet to be paid for over 20months.


The government image has been seriously battered due to its anti-people policy and lack of good governance in the state.

We do not authorized any person or group to organized KogiWest rally- APC State Excos

The All Progressive Congress(APC) Kogi West Senatorial District has dissociate herself from the planned APC rally in the zone.

In a statement released by the official a day to the rally,  the state officials said the part has not organize any rally in the zone and has not authorized anyone or group to do so.

Our attention has been drawn to the news trending that APC Kogi West will hold a Rally in Kabba on Tuesday,  19th December, 2017.
This is not true, the public should disregard the news.  The under listed state officers from Kogi West have not organized any rally and have not authorised anyone or group to do so by proxy.

We therefore hereby call on members and supporters of our great party the ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) across the seven local government areas of Kogi West to disregard any call or invitation to attend "APC" KOGI WEST RALLY on 19th December , 2017.

The ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS  (APC) Kogi West wish our members and supporters a merry Christmas and a prosperous New year.         

The statement was jointly signed by

Hon Osune Shuibu. 
State Deputy Chairman.

Chief Dr Gbenga Asagun. Zonal Vice Chairman West.

Comrade Yahaya Ade Ismail.
 State Treasurer.

Chief J N Molemodile ESQ
 State Legal Adviser.

Alhaji Bozy Mohammed Attati.
Assistant State financial Secretary.

Hon Lawal Mohammed Sulaiman.
 Assistant State Organising Secretary.

Hon Joshep Adebayo Ajulo
State Ex-officio West.

$1bn ECA Withdrawal: ‘Address Issues’, PDP Tells FG

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described as inexcusable, moves by the APC Federal Government to divert attention from its attempt to pilfer $1bn from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) to finance partisan activities.

The PDP, which insisted that the Federal Government must address the issue, noted that “the attempt by the APC Federal Government to divert attention from the fraud, by resorting to unsubstantiated allegations against the PDP only reinforces its manipulative tendencies and arrogant spurn to the sensibilities of Nigerians.”

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan in a statement on Sunday also challenged the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to substantiate his claims that the PDP was rebranding with stolen money. Ologbondiyan said “such wild allegation was only intended to divert public attention from the heavy sleazes under the current administration, the latest being the moves to use the fight against terrorism as a conduit to siphon public funds for partisan purposes”.

“The Federal Government has failed to address issues raised by the PDP and majority of Nigerians, including APC members, who can not fathom how this administration would want to expend N365bn on fighting insurgents it claimed had been technically defeated. 

It is indeed appalling that rather than being remorseful, the APC Federal Government has renewed its wild allegations and cheap blackmail against the PDP.

“It is a clear to all that the PDP do not have access to public funds and cannot be rebranding with stolen money.  Instead, we are rebranding on the grace of the general goodwill of Nigerians who have suffered untold hardships in close to three years of APC government.

“While we understand the nervousness of the APC Federal Government over our rebranding and the renewed popularity of the PDP, which has signaled their inevitable death knell, resorting to outlandish allegations will not help them as Nigerians have since seen through such old-fashioned propaganda and gimmicks.

“We are however not surprised by this diversionary and deceptive approach from the APC government; a government whose officials have since become notorious for dishing out falsehood to Nigerians to cover their incompetence and corrupt tendencies.

“This is the same minister of information, who in a press in conference in Abuja, in 2016, promoted allegations that 55 people stole a total of N1.34 trillion; that 5 former governors stole N146.8 billion; that 4 former ministers stole N7 billion. All these have remained unsubstantiated.

While we challenge this Government to come clean on the issue of the $1bn Excess Crude money, we also challenge the minister of information to comment on allegations that the APC funded its 2015 presidential campaign with stolen public funds, particularly from Lagos and Rivers states.

“He should also waste no time in commenting on allegations of corruption against their former SGF, Babachir Lawal, the Mainagate and other heavy sleazes going on unabated under the current APC-led administration.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

APDA COMMENDS INEC ON INDICTMENT OF KOGI GOVERNOR OVER DOUBLE REGISTRATION

The Advanced People's Democratic Alliance(APDA) has commended the action of Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC)on the  double registration scam of Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello  early this year.

In a statement released by the Kogi State Chairman Hon. Abdulmumini Ibrahim at the weekend, the Party said it was very proud that the electoral umpire had proved that it meant business in its quest to enthrone a transparent and honest electoral regime in the country.

"Though we are saddened by the outright termination of employment of three staff of Commission who collaborated with the state governor to commit the illegal act, this strong statement from INEC  is a reminder to all staff to rise above board and stand by what is right at all times".

"We appeal to INEC to ensure the  disqualification of the governor in any future elections due to the violation of the electoral act. When this is done, politicians will start to abide by the rules of the game and not act above the law", the
Statement said.

He equally called on the Commission to equally check its record very well and weed out more appointees that have encouraged or engaged in this double registration saga as well.

He said doing that would certainly send a strong signal to corrupt staffers of the organisation.

Kogi West to hold mass rally over unpaid salaries and pension.

Information reaching THE LEAKAGES confirmed that members of Kogiwest Senatorial district have concluded plans to organize a rally over the non payment of salaries and pension in the state.

Kogi State workers and pensioners are currently being owed over 21months by the state government and this has led to civil servants and pensioners committing suicide in the state. The people of the district are saying enough is enough.

The rally tagged Day of Mourning for lives lost over unpaid salaries and pension in Kogi West is aimed at appealing to President Buhari to come to the workers and pensioners rescue and telling the world the kind of inhumane treatment the state government has subjected workers and pensioners to despite billion of funds that has being accessed by the Governor.

Government officials from the zone are also said to be jittery over the development as arrangements have been concluded to convey all interested participants from various local government to the venue of the rally.

The rally is scheduled to come up soon at Kabba Township Stadium.

All Kogites are therefore called upon to join in saving Kogi from bad governance and kleptocracy.

Fuel Scarcity: Group berates Kogi DPR for acting below expectation

The Kogi Integrity Group (KIG) has condemned the management of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Kogi for inability to effectively control the activities of petroleum marketers in the state.


The Group's President, Barr. Zaccheus Dare Michael, in a statement in Lokoja on Wednesday, berated the DPR for compromising Kogi State by failing to effectively carried out their constitutional duty.

"Under the DPR watch, majority of Petro stations in Lokoja metropolis were hoarding products during the day to sell as black market at night.


"We are having situation in Kogi where petrol consumers are being shortchanged due to underdispense of products by filling stations; where one litre is sold as half a litre, and as high as N180 to N200.


"Part of the of constitutional duties of DPR is to monitor and supervise the activities of petroleum marketers to ensure sanity in the subsector so that consumers can have value for money.

"The DPR are not playing the supervisory role but rather they are everywhere amassing wealth to the detriment of the good people of Kogi. They can approve anything at the expense of Kogi people.

"Filling stations are being allowed to carry out indiscriminate siting of Gas Plant anywhere without following the rules of engagement. DPR are neither doing their oversight function nor performing their responsibility," Zacchaeus lamented.


He stressed that the people of Kogi were going through a lot of undue hardships while the filling stations were hoarding the fuel to sell at night as 'black market'.

He, therefore, called on the Minister of Petroleum, to as a matter of urgency dismantle the DPR management in Kogi and bring in a new workable team that would be perform their constitutional duty effectively.

Oworo District Hosts 2nd ODA Meeting as Excos Brainstorm for Okun Development

The Executive Committee of the Okun Development Association yesterday 11th December, 2017 held her 2nd meeting in  Unique International Hotel, Felele, Lokoja.

The the ODA National President Barr. Femi  Mokikan in his opening remark stated that the decision to have the meeting in Lokoja was informed by his campaign promise that meetings would be held on rotational bases among component districts. He appreciated the host district(Oworo) for accepting the challenge to bear the burden of hosting the meeting despite.

Barr. Mokikan thanked the Exco Members for various steps they have taken either as individual or team since the last meeting to ensure that ODA remains alive in the consciousness of every Okun person. He urged them to keep the momentum of good work, reminding all that the present Exco was urshered in with treamendeous and overwhelming goodwill and confidence which must be sustained and as such must  not fritter away.

The President further charged everyone to be up and doing as the tasks ahead is enormous. He concluded his remark by informing everyone that "today's meeting must produce some specific action plans that will be for execution from the first quarter of next year. As this is the only way we can continue to sustain the enthusiasm and support of our people and inspire others that are yet to key into the ODA aspirations.

The representative of the host district  (Oworo) who also doubles as the National Vice President (North) of ODA, Barr. Samuel J. Morito who was visibly elated thanked the president for making real his campaign promise of an all-inclussive administration, the result of which is the holding of ODA Exco meeting on Oworo land. In his words  Barr. Morito said "thank you for remembering us in Oworo District". He went further to thank the  Exco members present  for taking time to attend the meeting in Oworo land. He conveyed the greeting of the Olu of Oworo and the good people of Oworo to the meeting. He assured the ODA of the continuous support of the Oworo People.

The  next meeting will hold at a district and time to be decided. Please recall that the last meeting was
held on the 11th November, 2017 in Kabba(Kabba District).

*Olorunsuwa Elijah Ola*

OUR FATHER

Our father, *Deacon/Chief Titus Memonughon ARONIYO II* was born about 80 years ago, going by conservative estimation from events, being that the exact date is unknown. He was born into the Muslim family of Pa Aroniyo Ladani OLUJU and Mrs. Famohunle ARONIYO I.

Our father accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour and embraced Christianity as a way of life pretty early in his life, at which time he joined The Apostolic Church, Iluke Bunu. He started his primary education in Primary School, Iluke Bunu where he did primaries 1 to 4 between 1955 and 1958 before going to K.D.J.C.C. School Aiyetoro Gbede for his primaries 5 to 7 between 1959 and 1961. Over the following years and through the influence of former Secretary of Kogi Baptist Conference, late *Reverend J. I. Yakubu*, our father had changed his preferred Christian Denomination to the Baptist Church, attended Niger Baptist College, Minna; The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomosho and National Teachers’ Institute. These afforded him the opportunity to be trained both as an educational teacher and as a teacher of the Word of God.

Our father married his lovely wife, Mrs. R. M. Aroniyo II, on 23rd December, 1971.

Our father started his teaching career at the Holy Trinity Primary School, Lokoja – the first Primary School in Northern Nigeria, established in 1865. He continued his career in several schools in, and around Lokoja, including Army Children School, Lokoja, Mahadi Primary School, Lokoja and Primary School, Otube, Primary School, Agbaja; all until he returned to settle home in 1983. From then, his profession took him around Bunu Area of Kogi State as teacher and Headmaster until he retired.

Our father was ordained a Deacon in First Baptist Church, Lokoja on 20th November, 1983. He was made a Chief in Iluke on 15th December 1984.

Our father was Minister-in-charge First Baptist Church, Iluke in acting capacity for some years on different occasions, especially when Pastor Omonayin left. He later handed over to Pastor Fasoro as Pastor-in-Charge of the Church. He was also in charge of the Church from the departure of Pastor Ipinlaiye through the establishment Baptist Nursery School, Iluke which he led, and until the eventual establishment of Itesiwaju Baptist Church, Iluke Bunu, which he also led in January, 1995.
   
Our father was also the Regent of Iluke Bunu for some years after late Oba J. O. Medubi handed the community over to him and took time for his medical treatment. The king later passed-on and our father held sway until a new king, late Oba O. T. Alamiyo was appointed. All that followed are now history left only for history to assess.

Our father passed-on to Glory on Tuesday, 15th August, 2017.

If I have to summarize our father in a sentence, I will say he was a man thoroughly devoted to his principles.

Now here is the problem. I really didn’t think we would have to write about our father using the past tense, “was” or that he “passed-on” to Glory at this time. Perhaps we are still snoring while dusk turns to dawn and the day approaches noon! We might need to wake from deep sleep and snap out of self-deceit.

Our father was blessed with a wife, children, grandchildren and relatives. Our father was a faithful lover of them all and their friends.

Our father was blessed with ardent passion for the body of Christ, his teaching profession and his community. He cared about strangers and the needy. He took people’s problems as his. Before we understood him well, we wondered why it was as if he cared more for strangers, outsiders and groups than he did for us. How could food, money and materials that were inadequate at home be used to cater for groups’ needs even when no one asked for it? But it was one of the lessons we learnt from him and we are now trying to inculcate.

Our father was a teacher of many things. He taught most clearly by examples. His life was the motivation for our spiritual consciousness, moral conscience and social courage! He was a lover of truth. He thought us all the good traits we have and warned us against all the bad ones we picked up on our own.

Our father was a peacemaker, a problem solver. One of several typical examples was those days when there was crisis and, to resolve it, he decided to make a journey to meet the right people that would resolve the issue the best way possible. Some seemingly very powerful people warned him not to dare it. We also warned against it because, “it’s not exactly your business”. He went and problem was solved. How scared we all were when we saw his “if-I-do-not-return” message in Tarami Library!

On his return, he was almost stung by a scorpion in the evening at a place there shouldn’t have been a scorpion in the house. He killed it, went back to pick up the lantern from there, and another scorpion was waiting, alert, on the same spot. He killed, and playfully said he would go check the spot for the third… but the third was certainly right there. Only at the eighth time was there no scorpion waiting for him. Seven mysterious scorpions were killed on that same spot! Yet, he remained undiscouraged, undeterred and undaunted, believing that only God is omnipotent and NOBODY speaks and it comes to pass when He has not commanded it!

Our father drew his strength from God, the Holy Scripture and the guardian, mentorship and companionship of a great Man of God, Rev. J. I. Yakubu, of blessed memory. It was fascinating to see them discuss and decide family, church, community and other developmental issues from early evening till past midnight. We didn’t understand the extent of respect, trust, confidence reposed in each other until we began to find out one after another that Reverend actually decided the names for all our father’s children. Reverend named me – the first son – Eyitope; the second was Abilajo and to the only daughter, Reverend gave Adunni. Our father’s last born was shocked to learn that it was Reverend that gave both his first and middle names – Ibiseun Olawale!

Our father filed all the sheets of paper where Reverend Yakubu scribbled all these names in his own handwriting, with their English translations/explanations to go with them. Some of us saw them in Tarami Library over 20 years after they were written. We cannot be prouder of the relationship of these two. May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace in the bosom of our Lord.

These are not just what made our father so special and blessed.

Our father had the rare opportunity of preparing well for his death. His lifetime messages to us were reduced to three-point bullets. For decades, every single one of his advises, messages, letters and injunctions to us contained them, just so we never ever forget:

* *Proverbs 3 : 1 "My son, do not forget my laws; but let your heart keep my command".*

* *Remember the children of whom you are.*

* *You are the architect of your own future.*

We will never forget.

Our father called us – his children – a few years back, and shared “his inheritance”. For each of us, he brought out a copy of the Holy Bible from Tarami Library, wrote his farewell messages on the first pages and distributed. That was, that is, our inheritance. It only pleased God to add some more years to him as even he said he had spent more than the number of years he asked God to bless him with.

Our father lived his life, daily remembering The Last Day – the day of death – and warned all the do the same. He loved saying:

*"We must remember: a day is coming when we will pray and our prayers will go unanswered. We will fast and our fasting will come to naught. We will seek help but will not find. We will run helter skelter, we will weep and it will all be futile".*

Other times, he would say:

*"Remember a day your children, wife and husband will leave you to walk alone and lonely. All that will be left with you will be your deeds when you face God. If I die today, after one week, console my wife very well, she might be willing to take little food, even if it is a spoonful of pap".*

Certainly, his wife has eaten even more than pap. We have all found the strength to eat and laugh and work since he left us. Yet, his death still dazes as much as his life sobers us. One of his favorite Bible passages was:

1 Thessalonians 5 : 2 - 5:

2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.

3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.

4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.

5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

Our father had the rare opportunity to ask for forgiveness before God and his children from those he offended, from those he might have offended and, more importantly, from *THOSE HE NEVER OFFENDED*. Most importantly, our father had the rare privilege of forgiving all those who offended him whether they asked for it or not. To avoid doubts and to show how much this part of forgiveness meant to him, he wrote it down in Yoruba, with his own hands. His words with emphasis as he wrote it were:

*"Emi, Deacon Titus Memonughon Aroniyo II, ni ORUKO JESU KRISTI,  LATI ISEJU YI LO - mo dariji gbogbo awon ti o se mi. Olorun yio si je ki won ba Kristi pade, ki won si gbaa - ki ojo ti won naa to pe. Ki a le jo jogun ijoba orun.*

*Ko si enikan to seku-pami. Sugbon, mo wo omi aye, omi re ru, obe onje re si koro. Ede gbogbo aye si ti daru bi igba ti awon igbaini nko ile iso babeli. Igba-kigba ti eyin na ba palemo, ti esi kuro ninu okunkun aye yi, Olorun metalokan yio je ki a ribugbe wa lodo metalokan.*

*_Translation_*

*"I, Deacon Titus Memonughon Aroniyo II, in THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, from this minute on - forgive all those who have offended me. May God give them the privilege to meet Christ, and accept Him, before their own time is up too. So that we can inherit the Kingdom of Heaven together.*

*"Nobody caused my death. But I observed the waters of this life, it is troubled and its meal is bitter. The language of the whole world has confused like when the tower of Babel was being built. Whenever you all too prepare to leave the darkness of this world, may God the Trinity permit us to find our homes with Him."*

Our father called his last child a number of times asking him to come home so he could see him even if for once before he died. He couldn’t come to see him a year and half after our father asked. He eventually came at a convenient time for him… He met our father, wept, and prayed and hoped. And then our father passed on less than a week after that. He has been asking since our father passed on: “Baba, shouldn’t I have come? Were you waiting for my visit all along?”. Our father hasn’t responded.
It is a privilege that doesn’t quite go round. The privilege to know when the time’s up and prepare well for it. I hope we all have such a privilege.

ADIEU Baba
ADIEU Baba headi
ADIEU Baba Tarami
ADIEU Boda Titu
ADIEU our H.O.D!

Till we meet… and we shall!

*~Aroniyo Dayo-arose*
For Tarami Family.

PDP Convention: APC Jittery, Clutching On Straws- Kola Ologbondiyan

PDP PRESS STATEMENT


Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the spokesman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Malam Bolaji Abdulahi, wherein he criticized the conduct of the elective National Convention of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It is indeed laughable that the APC which has roundly failed in not only managing the affairs of the country but also its own internal issues would recourse to panic mode just because the PDP has succeeded in uniting its fronts by conducting of a very credible elective National Convention.

We were very much aware of the plots by the APC to scuttle the convention and failing it has resorted to a failed attempt to discredit an elective convention that has been adjudged as creditable, novel and laudable by political stakeholders and lovers of democracy across the nation.

This unwarranted attack is only symptomatic of a party that has lost control and only clutching on straws for survival having been outrightly rejected by Nigerians.

Is it not disgusting, reprehensible and embarrassing that the APC that has repeatedly failed to hold meetings, congresses and convention in the last three years and has flagrantly continued to violate its own constitution is questioning our party’s rights to perform her legitimate and constitutional obligation?

Perhaps APC leaders have never read Article 25 (A)(i) of their party’s Constitution which stipulates that “the National Convention of the party (APC) shall be held once in two years at a date, venue and time to be recommended by the National Working Committee (NWC) and approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) subject to the giving of the statutory notices to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and at least 14 days notice given to members eligible to attend.”

Which impunity could be higher than APC violating its constitution?  It is strange that APC could be moralizing on the principles of social justice whereas its actions against Nigerians are a complete departure from the norms.

It is important for this spokesman of a failed party and his pack of incompetent members to reminisce on the needless pains and suffering they have inflicted on Nigerians rather than being jittery over the successful outcome of the PDP’s elective national convention.

Nigerians have come to discover that APC is a fraud, an organization of deceitful characters who have failed to keep a single of its countless promises made to the citizens.

It is no longer news that the nation is drifting under APC and the PDP has come to the rescue. We must therefore remind the APC that the era of deceit, trickery and scaremongering, which has been the hallmarks of their government, is gone and Nigerians are just waiting to kick them out come 2019.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

Herdsmen strike again in Kogi, kill 10 as Gov. Bello reject anti-grazing law

It was a bloody Friday in Kogi State as some suspected Fulani herdsmen invaded two local government councils killing 10 persons and then set their farm land ablaze.

The incident took place in Omala and Yagba West local government councils.

According to an eye witness, some Fulani herdsmen invaded Ogabifo village near Agbenema community in Omala local government council of the state on Friday with their cattle.

According to the source, “the Fulani herdsmen invaded the farmland and fed their cattle with the produce of the farm, and when the owner of the farm with his family approached them, they attacked the farmer and his family and chased them to the village where about 10 people were killed.”

It was further gathered that after invading the village, the Fulani herdsmen went back to the farm and destroyed their crops and then ran away.

A source, name withheld said the Fulani herdsmen numbering 5 were fully armed with AK 47 and other dangerous weapons.

The source also confirmed to DAILY POST that the villagers have ran away from their various houses as the Fulani herdsmen promised to invade the village again.

In another similar incident, Fulani herdsmen have also invaded another farm land in Yagba West local government council of the state.

An eye witnessed account disclosed to DAILY POST that the Fulani herdsmen with over 30 cattle invaded a rice farm owned by a woman in Omi, destroyed the rice farm and chased farmers from their farm land.

A farmer, who doesn’t want his identity disclosed revealed that the Fulani herdsmen were fully armed when they arrived the farm land.

He added that other farmers were in their farm working when the heard several gun shots.

It could be recalled that the Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello last week had said that he will not introduce any anti grazing law to curtail the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the state.

The governor during a tripartite stakeholders meeting between the state government, the Miyyeti Allah Cattle Rearers’ Association and the Farmers Association in Kogi State, rather threw the gate of the state open to Fulani herdsmen.

He said the state was ready not only to accommodate them but also provide security for their lives and property.

Governor Bello said that the people of the state must go and learn how to coexist peacefully with the cattle rearers.

The governor also read riot acts to the traditional rulers, in the state vowing to adopt all available means to punish them if they fail to instil discipline and prevent further breakdown of law and order in their domain.

“My administration will deal with any traditional ruler any where there is crisis, the traditional ruler will be removed or dethroned from office,” he warned.

When contacted, the Kogi State Police Public Relation officer, ASP William Ayah could not confirm the incident.

He said he will contact the affected local government DPO’s to get information about the incident and get back to our correspondent.

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