Kogi Lawmakers Gang Up Against Yahaya Bello

• Kogi Lawmakers Gang Up Against Yahaya Bello

Warn Him Not To Sell State Assets

All three Senators from Kogi State have warned against Governor Yahaya Bello not to embark on plans to sell properties belonging to the state government.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the lawmakers who came under the umbrella of SAVE KOGI PROJECT vow to resist move by the state governor to trade away the common patrimony of the people of Kogi State under the guise of privatization policy.

The lawmakers believe the plan is ill-fated and designed to steal from the people.

Inaugurating the Executive members of SAVE Kogi Project,  Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) who doubles as the Chairman of the group wonders why the state government which has not added anything to projects inherited since it came to power now wants to sell off what it inherited.

Melaye questions recent verification of civil servants in the state; arguing that despite spending a whopping sum of N1 billion, nothing has come out of the exercise.

"Of what essence was the verification of Kogi Workers that after spending a whopping N1 billion, nothing came out of the exercise", he said.

Melaye blames current crisis in Kogi on the lukewarm attitude of the Presidency and the leadership of All Progressive Congress, (APC).

He said the decision of INEC to transfer Yahaya Bello's temporary voter card to Okenni underscores his claims that Bello was not qualified to contest as governor from the start.

Speaking, Senator Atai Aidoko said 'Save Kogi Project', has become necessary to quickly rescue Kogi from abysmal failure of leadership in the state, pointing out that Kogi has never had it so bad.

Also joining forces in the gang up to root Yahaya Bello from office are former Senator Mohammed Ohiare and Senator Ahmed Ogbembe representing Kogi Central.

Even though Ogbembe was not at the meeting, he sent a representation.

The lawmakers were unanimous in the verdict to wrest power from Yahaya Bello and what they describe as a reign of bad leadership in the state.

They vow to confront Bello using every available legal means to achieve their aim.

Kogi is in Nigeria's North Central!

Save Kogi Group Announces formation to salvage the State from recklessness.

• SAVE KOGI PROJECT LAUNCHES OUT TO THE RESCUE OF KOGI STATE

By Gideon Ayodele


An organization under the name "Save Kogi Project" has began a campaign of like minds in effort to salvage Kogi state from total collapse.
The Save Kogi Project is an initiative of creating voice Foundation For rapid development in the struggle to restore Kogi State.

The Director General of the organization,  Comrade Friday Sanni in his remark expresed delight to welcome all despite the short notice. "Your presence here is a strong demonstration of your earnest desire for the betterment of Kogi State. Our main purpose for this gathering is to formally announce the formation of the SAVE KOGI PROJECT and to draw the attention of well meaning Nigerians to the State of affairs in our State".

Comrade Friday Sanni went further to say that "Save Kogi Project (SKP) is an initiative formed to enlist the support of critical stake holders towards addressing the prevailing adverse social, political and economic issues bedeviling the State; the situation is well known to all and it has become an embarrassment to all sons and daughters of Kogi State, both at home and abroad.  The current situation in Kogi State is very pathetic, regrettable and undesirable for the future of the state as public workers salaries in the state has not been paid for over 15 months, medical workers are on strike, Primary schools not functioning, Kogi state university working on zero account, while there is massive hunger, illnesses, wide spread diseases and rising death rate across the 21 Local Government Areas".

"The enlistment of critical stakeholders in this project is purely based on the antecedents of individual commitment to rescue the state through a new revival project. It is also no longer news that sometimes last year 2017, the sacred chambers of Kogi State House Assembly was defiled by hoodlums who came to attack and attempted to KILL comrade Friday Sani, member representing Igalamela/Odolu and up till this day no police report, no arrest and no prosecution. Similarly, one of the few hopes of the hopeless in Kogi State, a man who have been so cardinal to this project and many other people oriented projects in Kogi State Distinguish Senator Dino Melaye of Nigeria narrowly escaped death on two occasions and up to this day, this obvious fact about this unholy act are all about to be subverted. It is also a fact that majority of our stakeholders in both political parties can no longer go home as usual for politicking".

"Recently, some elder statesmen from Kogi state were equally attacked in an attempt to hold party meetings e.g. Sen. Alex Kadiri, Arch. Gabriel Aduku, and the former chairman of Dekina Local Government Hon. Adejo Akowe who still suffers bullet injuries. In the same vain some of our elders from central senatorial district were locked up in a guard room within government house, just like the zonal chairmen of the PDP honorable Mohammed Barga was also locked up in a guard room within government house instead of police stations or police custody as permitted by law. Additionally, we have reasons to still recall all the attacks on Distinguish Hon. James Faleke for no just reasons".

"Kogi State has come to a messy situation, where the government has become directionless, aimless and lack commitment to the people and the future development of the state. As concerned citizens and stakeholders of the state, we have initiated this project and invited leaders of like minds on board to promote and protect the future of the State which Governor Yahaya Bello is making all possible attempt to mortgage. This is apparent and demonstrated from his reckless conduct of public financial activities, particularly on the bailout fund, Paris Club Refund Fund and the billions already borrowed in form of loans from commercial banks. This is further compounded by his recent plans to sell all the assets belonging to Kogi State
Considering the future benefits of this project and our planned activities for the enhancement of Kogi State, we are welcoming all on board for the overall achievement of our goals.

"However, we wont be surprised if after this initiative to salvage our dear State, the State government as usual would result to spending more 60million naira daily for public misinformation in the media, especially in leadership newspaper, a medium that has been turned to a shareholder of our state resources in advertorials worth multimillions of Kogi fund. Worthy of public information, let me report officially that an Ebira man yesterday was arrested and the subsequent killing of same by the Yahaya Bello Soldiers. About 4 days ago, the Fulani that Yahaya Bello invited into the State, went into late Pa Salis Daniyans farm in Mopa-Muro Local Government, they injured the guards and went away with Cattles worthy hundreds of millions. The protection of live and property, which is mandatory for any government is no longer a priority and duty to the present government of Kogi State"

"Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is just simply failing on a noble responsibility and his anti peoples conduct in Kogi state must be addressed and corrected for the future benefit of our people, the Save Kogi Project is therefore a child of circumstance. It is devoid of political party sentiment, tribal and religious differences".

"This Organization will serve as a political demands group to salvage the suffering on the faces of our people, uniting all political groups and also fight against all injustices in Kogi State.

in his conclusion he said "We wish to appreciate everyone present here today for your patience and readiness to champion the course of bringing Kogi State back on track".

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sen. Dino Melaye in his address said that the organization will do everything  within the ambit of law to bring back sanity into governance in Kogi State.
He said that the present governor of Kogi State is a replical of King Herod. He urged all kogites to take judicial notice of his resent transfer of his PVC, which further shows that Yahaya Bello in the first instance was not eligible to contest governorship position in the state.

Melaye assured kogites that the stolen mandate of the people shall be returned, while all monies stolen by Edward Onoja, Yahaya Bello and their cronnies shall be returned to the last kobo.
Senator Dino Melaye also observed that despite that Yahaya Bello have not in the over two years in office,  initiated any project,  he is attempting to sell the ones he inherited.
On the cattle colony, Melaye said that it shall not stand in Kogi State.

Another senior legislator who is equally one of the Board of Trustees,  senator Attai Aidoko said that the movement will be a peaceful one,  no violence and pledge his full support and also urged all kigites to rise up to this worthy call to rescue Kogi State.

We're Dying, Pay Our Salaries, Kogi Workers Tell Governor

Workers in Kogi State have asked Governor Yahaya Bello to disclose where their salaries are.

Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state, Onu Edoka, spoke on behalf of the workers on Friday at an event to mark the 40th anniversary of the union in the country.

Workers in Kogi were paid 60 per cent of five months’ salary arrears last December and had yet to be paid January salaries.

Edoka, in a keynote address said, “Your Excellency, workers said I should ask you where our salaries are. As obedient servants, we are dying. As people who have contributed their quota in the development of the state and have left service, we are dying.

“To this end, we wish to compassionately appeal to you. We are aware that allocation came to Kogi State last month and by the statement of the Commissioner for Finance, what came as allocation to the state was put at N4.3bn while local governments got N3.8bn. But up until this moment, no salary has been paid in Kogi.  Let our own not drop into River Niger again (sic).”

Edoka equally used the forum to speak on the alleged premature retirement of some workers, proscription of labour unions and the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by medical doctors in the state.

He said, “You will agree with me that appointment in this government has been upside down in the sense that junior workers are placed above seniors.

“Medical doctors in Kogi have been on strike for over one month. Mothers, children are dying at home.  For this obvious fact, we appeal to the state government to call our doctors to a meeting and bring this mater to an end.

“Why the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress have not joined the strike is because we have come to the realisation that strike may not be the solution to our problems any more.  It is all about the person who is the chief executive and his state of mind on the development and welfare of workers.

“The proscription of unions in Kogi is completely detrimental to the progress of democracy, unacceptable to the Nigeria Labour Congress and completely illegal, and we shall not stand by it.

“We will speak for the voiceless and the same voice will still speak again.  We shall resist it with the last drop of our blood to see that we will not be tamed in any form or turned beggars in our state.”

In his response, Bello said that the ongoing fight against corruption across the country would achieve greater success if organised labour strengthened itself and worked with the government to fish out corrupt officials.

Bello urged the NLC to fight for the welfare of Nigerian workers and play the role of whistle-blower to assist government in bringing corrupt officials to justice.

The governor, who was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Simon Achuba, congratulated labour on its 40th anniversary and enjoined its leadership to always stand for what is good for workers and the country.

55 days gone in 2018, February is running out yet January salary is yet to be paid.  Workers last paid 60 percent of 4/5 months in December 2017.

Credit: The Punch

APC has again reaffirmed the authenticity of the Kogi State Alhaji Haddy Ametuo-led Excos

AGAIN, APC NATIONAL WORKING COMMITTEE CONFIRMS KOGI STATE AMETUO-LED EXCO AS AUTHENTIC
**AS TINUBU BLASTS OYEGUN FOR ATTENDING KOGI MEGA RALLY

The National Working Committee, NWC, members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, have further reaffirmed the authenticity of the Kogi State Alhaji Haddy Ametuo-led state executive committee.

This was contained in a statement on Thursday by the party’s spokesman, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.

Bolaji, said; “The NWC has reaffirmed that Alhaji Haddy Ametuo remains the Chairman of the APC in the state until the appropriate organ of the party decides otherwise in accordance with the party’s constitution.”

The meeting of the NWC which lasted for about seven hours was led by the National Chairman of the Party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and was attended by majority of the NWC members.

In a related development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has accused National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun of frustrating reconciliation efforts in the ruling party.

He said the chairman had compounded the challenge of reconciliation by taking “improper unilateral decisions” on issues affecting national and state chapters.

Tinubu added that Odigie- Oyegun had refused to cooperate by delaying the release of information critical to the resolution of crises in state chapters.

The former Lagos State Governor made the observations in a February 21 letter to Odigie-Oyegun, .titled: “Actions and conduct weakening the party from within”, copies of which were sent to President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

Tinubu was appointed by President Buhari on February 6 to reconcile party leaders and political office holders where there are crises.

On February 14, Tinubu visited Odigie-Oyegun and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) at the National Secretariat to seek support for the assignment.

Tinubu said while the chairman had allowed the crises in the chapters to fester by his refusal to take appropriate actions, his decision to take some “inappropriate unilateral decisions” in recent times in the affected chapters had created fresh difficulties for the reconciliation process.

Citing Kogi and Kaduna states, Tinubu said Oyegun’s hasty decision to inaugurate a parallel state executive committee for Kogi State and his indifference to the leadership tussle in the Kaduna chapter led to “demolition of property and threat of violence”.

Tinubu said: “Drawing from your behaviour in Kogi, Kaduna and with regard to the state chapter assessment requested, I am led to the inference that you have no intention of actually supporting my assignment.

The former Lagos State governor accused the chairman of “lack of openness and fairness, which have led to internal crisis in some states’, stressing that the principles of internal democracy and the “institutions of the party” have been undermined.

Urging Oyegun to ponder on the imperative of laying a good legacy, Tinubu advised him to change tactics and work within the confines of the party constitution.

Recall that, despite the appointment of Tinubu by President Buhari with a charge to reconcile aggrieved party members nationwide, the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, went ahead to announced the constitution of new APC state executive and went further to invite Oyegun to commission a parallel party secretariat along the popular Murtala Muhammed Way, Lokoja, Saturday, 17  February.

Fresh N10bn NHIS Scam: APC Government Stinks - PDP

The People Democratic Party through the office of National Publicity Secretary had said the Presidency Has No Honour Left for deceiving Nigerians while corrupt practices is the order of the day in government agencies.


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Presidency has no honour left after reports that it concealed a N10 billion theft perpetrated by its officials at the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).


It said the nation is being shoved to the precipice as the Buhari Presidency's incompetence manifest in the daily activities of government.


The party also described as the height of official hypocrisy for a government that is superintending over illegal withdrawals and outright stealing of funds meant for the welfare of the people yet brashly parading itself as champion of anti-corruption.


The PDP, in a statement issued on Monday, by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said it was shocking that the NHIS money was siphoned through the Federal Government Treasury Single Account (TSA) in the Central Bank of Nigeria which is under the direct purview of the Presidency.

The party said the only reason for the concealment was because the Presidency was complicit, while the stolen fund is being used to service an anti-people cabal brazenly operating in the Buhari-led Presidency.

Nigerians can now see the level of debauchery associated with this administration. It is appalling that a government can be so depraved that it superintended over the stealing of money meant to provide healthcare for the citizens.

We challenge the Presidency to speak out on this report as well as similar reported sleazes that has occurred under its watch.

Who in the Presidency authorized the withdrawal of the money from the TSA and who are the beneficiaries thereof?


What has the Presidency to say about revelations that it ordered the reinstatement of the indicted Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Prof. Yusuf Usman, to help conceal this illegal withdrawals and shield members of the presidency cabals involved in the deal?

Until and unless the Presidency clears its name by investigating, exposing and prosecuting those involved, it must directly be held responsible for this wicked act against Nigerians, who daily suffer hunger, depravation and death owing to the corruption in the APC government.

We hereby invite Nigerians and the international community to also note the refusal of the Buhari Presidency to act on the leaked memo showing corrupt oil contracts at the NNPC to the tune of N9 trillion ($25billion dollars) in a sector under President Buhari’s direct supervision as Minister of Petroleum?


The Presidency has also failed to offer explanations on the alleged involvement of its officials in various sneaky oil subsidy deals as well as reported diversion of N1.1trillion worth of crude last year to service APC interests.


Nigerians are aware that the Presidency has continued to shield fraudulent cabinet ministers including those known for extorting funds from agencies under them in addition to those indicted for corrupt enrichment.

Indeed, this government stinks and has irredeemably lost all honour.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

Angry youth attack Gov. Bello's Aide in Mopamuro

By Adeola Oladele.

A senior appointee of Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello narrowly escaped being lynched by an irate mob in Mopa.

The ugly incident happened in around the premises of All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Mopa, Mopamuro local government area of Kogi State. The APC stakeholders from the local government held a strategy meeting at the party secretariat to fine-tune logistics for the upcoming Mega rally of the party. The stakeholders, largely appointees of Governor Bello, didn’t have a smooth meeting as allegations and counter-allegations were hurled freely.

The major bone of contention was the way ten (10) motorcycles sent to Mopamuro local government by one Hon Bolu were shared. It was alleged that a particular appointee from Mopamuro singlehandedly hijacked five and dashed it out to family members. The accused appointee however defended himself, saying the 10 motorcycles were meant for members of his group. He equally alleged that the local government administrator, Hon. Sunday David was aware of the conditions. The Administrator, who was present at the meeting, denied prior knowledge of the shady distribution. He said there is no other group in Mopamuro other than the APC, stressing that the 10 motorcycles should have been shared one par ward.

A stakeholder in the meeting, Hon. Segun Alaiyemola a.k.a Alfa, raised a point of order during the meeting. He stated that it is only the Administrator and Ademola Bello a.k.a Destiny and Kingsley Fanwo that are holding the party in Mopamuro. He said others are 419 and stingy.

At this point, thugs attached to the senior appointee who allegedly diverted motorcycles started raising their voices to cause trouble but they were over-powered by angry party youths and supporters. They were given community beating while the accused appointee ran towards his official car. The appointee was dragged by the angry youths who demanded that he return the diverted motorcycles. It took the intervention of other stakeholders to save him from the irate mob.

The fracas drew mockery from supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the local government. For those who know Mopa very well, the APC Secretariat is opposite LG Secretariat, so it was an open display of shamelessness. A particular PDP supporter asked derisively, “these are the same people who said we don’t know how to manage people and issues, are they better with this crisis,” he mocked.

The silent but serious factionalization of APC among appointees of Yahaya Bello from Mopamuro is damaging the party on a daily basis. There is no gainsaying the fact that the opposition PDP is not in any way afraid of APC. Aside Aiyeteju, ward 4, ward 5 and probably Takete Ide axis, APC may find it difficult to shake ground in Mopamuro come 2019 elections.

The commissioner and her faction has a lot to do. Aside wriggling through discontent that she is from Ayere in Ijumu local government, she has to do more to win the confidence of her people. In her ward, nine executive members of APC decamped to become executive members in opposition party, PDP

MEGA RALLY: KOGI APC ORDERS COUNCIL ADMINISTRATORS TO HIRE CROWD, AS GOV. BELLO CHARTERS HELICOPTER

BY AMUDA DAN SULAIMAN FAB

The desperation of Governor Yahaya Bello’s faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State has moved to compel all the 21 local government Administrators in the state to rent 500 persons from each council area to attend the party’s mega rally held at the Conference Stadium, Lokoja, yesterday, bringing the total figure of the rented crowd from the councils at 10,500.

The directive to rent the crowd, according to our findings, was conveyed to the council Administrators in a text message sent to their telephone lines last week.

The message reads: “Dear Administrator, directive from leadership that all Administrators MUST mobilize 500 people each from their LG to the state APC mega rally at Confluence Stadium, Lokoja on 17/2/2018 by 10am. Please all Administrators MUST be in attendance.”

Aggrieved party sources said the directive will cost tax-payers a whooping sum of N210million or more because each local government has already voted N10million each for the event.

It was also gathered that the cost could be more as some council Administrators also seize such opportunity to pad the figures up and fill their own pockets.

On its part, the state government, aside the purchase of a trailer load of textile materials with President Muhammadu Buhari and Bello’s inscription on the clothes also chartered an helicopter that airlifted the APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun from Abuja to Obajana.

Upon the millions of naira expended for the mega rally, only Alhaji Yahaya Karaku, former Okene Local Government Council Chairman defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to APC at the event yesterday.

Indeed, the youths mobilized to the mega rally were paid N5,000 each as appearance fee.

This is happening in a State where workers have not been paid their salaries for several months. Teachers are still been owed many months salaries.

The Lokoja township roads where millions of naira was invested into by the past administration have been abandoned due to “lack of  fund”, yet the governor has the fund to rent crowd for his endorsement for second term.

It is really true that a man with ambition can act desperately.
copied

I Remain the state APC Chairman- Alh Haddy Ametuo

The Kogi state APC Chairman, Alh. Haddy Ametuo has reacted to the news flying around that he and 38 others have been removed from office.

In a statement released by the state Chairman, he said the committee report was not approved at the last zonal exco meeting and as such he and others still remain the state exco of the party.

Read excerpt:

Our attention has been drawn to newspaper report claiming that the apc has removed myself and 38 others from the party.

The newspaper report is fraudent,ill conceived and terminological inexactitude.

The committee's report, which is inspired by SAP-induced mentality, was not approved at the last zonal EXCO  meeting.

The displayed was signed one third of the total  members of the zonal EXCO .

The general public especially members of the party in the state should disregard this report. It is premature and ultra bored.

Our president, Muhammad Buhari has appointed our highly reverred national leader, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu  to resolve all the crises in the party.

You are hereby informed that no executive member has been removed. I, Alh Haddy Ametuo remains the state chairman of our great party in kogi state.

I urge you all to remain more resolute, steadfast and committed to the emancipation of kogites  from mental, socio economic  slavery.

Thank you  all.

FG vs Melaye: Senator storms court to collect service papers

Senator Dino Melaye was at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja Thursday afternoon to personally collect  process charge of a suit instituted against him by the Federal Government for allegedly misinforming and misleading the police by reporting attempts on his life.

Speaking with journalists at the court premises,the Senator representing Kogi West  said to avoid been accused of evading service of court charge after a court bailiff had sworn to an affidavit alleging he did not want to be served.

He said as a law abiding Nigerian, he has no reason to evade being served court charge, so he has to come down to the court to be personally served.

"Basically I was told by a staff in my office that a bailiff was in my office last Friday to serve me some process and they told the bailiff I have not been around. That was the only time any bailiff came to my office.

"So, I informed my lawyers who actually came to court to verify. They were told by that the bailiff swore to an affidavit that he had been to my office three times and did not find me and that a the motion for the charge was moved and granted.

"As a law abiding Nigerian, that gave an impression that I am evading service. So, I quickly came here myself to prove that I am not evading service.

"I am a responsible Nigerian. I am not afraid to face trial and I believe in the judiciary in this country. I believe in the court. I am here and have been duly served. I want to say that at the the end of the day justice shall prevail.", he said.

When asked of his perception of the charge against him, Melaye said "the charge is frivolous".

Recalled that on Tuesday this week, Senator Melaye had at plenary brought to the notice of the Senate a report in both Sahara Reporters online medium and The Nation newspaper on Sunday that the Federal Government through the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN is instituting a case against him for misleading the police after he had reported attempt on his life.

RE: "BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE" OPEN LETTER TO HON. TEEJAY YUSUF "

Prominent members of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency yesterday  reacted to an open letter "BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE" published online to attack the person of Hon.  Teejay Yusuf, member representing the federal constituency. The letter which was said to have been authored on behalf of APC Women Leaders in the constituency has been described as malicious and rancorous in nature and far from the truth.

The open letter accused Hon. Teejay Yusuf of unequal distribution of constituency empowerment materials and developmental projects among constituents with PDP members benefiting more than the APC members.

In a statement released and signed, prominent members of the constituency said the open letter is nothing but a fruitless effort to rubbish the hard-earned reputation of Hon. Teejay Yusuf and also accused the author of being a ghost hiding behind the scene to deceive the good people of the constituency for selfish gain.

The statement said one will wonder if developmental projects such as installation of  Transformers and Motorised Boleholes in various communities in the constituency as executed by Hon. Teejay Yusuf has anything to do with party PDP or APC?

One must not be a member of PDP or APC to enjoy the electricity generated from transformers.

The accusation is not only myopic in reasoning but also satanic in nature.

Read excerpt:

"Our attention has been drawn to a malicious news release in some Kogi-based news portal against the person, and office of Hon. TeeJay Yusuf, Member representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.

The said release purportedly issued by one Ikusagba Esther Omoyeni on behalf of APC Women Leaders in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, is nothing but a bogus effort and pedestrian attempt to rubbish the hard-earned credibility, integrity and image of our very dear conscientious and resourceful Hon. TeeJay Yusuf.

As beneficiaries of the numerous development programmes and empowerment initiative of Hon. TeeJay Yusuf, since 2011, we make bold to declare that the said article authored by a faceless and shadowy character (who from background checks is not known by the APC in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency), is blatantly baseless, ingeniously futile, and outright falsehood. It is puerile in content, reckless in delivery, spuriously tendentious, banal in logic, warped in reasoning and kindergarten in language. The true worth of the article is that it is ONLY fit for juvenile tales by moonlight.

Having properly situate where the article ought to be placed – the abyss, dust, it is imperative to use this medium to educate and inform the ghost-like “spokesperson of APC Women Leaders in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency” about the numerous empowerment initiatives of Hon. TeeJay Yusuf and strategic projects he has facilitated to our constituency since 2011. Perhaps we need to remind the faceless author and others in her Group that, prior to Hon. TeeJay Yusuf’s emergence as a Federal Legislator, those before him; since 1999, either as Rep. or Senator in Okunland, always sing songs of “not possible” deceiving the people that projects and initiatives are far beyond their reach. Thankfully, in strict adherence to his pledge for sincerity, selfless service and performance, Hon. TeeJay Yusuf opened our eyes.

God used him to expose the deceit, lies and serial betrayal of our past Legislators.
We know; and it is true that, Hon. TeeJay Yusuf built Skill Acquisition Centres in Okebukun, Iyara and Okedayo; ICT Centres in Ogidi, Okoro Gbedde and Kabba; Blocks of Classrooms in Ekinrin Adde. To improve infrastructure, many communities have benefitted from Solar Street Lights, Solar Boreholes and Transformers donated/distributed by our amiable Hon. TeeJay Yusuf. In education, many of our children are beneficiaries of scholarship; students participate in his yearly summer school studies and Quiz competition; regular financial support to indigent students and so on.

All the above mentioned executed projects such as installation of transformers, solar boreholes, street lights and construction of classrooms are for the good of all members of the constituency regardless of the party they belong because you don't have to belong to any party to enjoy electricity generated from transformers or make use of clean treated water from boreholes.

Through him some of our unemployed Youths got jobs in Federal Agencies; entrepreneurial, vocational and agricultural training for some youths and women. It is on record that no Legislator; since 1999, has impacted our people through various empowerment initiative more than Hon. TeeJay Yusuf.

We know, and it is true that, in the location of projects and distribution of empowerment materials, the principles of equity and fairness are strictly adhered to by Hon. TeeJay. We know, and it is true that, ALL the Thirty Wards of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency have benefitted from one or more of Hon. TeeJay Yusuf’s project/empowerment initiative.

While we counsel the fictitious Ikusagba Esther Omoyeni to stop “her” (doubt if she is a woman) campaign of calumny, misinformation, deceit, nefarious propaganda and inglorious hatchet job, we advise the good people of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency to be very wary of the antics of such character.

To our hardworking, resourceful and responsive Hon. TeeJay Yusuf, we encourage him not to be deterred by the theatrics of very few and neglible people whose agenda is to dissuade him, set him against other Legislators from Okunland and sow seed of discord between him and his Constituents. We encourage him to continue to offer purposeful representation and quality service to the good people of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.

Signed:

Olu Rotimi Ajayi
Ojo Amupitan
Kabiru Abdulaziz

Senate digs into Melaye’s trial, as Saraki insists FG can't intimidate senators

By Gideon Ayodele

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki has again maintained that lawmakers will not be intimated.

Saraki stated this yesterday on the floor of the Senate, while reacting to a point of order raised by Senator Dino Melaye, on his trial by the Federal Government, said the Red Chamber will continue to defend democracy.

The Senate President also took a swipe at unnamed officials of the Federal Government.

He said their action is damaging the government, rather than helping it. He said their actions are not in the interest of the country’s democracy.

Saraki said: “Senator Dino Melaye, your points are well noted and I do not see how the issue of arraignment can be a way forward in a matter like this. But be that as it may, I want us all to continue to defend democracy and fight for what is right and I can assure you that this institution will continue to stand for what is right.

“Those who think that they are helping the government, but sometimes they are doing things that are not in the interest of this democracy. I think they need to do what is right for the interest of all of us. But for sure, what is wrong is wrong. I think those who are looking at this will have a review and do what is right.”

Melaye, had in his earlier motion, vowed to always criticise President Buhari and the Federal Government. He said his trial will not stop him from speaking truth to power.

He said: “If this arrangement in Kogi state is to stop me from criticising the federal government, they have committed a capital compound mistake. I shall continue to speak. I shall continue to ask questions. I shall continue to criticise any public officer, including the president of Nigeria where he has gone wrong.

“I have conquered fear and I am not afraid of the prison. The last administration arrested me 14 times. The Abacha and Babangida’s governments detained me. I am not afraid of the prison. It is built because of human beings. But we will continue to speak the truth, not minding whose ox is gored.

“In an unjust society silence is a crime. The battle to bring Nigeria back on track from these criminals in power is a battle of no retreat no surrender. I am ready to face the Federal Government on this matter. I will fight it with the last drop of my blood. No retreat, no surrender" Melaye submitted.

Shomolu/Bariga Youths urged Hon. ADEMORIN KUYE to run for house of Representatives

Youth leaders in Shomolu Bariga federal constituency of Lagos State has called on Hon. ADEMORIN ALIU KUYE to run for house of representatives comes 2019.

The youths under the auspicies of Shomolu /Bariga youth leaders forum came up with the resolution at a meeting in Lagos.

In a communique signed by the leader of the group,  Honourable SANNI SALAU OGEMBE, The youths said Hon. ADEMORIN Kuye is earnestly needed haven demonstrated capacity and leadership at various level where he served.

They expressed confidence that the federal constituency will experience development under his reign as a member respresenting the area.

The youths therefore,  called on Hon. ADEMORIN ALIU KUYE to answer the clarion call on him to serve them at the federal house of representatives.

The youths promised to mobilize and garner support to ensure that the dreams of having a better representation at the national level comes to reality.

My Arraignment Can't Stop Me From Criticising FG - Melaye

BY BODE GBADEBO AND SOLOMON AYADO, Abuja


The Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has said that his planned arraignment by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), for allegedly misleading the Nigeria Police in a case of alleged assassination attempt on his life, will not stop him from constructively criticising the Federal Government whenever the need arises.


Recall that the Federal Government through the AGF and the Minister of Justice, Malami, had on Sunday announced plan to arraing Melaye on Thursday, March 1, 2018 for allegedly giving false information to the Police and allegedly framing the Chief of Staff to the Kogi State governor, Edward Onoja, on the failed attempt on his life.


Speaking at the Senate plenary yesterday under personal explanation, Melaye noted that when the failed attempt on his life was made in 2017 at his country home in Kogi state, the Police naturally asked him who and who were the suspects, to which he gave the names of those who were apparently after his life given their previous utterances and the Police subsequently made some arrests and guns were recovered from the suspects.


The lawmaker said he wondered why the Federal Government will turn around to accuse him of giving false information in a matter that is still ongoing before a Kogi State High Court in Lokoja.



"If this arraignment is to stop me from criticising the Federal government, they have committed a capital compound mistake. I shall continue to speak, I shall continue to ask questions, I shall continue to criticise any public officer including the President of Nigeria where he has gone wrong.


"I have conquered fear and I am not afraid of the prison. The last administration arrested arrested me 14 times. The Abacha and Babangida governments detained me. I am not afraid of the prison, it is built because of human beings but we will continue to speak the truth not minding whose ox is gored.


"In an unjust society, silence is a crime. The battle to bring Nigeria back on track from these criminals in power is a battle of no retreat no surrender and I am ready to face the Federal Government on this matter, I will fight it with the last drop of my blood, no retreat no surrender," Melaye said.


Reacting to Melaye's explanations at plenary, the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, said "your points are well noted and I do not see how the issue of arraignment can be a way forward in a matter like this but be that as it may, I want us all to continue to defend democracy and fight for what is right and I can assure you that this institution will continue to stand for what is right and those who think that they are helping the government but sometimes they are doing things that are not in the interest of this democracy and I think they need to do what is right for the interest of all of us but for sure what is wrong is wrong and I think those who are looking at this will have a review and do what is right."

Address the rot you brought upon Kogi and stop being an errand boy-CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has told the governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to address the rot, which he had allegedly brought upon the state, instead of making unguarded comments.

The association advised Bello to focus on rescuing his state from the grip of kidnappers instead of “trying to be the President’s errand boy.”

Bello had on Friday told the Catholic bishops that visited President Buhari on Thursday that only looters and those that carried the country’s funds in private jets to South Africa were angry with the current administration.

The media aide to CAN President, Pastor Bayo Oladeji, said that Bello had the rights to express himself, but insisted that what the bishops told the President was the truth about the situation in the country.

He added that the CAN leadership, had raised similar issues with Buhari during a visit in November last year, adding that what the President told the delegation was what he re-echoed during the Catholic Bishops’ visit.

Oladeji, who spoke with Punch on the matter, added that Bello should keep quiet if he had nothing sensible to say.

According to him, “If he (Bello) says some people were looking for free money, he should keep quiet if he has nothing to say.

“Under his watch, people are committing suicide and he has refused to pay workers.

“If he is the one that would be running to Abuja to defend the President, then something is wrong somewhere.

“Go to his (Bello’s ) state and see what is happening there; Okene is now the headquarters of kidnapping.

“If the welfare of his people is not his concern, he shouldn’t force the President to follow in his steps. If he wants to become the President’s errand boy, he should resign and relocate to Abuja.”

IJUMU APDA INAUGURATE EXECUTIVES

The Advanced People's Democratic Alliance(APDA) has inaugurated the Executive of Ijumu chapter during the weekend at its newly acquired office at iyara.

The inauguration of the executives of the local government was supretended by the representative of the National Chairman of the party Comrade Tosin Adeyanju, the National Publicity Secretary of the party who happen to come from same local government as well.

The inauguration have all local government executives, ward chairmen, Secretary, women leaders,youth leaders and party leaders accross the 15 wards withing the local government. The inauguration was carnival like that the whole of Iyara was agog and happy about the new alternative party that will bring an end to non payment of workers salaries and pensions in the state.

The Publicity Secretary charged the newly inaugurated executives to begin mobilisation and registration of new members from the unit level so as to prepare for the task of 2019 elections that we are confident of winning due to bad governance by the present administration.

In its response, the newly inaugurated chairman of the local government Reverend Rowland Awotimehin from Iyamoye thank the party hierarchy for the confidence reposed in him and promised to deliver the local government to the party in future elections while the party  Secretary Olorunshola Sanya from ogidi appeal to all inaugurated executives to be loyal and work for the success of the party  at the ward levels.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A POLITICAL LEADER OF OUR TIME IN PERSON OF ARCHITECT SALMAN IDRIS, MNIA

Dear Architect Salman Idris, you have exhibited uncommon wisdom, remarkable vision, and exemplary leadership in the time past.

I wish you peace, good health, happiness, plenty of joy today and everyday of the coming years because you're the best mentor anyone could have asked for.

We're thankful for you and pray that as you celebrate your birthday, you will be graced with many more years filled with sound health and joy.

Sir, you're such a fantastic example of wisdom, leadership, foresight, and a great leader and as such, you really deserve a warm greeting from me on your birthday today.

Happy Birthday To Our Political Leader And Incoming Honourable Member, Federal House of Representatives, Kabba Bunu / Ijumu Federal Constituency, Kogi State Comes 2019. Insha-Allah.

Signed:
Yusuf Adeyanju Yisau, ANIPR, MIMMA
Member, Salman Idris Movement Media Team.

Gov. Bello is a disgrace to Not-too-Young-to-Run Campaign –Catholic groups

Looters tithes’ comment: Catholic bishops, groups lambast Kogi gov
By Unini Chioma -Feb 11, 20180



Also, the National Director, Caritas Nigeria and Justice Development and Peace Commission, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Bassey, said Bello was a disgrace to the Not-too-Young-to-Run Campaign. The CN and JDPC are two agencies of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria.

Bassey said, “Governor Yahaya Bello does not dignify a response. However, he is a disgrace to the Not-too-Young-to-Run Campaign. I believe Bello thinks that by freezing when President Buhari coughs, he will be spared from the wrath of God through the Kogi people who are dying each day because of unpaid salaries and misgovernance.

Even if he escapes human judgment, he will not escape the eternal consequences unless he repents and be a true servant of the people.”

He’s not God-fearing, states PPA chairman

In his own reaction, the National Chairman of the PPA, Chief Peter Ameh, in a statement on Saturday, said Bello had shown he lacked God-fearing characteristics.

Ameh, who is also a Catholic, said, “Knowing the level of sacrifice it takes to become a priest in the Catholic Church, I’m really baffled by the unwarranted attack by the non-performing governor of Kogi.

“It is on record that he remains the governor with the highest number of months of unpaid salaries and non performance despite the huge amount of both internal and federally-generated revenues.

“It is obvious Bello is really looking up to the President for salvation because it is the opposite of the culture and respect Kogi people are known for that he will descend so low to attack the highly-respected position of the Catholic bishops for advice directed at the President.”
The Christian Association of Nigeria, prominent Catholic bishops, two Catholic groups among others have berated Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for attacking Catholic leaders who visited President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock last week.

Prominent groups that lambasted Bello for taunting the clerics are the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership and the Progressives Peoples Alliance.

 Others, who reacted to the governor’s statement, were the Archdiocese Emeritus, Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Alaba Job, and the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.


The Catholic bishops had, during a visit to the Presidential Villa on Thursday, told the President that his goodwill had depleted by his glaring failures.

The bishops, under the aegis of Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, had expressed their disappointment with the state of the nation and told the President that Nigerians were angry as a result of bad governance in the country.

But Bello, in an interview with the State House correspondents on Friday, told the bishops that only those who were no more getting stolen money to pay tithes were angry with Buhari.

“And of course, those who have looted the country dry and normally go to the church and mosque to pay tithe, are no longer doing so. Of course, these are the category of people that are angry,” the governor had stated.

Bello, a character who accidently found himself in power –Kukah

But in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents on Saturday, Kukah described Bello’s statement as “a tragedy of leadership in Nigeria.”

He said, “The statement of the governor is not worthy of my comment because I believe that the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria stands for something higher than that. I won’t even dignify him with a response.”

When prodded to speak further on the issue, Kukah added, “This is a character (Bello) that nobody heard anything from until he suddenly accidentally found himself in power. What does he (Bello) know about what the bishops have said? So, I don’t even want to dignify him with any response. I don’t think it’s worth giving him a story.

 “Frankly, people of his calibre do not deserve our response. It is also a measure of the kind of people who have strayed into power. I am not going to go into any details. It is a tragedy of what we call leadership now in Nigeria. People who have come with no antecedents; they just come out of the woodworks and occupy an office. And so, I won’t dignify him (Bello) with any response.”

It’s a great pity if Bello made that statement — Job

In another reaction, the Archdiocese Emeritus, Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Alaba Job, described the statement made the governor as disappointing and out of context.

In an interview with  PUNCH on Saturday in Ibadan on the telephone, Job advised the Kogi governor to revisit the purpose of the meeting and what the President told the bishops and compare with his statement.

Job stated, “The governor will not say it if he read what we said to President Buhari at the meeting in Abuja. We told Buhari the truth about what is happening in the country. We told him about hunger, lots of atrocities being committed in the nation, lots of killings here and there and he was happy that we spoke to him. He also told us what he is doing and what he plans to do more.

“I am sorry that the governor made that statement. Who are the people stealing for us? What he said is different from what we discussed with Buhari. Killings, kidnappings, and other forms of evil (practices) are around us. Boko Haram has, to some extent, been suppressed but we now have so many atrocities.

“We did not discuss any issue about money to the church. It is a great pity if a governor made that statement. As far back as 1994, Catholic Church bishops constituted a prayer group that has been praying against corruption in Nigeria.

“The governor’s statement does not ‘belong’ to us, not to the Catholic Church bishops in Nigeria. He should read the statement issued at the meeting and compare it to his own statement. It is out of context.”

Workers committing suicide under Bello’s watch — CAN

Also, CAN and the CDHR, in separate interviews with PUNCH on Saturday, advised the governor to address the rot, which he had allegedly brought upon Kogi State.

CAN urged Bello to focus on rescuing his state from the grip of kidnappers instead of “trying to be the President’s errand boy.”

The media aide to CAN President, Pastor Bayo Oladeji, noted that Bello had the rights to express himself, but insisted that what the bishops told the President was the truth about the situation in the country.

He added that the CAN leadership, led by Dr. Samson Ayokunle, had raised similar issues with Buhari during a visit in November last year, adding that what the President told the delegation was what he re-echoed during the Catholic Bishops’ visit.

Oladeji stressed that Nigerians had not experienced so much hardship like the prevailing one under the Buhari administration, adding that Bello should keep quiet if he had nothing sensible to say.

He added, “If he (Bello) says some people were looking for free money, he should keep quiet if he has nothing to say. Under his watch, people are committing suicide and he has refused to pay workers. If he is the one that would be running to Abuja to defend the President, then something is wrong somewhere.”

CAN explained that stakeholders had been harping on the terrible situation in the country, noting that only a few people, including Bello, were more interested in endorsing Buhari for another term in office rather than focusing on the welfare of their people.

“Go to his (Bello’s) state and see what is happening there; Okene is now the headquarters of kidnapping. If the welfare of his people is not his concern, he shouldn’t force the President to follow in his steps. If he wants to become the President’s errand boy, he should resign and relocate to Abuja,” he said.

Bello is overzealous when defending Buhari — CDHR

Also, the President, CDHR, Malachi Ugwummadu, said Bello was being more Catholic than the Pope.

He said, “Governor Yahaya Bello’s overzealousness in defence of Buhari on every issue as a party faithful is understandable, but certainly he is sounding more Catholic than the Pope.

“You recall that he was the same person that declared a three-day holiday in Kogi State simply because Buhari came from a long medical holiday abroad.

“If he understands the composition of that body, he would devote more energy in interrogating the issues raised rather than the disservice of attempting a dismissal which cannot, in effect, dislodge the critical issues raised.”

His comments opportunistic, says CACOL

In a similar vein, CACOL warned that the submissions of the Catholic bishops should not be dismissed as some Nigerians were truly dissatisfied, saying Bello’s comments were opportunistic.

The CACOL Director, Debo Adeniran, said, “It is true that people are angry for different reasons; although the bishops didn’t carry out any scientific study, the social media is there with so many commentaries.

“A few people are still very germane in their observations, particularly in the aspect of the President’s skewed appointments to a particular region. If there is lacklustre from those security quarters, people can raise complaints.

“Some of the comments (from the Kogi Governor and the bishops) are just opportunistic.”

Melaye apologises for Kogi gov’s ‘verbal diarrhoea’

Meanwhile, the Senator, representing Kogi West in the National Assembly, Dino Melaye, has apologised to the Catholics and Christians in general for Bello’s alleged attack on the clerics.

Melaye, in a statement on Saturday, described Bello’s comments against the bishops as “verbal diarrhoea.”

He said, “I apologise to the Catholic Church and the Christian community for the verbal diarrhoea of the Governor of Kogi State. It is more obvious than ever that he needs some ‘equational’ balances at his end. This affliction on Nigeria shall not arise a second time.”

Catholic Bishops Visit to Buhari: Gov. Bello suffering from verbal diarrhea-Dino Melaye

• 

Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye has apologized to Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) over Governor Yahaya Bello’s remarks at the Presidential Villa yesterday.

In the meeting with President Buhari on Thursday, the Bishops told the President that Nigerians were angry as a result of alleged bad governance and imbalance in the system. But in his response, Governor Bello was quoted to have said that some religious leaders were angry because avenues to loot money and take to the Churches and Mosques have been blocked by the Buhari’s government.

Reacting to Governor Bello’s tirade, Senator Melaye said Bello’s head requires “equational balances”

“I apologize to the Catholic Church and the Christian community for the verbal diarrhea of the governor of Kogi State.

“It is more obvious than ever that he need some equational balances on his head. This affliction on Nigeria shall not arise a second time,” he said.

Reacting to Gov. Bello’s remarks on looting and tithes, a former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode said the Kogi state governor is courting disaster.

In a tweet this morning, Fani-Kayode said: “Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi state is looking for trouble and courting disaster. His gratuitous insult on hardworking and tithe-paying Christians has not gone unnoticed. If he does not sheath his sword we will unleash a verbal blizkrieg on his ugly head from which he may never recover”

Source:kogireports

Tinubu Faces Hurdles To Reconcile Aggrieved APC Members

Following the appointment of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by President Muhammadu Buhari to reconcile aggrieved APC members ahead of the 2019 elections, indications emerged on Thursday of possible hurdles that may pose serious challenges to Tinubu’s efforts and may dent the party’s chances in the forthcoming general election.

Analysts said after a sweeping victory that brought the APC to power in 2015, the party could not consolidate its gains as evident in the increased bickering amongst party bigwigs at all levels especially among leaders of factions that came together to form the party in February 2013.

The party that emerged from the merger of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressives Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and a faction of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) is currently fragmented owing to crisis among leaders both at the federal and across some states of the federation.

APC chieftains have hailed President Buhari’s decision in giving priority to reconciling aggrieved party members and the appointment of Tinubu to lead the consultation, reconciliation and confidence building efforts toward improving cohesion within APC.

However, party chieftains who spoke with INDEPENDENT on Thursday said since Tinubu is not a neutral person and is deeply involved in some of the events causing crisis in the party, it remains to be seen how he as head of the reconciliation panel will initiate the peace moves between himself and some key leaders of the party which include President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, National Chairman of the party, who he wanted sacked.

According to APC sources, the biggest conflict in the ruling party is between Tinubu himself and Saraki. Both men have been at loggerheads since June 2015 when Saraki against all odds defied the directives of the party and connived with senators from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to emerge Senate president.

His action was seen by many as a direct affront to Tinubu, who wanted to install Senator Ahmad Lawan as the number three man.

Since his emergence, Saraki has been going in and out of the courts on allegations of corruption which many of his supporters link to Tinubu. Inside sources said both men hardly see eye-to-eye and stakeholders are waiting to see how the reconciliation between the two plays out.

Speaking with INDEPENDENT, a member of the party’s National Working Committee said the major hurdle before Tinubu is reconciling with Saraki, adding that this will go a long way in fast-tracking the healing process the party seriously craves for.

“To me, the major hurdle before Asiwaju Tinubu is how he will reconcile with Saraki. It is a tough task because given Tinubu’s influence, we are all wondering if he will be humble enough to go to Saraki and seek a truce. It is a herculean task but we believe nothing is impossible”, he said.

Stakeholders are also wondering how Tinubu will mend fences with Odigie-Oyegun. Though he was instrumental to his emergence as national chairman, Odigie-Oyegun in several of his decision-making process has gone against Tinubu as witnessed in his handling of the Kogi and Ondo governorship primaries leading to Tinubu’s demand for his resignation.

Above all, they said, Tinubu’s reconciliation with President Buhari himself is another issue stakeholders are anxious to see happen. The Tinubu faction in the APC believes that the president tacitly endorsed Saraki’s emergence as Senate president, especially with the cabals believing that Tinubu will hold the presidency to ransom and be in total control of government if he is able to install his men as leaders of both chambers of the National Assembly.

Aside that, INDEPENDENT also gathered that Tinubu’s supporters are asking him to be wary of the president, who may only be interested in using and dumping him after the peace process has been achieved and the party secures victory in 2019 election.

“I have personally written to Asiwaju wishing him the best in his new assignment but also telling him to be wary of the presidency, who after plunging the party into crisis is now running to Asiwaju to assist them in bringing members together across board. He was sidelined throughout the first term, what assurance do we have that this will not repeat itself again if the party wins in 2019”, said a party chieftain.

Across The States

In Kano, Tinubu and his team will face a major hurdle in brokering peace between Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and his predecessor, Rabiu Kwankwaso. The state is seen as very crucial if the APC will retain the presidency in 2019.

Ganduje recently said Kwankwaso would be replaced as senator by another fellow in 2019 and has ruled out any reconciliation with the senator.

“They want us to reconcile. Why should we reconcile? On what basis?” Ganduje said.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was recently in the state to broker peace between the duo, but from all indications, it seems his efforts recorded little success.

In Lagos, Tinubu is also expected to broker peace between Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his predecessor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, now Minister of Power, Works and Housing.

In Kogi, it also remains to be seen how Tinubu will reconcile the state governor, Yahaya Bello, who is facing crisis on all fronts. First from aggrieved executives of the state chapter of the APC, who have been at loggerheads with the governor for allegedly side-lining them since he assumed office.

Aside Senator Dino Melaye, Tinubu also has the daunting task of bringing James Abiodun Faleke/the late Prince Abubakar Audu’s political family on the same page with Bello.

The national leadership of the APC had at one time set up fact finding/reconciliation committees chaired by Tony Momoh and Gen. Idris Garba on the Kogi crisis but not much was heard of it.

In Ogun State, Tinubu is also expected to broker peace between the state governor, Ibikunle Amosun and Olusegun Osoba, a former governor of the state who is hell-bent on installing Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) currently representing Lagos West as Amosun’s successor. The governor on his part has vowed that no ‘outsider’ will succeed him in office.

In Bauchi, quarrel is between Governor Mohammed Abubakar and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, as well as three senators from the state: Ali Wakili, Isa Hamma Misau and Nazifi Gamawa. They all accused the governor of reneging on the promises he made to the people during campaigns. The Senator Chris Ngige led committee could not resolve the problem.

In Oyo State, the Minister of Communication, Adebayo Shittu, wants to succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi but clearly the governor has someone in mind and this has led to some spats between the duo.

In Katsina, Governor Aminu Masari is trying to contend with threats from APC splinter group called the APC-Akida comprising people like MT Liman, Sadiq Yar’Adua, Sada Ilu and Usman Bugaje.

In Kaduna, there is serious revolt against Governor Nasir El-Rufai from the camp of Senator Shehu Sani and the likes of a former APC chairman in the state, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed. The governor’s camp has threatened that Sani who has been very vocal in his criticism of El-Rufai will not return to the Senate in 2019.

In Zamfara, Senator Kabiru Marafa is at daggers drawn with Governor Abdul’aziz Yari over his recent comment that the governor had failed to stop killings in the state. People close to the governor had since declared Marafa’s seat vacant as 2019 draws near.

Speaking on these challenges, Prince Tony Momoh, former Minister of Information and one of the party’s national leaders, said he believes Tinubu as an experienced politician is equal to the task of bringing all members of the party on board.

He also argued that it is erroneous for people to accuse him of being responsible for Saraki’s travails as there are no evidence to back up the claim.

“When you are given a particular responsibility, you are briefed on that responsibility and you define and then you put yourself in the position of an agitator or a peacemaker. A lot of people accused Tinubu for lot of things happening to the Senate president but that may be true or not be true. It is a question of fact that he did anything in that direction or he did not do anything in that direction”.

“That people think he is the cause of Saraki’s problem does not necessarily mean he is the cause. Be that as it may, he has a role to perform and reach out to some people in his party that have issues either they are governors, individuals or groups. So, I believe no matter the crisis, Tinubu as a very matured and digital politician knows how to address them. But I have no doubt in my mind that the problem of man is absence of communication.

“The only way to achieve success in a man’s relationship with his fellow man is too communicate and I believe Tinubu will have that in mind as he begins the reconciliation process”, Momoh said.

PDP To Presidency: Tinubu Cannot Deliver A Bad Product

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lampooned the Presidency for abandoning its responsibility of governance and now deploying resources meant for the good of the people to push a desperate but ill-fated mission to perpetuate on Nigerians, an obviously unpopular Presidential candidate in 2019.

The party said the Presidency has become so panicky that it effectively hijacked the functions of the leadership of its dysfunctional and ideologically vacuous All Progressives Congress (APC), by appointing people into partisan offices, outside its much-desired responsibility of governance.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Thursday, said it is ludicrous that after almost three years of failure to deliver on the littlest of its campaign promises, the Buhari Presidency is now moving around, cap in hands, looking for those to use once again to beguile Nigerians ahead of the 2019 elections.

The PDP stressed that the Buhari Presidency has failed to be remorseful for its misrule noting that the disagreements in their party are fallouts of members’ resentment towards its desperation for power. 

'There is widespread disenchantment and indignation across the nation resulting from hunger and the inability of the Buhari Presidency to provide the people with basic necessities of life, which they had always enjoyed in the past.

'Nigerians are therefore waiting to see how Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who has also openly expressed his concerns and disapprovals on the mismanagement of the economy and whose large constituents are direct victims of the ineptitude, impunity, nepotism, dictatorial tendencies, corruption and insecurity that has characterized the Buhari Presidency, will now turn around to preach that all is well and attempt to sell a practically bad product to the nation.

'It is instructive to further state that the desperate move by the Presidency to politically prey on individuals is mere foolhardiness and a totally decadent approach to pitch key leaders against the people on an issue that has already been thrown overboard.

This is more so as the political institutions and front runners that threw up the Buhari Presidency in 2015 have now, not only regretted their actions, but have also strongly advised that President Buhari should not contemplate contesting a second term in office.

Nigerians today suffer from pains inflicted on them by this administration and no amount of manipulation of individuals and public institutions can make them change their resolve to vote out APC in 2019, particularly as the party is stuck with an unpopular candidate.

The PDP therefore finds APC’s attempt to reconcile its dwindling ranks as laughable, cosmetic and politically inconsequential.

It will interest the APC to know that Nigerians are already rallying with the repositioned and rebranded PDP as we are poised to present a credible, competent and reliable candidate through a free, fair and transparent presidential primary.

Signed:


Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary
[2/9, 7:56 AM] Nuru Shehu: February 8, 2018

Press Statement

PDP Hails Wike, Fayose over Visit, Gesture to Benue Victims

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his Ekiti State counterpart, Ayo Fayose, for visiting Benue state and extending assistance to victims of the recent violent attacks and other internally displaced persons in the state.

The party leadership, which had earlier visited Benue at the wake of the attacks, said the gesture by the two governors at a time the Presidency and governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been turning a blind eye to the sufferings of the victims, underlines PDP’s commitment to the wellbeing of all Nigerians in line with its undying ideology and vision of its founding fathers.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement on Thursday, said it is disheartening that the Presidency had refused to visit Benue state recalling that when the APC governors visited, after much entreaties, they failed to show any form of empathy to the victims, a stance which further displayed APC’s disdain for Nigerians.

The party said that instead of APC empathizing with the people and ensuring that perpetrators of the attacks were brought to book, the party leaders have shown more concern for their selfish political interests across the nation.

The PDP urged the people of Benue state to be vigilant and continue to work with their leaders, while assuring of its support always.

Signed:


Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary