POLITICIANS SHOULD LEAVE INEC ALONE AND CONCENTRATE ON PEOPLE ORIENTED CAMPAIGNS

The attention of the Citizens Centre for Democratic Governance has been drawn to the public statement credited to the PDP, where the National Publicity Secretary of the party alleged, that there is a plot and ongoing arrangement between the APC and Mrs. Amina Zakari of INEC, through the help of two other top INEC officials namely: Mr. Abdulrasaq Agboola and Mr. Paschal Uwakwe to rig the Ekiti gubernatorial election. Recall that Kayode Fayemi has also issued a statement throughBamidele Faparusi the Deputy Director-General (South) of Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organization, accusing Fayose of sharing apartment with Ishaku Abbo, a former INEC big shot working with Egharevba John, Festus Aisien, Igidiogu Kelechiand Abbo who are currently in active service with INEC to rig the poll.

This accusations and counter-accusations are surely political plots and tactics by both the PDP and the APC to outdo one another, in a quest to win the election. However, we maintain that dragging the electoral umpire into their current showdown is unwise and should be stopped with immediate effect. The PDP has definitely not educated itself enough on how INEC intends to use technology to collate the election results; else itwill not make such a frivolous claim of preloading the card reader with false results. Also, we do not think that both the APC and PDP are ignorant of the fact that sensitive materials such as form EC8A is safely kept in the bank and will only be distributed on Election Day. The general public should disregard the claims made by the duo, as all sensitive and non-sensitive materials are secured and has not been compromised in any way.

All political parties involved in the Ekiti election have nothing to fear, as INEC under the purposeful and focused leadership of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is not, and will never be helpless because he knows his onion and has proven that overtime. Moreover, the way and manner which the election is going to be conducted is not too different from what we have had except for the E-collation. Votes will still be counted manually in polling units and manual collations can still be done by political parties who may want to do so. Again, elections observers exist to note all irregularities and consequently give a feedback which will be contained in a report for all to see.

It is regrettable how our politicians and political parties have resorted to finger pointing and careless manipulation of figures to polish their lies, but we can obviously see the hand writings boldly written on the wall. It is no longer news that political parties usually have moles in the INEC but let it be known that all of such persons will be fished out and made to face the wrath of the law. We call on all members of all political parties involved to maintain decorum and good standard during this period. INEC has been open enough in all the process involved in the Ekiti gubernatorial election. Therefore, politicians should leave INEC alone and concentrate on winning the election through rigorous people oriented campaign.

Anthony Osagbemi

Coordinator

CCDG, Nigeria.

Faleke, the non vindictive Moses of Kogi Politics

HON.ABIODUN FALEKE
THE NON VINDICTIVE MOSES OF KOGI POLITICS

By Hon. Musa Bakare

Hon. James Abiodun Faleke was a major participant in the foundation of the superstructure that is today called All Progressive Congress APC Federal and Kogi State Government.

 Among his very major contributions to the building and nurturing of the APC is the fact that he was the Coordinator of the very successful Buhari Campaign Organization in Lagos state. It is on record and a known fact that in carrying out such huge and tasking assignment, he collected no dime from no one. Rather, Faleke dispensed his entire God giving energy, time and resources to ensure Buhari became the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that APC takes over Kogi state from the over twelf years reign of PDP and the result is grossly a very sound and sweet victory.

 Those of us the foot soldiers No for the job on Kogi were abandoned and made to watch from distance while those who were insulting and abusing us while we toiled formed the APC government.

I Hon.Musa Bakare was the State Secretary of the Buhari Support Organization in Kogi State in the run up to the 2019 Nation elections !

No one thanked us neither were we recognized

Faleke, the loyal and dedicated party man was rejected by the party in favour of a Yahaya Bello who worked tirelessly to ensure the party lost the elections in Kogi state soon after loosing the primary election.

The man who was later coronated governor of Kogi engaged himself in every known anti party activities towards frustrating  electoral success against the party only to be handed the victory medal thereby throwing Kogi state and her citizens into a terribly harrowing hardship and pain.

Faleke not been a vindictive politician chooses not to leave his party believing that only time could heal such political wounds as was inflected on his people. Besides, like Jagaban Senator Ahmed Tinubu had pointed out severally, no one will be happy to see the house he was a major part of building destroyed.

The Ungodly fellow who Oyegun and co railroaded into reaping what they never sows we are told are still now shamelessly calling Press conference to continue to churn out ungodly and unholy lies of great proportions against Faleke !

While Faleke's supporters cannot and will not remain in the same party with those who are too arrogant to own up to their foibles and had chosen to go the way of African Democratic Party ( ADC ), anyone who think he or she can stop them from taking back their mandate come 2019 will surely have Heavens to contend with.

Thank you Hon. Faleke for offering Kogi people some good doses of what great, good  and civilised political leadership entails.

We are solidly with you in your wisdom laden decision to return to your politically sophisticated,civilised and advanced base.

We are however going to do whatever is in us within the ambit of the Nigerian law to win all elections to the Senate House of Representatives and House of Assembly in Kogi state come 2019 so we prepare for your triumphant return to take over the reign of leadership in Lugard House in Kogi  State to  emancipate your people out of squalor and torments

God help Kogi people

ADC Appoints Isa Daniel as State Party Chairman

KOGI ADC GETS INTERIM STATE OFFICERS

By Silas Sanusi

In what look like a quest to wrestle power from All progressives Congress APC, African Democratic Congress ADC appoints interim officers to kick start the arrangement in building a strong party that is capable of defeating the ruling party in the next general election_.

The party officers are:

1. Comr. Isa Daniel - State Chairman
2. Dare Olatunde- state secretary
3. Yahaya Abdulkadir- state Treasurer
4. John D. Momoh - member
5. Suleiman Mohammed Lawal -  member
6. Hon Moshood Ali - Member
7. Dr John Odekina - Member
8. Hon Sumaila Kubo - Member
9. Zarkeaus Jonathan - Member
10. Eldr Lanre Essan - Member
11. Hajia Zainab Usman - Member

The National chairman of the party Chief Ralphs Okey Nwosu charged the officers to do their best in propagating the party ideology to ensure the nooks and cranny of the state is saturated by ADC and ultimately chase the current lugard occupant comes 2019.

Reacting to the appointment, the state  chairman Comr Isa Daniel (Prof) promised to work tirelessly with his team to ensure bad side of governance currently being dished out by Bello led administration is brought to an end.

He further noted that, this appointment have set the pace for massive defection into the the party as many are tired with PDP and APC and are willing to channel their strength and support to a credible alternative that can challenge the ruling party which ADC is poised as the only choice because of its democratic ideology.

He concluded by calling on all kogites to join the party if their sole desire of defeating Yahaya Bello's administration that has brought untold hardship to them must be  shown an exit door._

Many party faithful who heard the latest development described Comr Isa Daniel appointment as the state chairman as a square peg in a square hole. That with him, the success of the party in the state can be predicted as his undaunted wealth of political experience will give the party the needed edge in ousting the ruling party.

Faleke, Not a member of ADC

It has come to my notice,  a press conference held yesterday, been the 28th of June, 2018 in Lokoja, the Kogi State Capital about my involvement in a political party, the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
I also have it on authority that the same agents of State government have planned to submit a petition to the APC NWC and copy my Leader and Mentor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that I'm into Anti Party Activities in Kogi state.

In view of the above I wish to state as follows:

1. I Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, remains a loyal founding member of the All Progressives Congress, APC and one of the members representing the good people of Ikeja Federal Constituency of Lagos state.

2. That until the demise of Late Prince Abubarka Audu, that I was his running mate during the ill fated 2015 Gubernatorial Election In Kogi State.

3. Nigerians are aware of what happened in Kogi and how the present State Government came to be via the courts.

4.That the press statement made by one Dr John alleging me for sponsoring or imposing a particular individual as the state chairman of ADC in the state is force and malicious. It’s on good authority, that some agents of the state are the sole sponsors of this falsehood to whip up sentiments.

5. The Press release stated rightly,  that I represent Ikeja Federal Constituency and that I'm not a member of ADC. How then can a non member of a party sponsor a state chairman.

6. It’s on record that several efforts by the APC Leadership then to reconcile the Audu/Faleke group with Governor Yahaya Bello, was turned down by the Governor himself.

7. APC NWC set up two powerful committees to reconcile the two factions in Kogi, but unfortunately GYB refused all efforts.

8. It is also on record that the Audu/Faleke team approached Governor of Jigawa before the congress to help intervene, but there was no luck.

9. Apart from sending State APC leaders to GYB, I personally sent messages to him to see the need for reconciliation with the Audu/Faleke group before the congress in the state, but he refused.


10. That I, Hon James Abiodun Faleke, haven’t returned back home to Lagos APC before the APC congress will not ordinarily, interfere in any form or be in the know of any move by the Audu/Faleke supporters in Kogi State.

11. Before my return to Lagos, my plan was to ensure that the Audu/Faleke group were integrated back into a government they all laboured and spent their resources in bringing on board. (but unfortunately the death of our principal left a big vacuum that CANT BE FILLED).

But instead of the State Government to be magnanimous in victory, they left out ALL those who worked for the party and appointed PDP memebers into offices and also refused all efforts at reconciliation.

12. Unfortunately, some of the Audu/Faleke members see my return to Lagos as a major loss for the party in the state, while some think that I have betrayed them.

13. Please note that the aggrieved members of APC in Kogi are very great men and women who are old enough to decide what they want.

14. Unfortunately or otherwise, the name AUDU/FALEKE has become a POLITICAL BRAND in Kogi which is being used by various interest groups in the state to achieve their ambitions.


15. I employ those peddling and sponsoring rumors about my involvement in the internal affairs of another political party to retract such. Those agents of the State Government should have a rethink and use their energy at ensuring  smooth governance in the state that can bring victory for the party.



Signed
Hon. James Abiodun Faleke
MHR, Ikeja Federal House of Reps.
Lagos.

APDA Set To Take Over Lugard House, Denies Merger Rumours.

In the wake of Political Development in Nigeria and Kogi State in Particular, we wish to state that contrary to the insinuations and rumours making the rounds that APDA will merge with other political parties in the forthcoming elections, we wish to state emphatically that the party was not and will not be in merger talks with any political party in the country.

Abdulmumuni Ibrahim
Kogi State APDA State Chairman

After a meeting held today in the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja, it was resolved:

1. That APDA is not in merger talk or affiliated with any political party.

2. That the party is expecting more persons and political groups. The party assures the general public that APDA is a party that has come to stay and will never sold out as currently perceived by enemies of the party.

3. That In view of the above, the party is currently engaging electorates at different levels of discussion and we can assure you that APDA has come to stay and will not merge with any party both at the State and the Federal level.

4. That the party is consolidating its spread in her continuous campaign and propagating its manifesto to the people.

5. That the party have more than enough aspirants for various political offices and any of the aspirants have the pedigree and competence to win elections come 2019.

6. That APDA is ready to run all its elections without compromise or contempt of any sort.

7.  That the party is overwhelmed with the increase in the numbers of new entrants to the party and currently evaluating intending decampees approaching the party.

8. That the party on daily basis receives more aspirants who have indicated interest to contest in the party primaries ahead of next year’s general elections.

9.  That APDA currently enjoys the support of electorates who are already tired of APC led State Government, PDP or any other political party in the State.

10.  That the party is currently busy planing the inauguration of the State Eastern Zonal Executives which is slated for early July and will be consequently followed by the western and central zones respectively.

11.  Finally, that APDA belongs to All of Us and not the sole property of any individual, we therefore urge all to join hands to move the party forward as we are set to take over Lugard house come 2019.

God bless Kogi State and God Bless Nigeria.

Signed:
Abdulmumuni Ibrahim,
Kogi State APDA Chairman.

Kogi Queen GraceGold Emerges Miss Global Ambassador Nigeria 2018

Miss Gracegold Jonathan representing Kogi State at the Just concluded Miss Global Nigeria beauty contest has emerged the overall winner after a tight contest between other queens from the 36 states in Nigeria.

GraceGold, a former Miss Kogi international was crowned by the out-going queen and went home with a brand new Honda Crosstour, wardrobe allowances and several other gifts. 

 She is also expected to represent Nigeria at the Miss Global World in few months. 

You Have done Remarkably well, Gov. Wada to PDP National publicity secretary.

The Governor Says more work to be done to rescue Nigeria and Kogi state from drowning.

Earlier today, The National publicity secretary of the largest political party in Africa, Hon Kola Ologbondiyan recieved a special guest in his office in the person of the immediate past governor of Kogi state, His Excellency, Captain Idris Ichala Wada

Governor Wada was full of praise for the veteran journalist and his team.
Mr Wada who expressed Optimism in the Party acknowledged that  there is more work to be done to deliver Nigeria and kogi from the hands of the ruling party who were never prepared to govern but are onlly bent on propaganda there by leading the state in a retrogressive movement.

"I'm  happy to be here even though it's impromptu, We keep you in our prayers always, you know the polity is very tense now".

"Reading your statements and your response to issue is very impressive. So I decided to come and see you to commed you, to encourage you and your team to keep up the good job".

"It's important that we show our presence and boost your moral. The job is not easy to correct the negative picture painted on our party by those who have a degree in telling lies. You have done very well in projecting the image of our party  that has learnt from the mistakes of the past. I must commend you all"

"Kola, you have done remarkably well in re-branding and repositioning our party, you have confronted those peddling falsehood with facts and Figures, Nigerians can now differenctiate between facts and fictions".

"For us in kogi state, we have been prominent in the news lately, unfortunately, for the wrong reasons. When PDP was there for 13yrs, I was there for Four (4) years, we were trying hard to improve on the state,we had a Ten year (10 ) long plan to transform the state. Unfortunately the lies and propaganda of the ApC succeeded in deceiving the people. I believe the templates is there for kogi state. With you here, at the appropriate time we will put our heads together to put our state where it belongs.  It's a collective effort", captain Wada said.

In a statement made available to the press by the Director of new media to the National publicity secretary,  Mr David G. Itopa,  the National publicity secretary said "We have been trying our best to give our party a lift and expose the lies of the APC.

"Your excellency sir,  kogi has never been the same since you left it.  It's been on retrogression.
We have a mandate and responsibity to deliver our people. They are hungry, they are starving to death,  today suicide is the order of the day. People are slumping to death. People are sick and have no money to go to the hospital. For ordinary kogites they are counting days to vote out this innefectual government"

"We must be able to reaweken the mindset of the people where ever we find ourselves ,in churches, in the mosque, anywhere, for me I'm very grateful for your unending support,encouragement and prayers".

David G. Itopa
Dir,New media and publicity to the
National publicity secretary,PDP.

Kogi; Lugard House On Fire,As Top Government Functionaries Bickers At Each Other Over The Leaked Document About The 12 Billion Naira Loan

The Governors Chief Staff Edward Onoja,Finance Commissioner,Taufiq Ashiru,Accountant General Kogi State,Tackles Each Other Over Leakage Of Official Secrets To Cables

The Centre Can No Longer Hold

Uneasy calm and bitter power play has enveloped the seat of government in lokoja‎ over the divulge of backyard business deal between the governor and the speaker,Kogi state house of assembly’s approval of 12 billion naira consortium loan from banks to the state government

The power game players at the centre stage include the Almighty and all round Chief of staff to the governor,Chief Edward Onoja,Commissioner for finance,Gbenga Ashiru and ‎Accountant general of kogi state who were hitherto,partners in kogi shortchange project powered by the governor,Alhaji Yahaya Bello

Accusing fingers and tongues continue to wag on the release of official secrets to the cables news on a secret known by these set of new kogi mafia,who were bent to milk the state dry through loans and advances from commercial banks

Greed and personal interest along with power play continue to manifest as the COS who is an appointee of the governor with clear mandate of managing administrative apparatus now take pleasure of handling down instructions both to the commissioner,a member of the state executive council and the AG,primarily saddled with dispensing and management of government funds

On the part of the commissioner for finance,who insisted not making public the secret deal of assessing 12 billion naira deal illegally,it has become obvious that kogi in the last three years was plunged into heavy burden of borrowings to the detriment of the generalty of the people and to the advantage of few cabals in lugard house who indulge in carting away state funds in raw cash to the seat of the nation,Abuja‎ or elsewhere

Underscoring the fact that a secret known by two people or more was no longer a secret,the cat was let out of the bag,hence generating accusations and counter accusations leading to unhealthy rivalry between the officers involved by pointing accusing fingers on each other

From a drowning and failed state like kogi‎,were capital flight interms of fund meant to administer the day to day administration of the state has been the other of the day,it is no longer news that the least responsibilities of government had been abandoned at the alter of greed,inordinate ambition,ostentatious display and overzealous tendencies that have rocked the boat of the state

The governor who was bitter on the release to public domain the highly secretive deal ‎expressed disappointment on the sad development,displaying utter dissatisfaction with some members of his kitchen cabinet whose intentions had embarrassed his goverment

‎The secret power play prevalent since the inception of this administration became prominent, when only one person want the control of both the political and financial structure of the state using others as stooges and rubber stamp

With general election few months away and the 3rd anniversary of the state less than six months,alot of drama,‎power play,accusations and counter accusations is expected to manifest for the last lap of the inhuman disposition of the current leadership in the state.

Source: Thenigeriatimes

IDAH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY RACE: AMB. OJIMA FRIDAY RECEIVED ROYAL ENDORSEMENT

The CEO of VIVID global group and MD of Good Shepherd medical centre  Anyigba received a royal blessing in his quest to represent Idah Federal constituency at the green chamber comes 2019.

Engr. Friday and his entourage paid a courtesy call on the paramount ruler of Ejule Chief (Alh.) Abdullahi A. Amanaba (AIDU)  during the Eid-el fitri celebrations in his palace Ejule. Amb. Michael thank the royal father for keeping peace in his domain and prayed him to continue the good work as peace is the pivot of economic development of any community

The scientist further used the visit to make known his ambition to the paramount ruler on the need for his suppprt as he's well prepared and equipped to represent the constituency in the National Assembly.

In his response,  Chief Abdullahi thank the aspirant for according him great respect by visiting the palace and made bare to him his political agenda for the constituency which some aspirants rarely do. He blessed him and declared  total support for his project noting that, his track record of his humanitarian services and his technological prowess will make it almost impossible for him to fail when elected.

You will recalled that, Amb. Ojima Michael made his fully entry into Kogi political terrain in 2015 when he played a major historical role that brought APC into power during the 2015 general election in kogi state.. His intellectual/strategic/Leadership capabilities made his then political father, Late Prince Abubakar Audu entrusted many things into his hand which eventually led to APC victory in both presidential/governorship election.

Aftermath of that election, his glowing political sun continued to shine as he was so dear to many minds.. this and his people's developmental project made the like minds of his constituency to plead with him to throw his hat in the ring. And the public acceptance of his candidature after his declaration to run is overwhelming. This opinion leaders said, Amb Ojima remained the choice candidate for the constituency if the status quo of under representation over the years must be altered.

2018 OGIDI DAY "MOST HONOURED GUEST" AWARD TO KOLA OLOGBONDIYAN: AN HONOUR WELL DESERVED

The PDP Youth Integrity Group (PYIG), has congratulated the National Publicity secretary of the PDP, Hon Kola Ologbondiyan who was bestowed with the ‘"Most Honoured Guest" of the year Award, On Saturday June 16, 2018, in recognition of his outstanding contributions towards the development of Okun land, by Ogidi community in kogi state.


In a congratulatory message signed by the National Coordinator of the group, Mr Olayinka Samuel, and made available to the newsmen, the group described the award to Ologbondiyan as well deserved following his distinguished contribution and human development by him as never seen before in the history of Okun Land.


"This is one of many honors deserving of a man, who has continued to live a life of selfless service, a life worthy of emulation. “KOLA OLOGBONDIYAN” is the friend of the youths, a companion and listening ear to the elderly and the vehicle of social engineering and development to his community.
Congratulations to humility personified and a quintessential gentleman


“The aggressive way you have also marketed the "PDP Rebranding" concept both national and state levels, has not only changed the media and public narratives but it has repositioned the party to regain power come 2019.


“While we acknowledge that there is still more work to be done, as there would always be, we are glad that Ologbondiyan has taken PDP image on an upward trajectory.

The PYIG also acknowledged Ologbondiyan as a party man and a committed chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who has been moving round the state wooing new members to join PDP and restoring peace among the differing views and in the party.


We thanked Oba Rabiu O. Sule the Ologidi of Ogidi and the entire good people of Ogidi community for counting Kola Ologbondiyan worthy of the Award saying it would spur him to be more committed to selfless service to his people.

Congratulations, our own Kola Ologbondiyan. Your track record of selfless, quality service will announce you forever", the statement concluded.

THE PEACE, UNITY, BLESSINGS OF RAMADAN SHOULD CONTINUE IN OUR LIVES, COMMUNITIES - HON. TEEJAY YUSUF

It is with a grateful heart that I, on the occasion of this year's Eid el Fitr, extend my good wishes to Muslim faithful and the entire good people of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, Kogi West Senatorial District and the entire Kogi State.

As I join our Brothers and Sisters in thanking God for the successful completion of Ramadan, I pray that the blessing, peace, prosperity, joy and unity of the Season shall pervade every sphere of our lives.
I enjoin us all, to continually demonstrate true love, care, compassion, understanding, tolerance, good neighbourliness to ourselves at all times and every situation.

 Barka de Sallah.

Eid el fitr celebration for the Exchange of Love and for forgiveness:Melaye charges Muslims

Tom Olasunkanmi

Sen. Dino Melaye, representing kogi West Senatorial District has charged the Muslims to continue to uphold the lessons learnt during the Ramadan in demonstrating love and sincere forgiveness for one another.
This was contained in a press statement issued to journalist in lokoja today by the S. A on Media, Mr. Gideon Ayodele.

Melaye in the statement explained that the day of Eid-ul-Fitr celebration is a custom across different Muslim cultures across the globe that Muslims share and exchange gifts with each other. This exchanging of gifts he said, besides its superficial implications also symbolizes the sharing of love and joy with each other, which ultimately leads to greater love and respect for each other. Thus, the celebration of Eid and the gift exchange that takes place during it actually helps bring people close to each other.


He encourage the Muslim faithful to continue in this practice even after the festival as it will not only better their relationship with God, but also with one another which can help in promoting peace, unity and development in our communities.
He also observes that on the day of Eid-ul-fitir Muslims keep all their tensions and conflicts aside and greet each other with love and joy. "On this day Muslims forgive each other for all of the previous mistakes and by forgiving all that they hug each other and give their relation a fresh start that is based on love and brotherhood with no ulterior motives" he concluded.

Eid EL Fitr : We are closer to collective Prosperity... Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi

The celebration of Eid el fitr is a glorious and spiritual act that succeeds a month of spiritual exercise that offers Muslim faithfuls opportunity to submit their totality, consecration, time and lifestyle to almighty Allah in prayers, solidarity, submission and fasting.


The occasion is therefore an opportunity for all of us regardless of religion, tribe and creed to submit in unison to the course of advancement, unity, peace and prosperity of humanity. While we enjoy the moment of celebration, we must rededicate ourselves to those objectives and ideas of almighty Allah for mankind.


I like to seize the occasion of this exhilarating moment to assure Nigerians and ineed the people of Kogi West of my resolve to remain on the path that brings development, unity, empowerment and prosperity to all of us.


 My presence in the Senate of the Federal Republic by the grace of God will engineer, advocate and promote collective prosperity and national development.


Once again I wish all of us a happy celebration.

Barka da Sallah

I am your humble Son !
I am your preferred choice !

I am Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi mnipr
Senatorial Aspirant for Kogi West.

Eid-el-Fitr: Elder Leke Abejide Canvasses Unity, Peace Among Yagba Constituents.

The Asiwaju of Alu land, Heroes’ Award Winner and foremost Yagba Federal Constituency Aspirant, Elder Leke Abejide has congratulated Muslim faithfuls in Yagba land on the successful completion of a month-long Ramadan fast while urging all to imbibe the spirit of peace, and unity for one another as a way of building a strong and united Yagba land.


In a statement, Elder Leke said only peace, unity and love for one another will help the land sail through the present economic challenges currently facing the state as a whole.

He called on Constituents to put love of the land over and above individual and sectional interests.

While reiterating his resolve and determination to keep Yagba land united and developed, he said the task is a collective responsibility, and we must charged the people to vote for those who will make Yagba land better.

My thought are with you and I wish all Yagba Muslim Constituents a peaceful celebration this season as they extol the lessons of Ramadan.

Gov. Yahaya Bello's perfidious penchant to benefactors; the Chief Richard Asaje example

The gubernatorial aspiration of Alh. Yahaya Bello was presumed by many to be a harbinger of a positive new dawn in Kogi State and this prompted several people to support him. In what will later turn out to be a fallacy, some of those who supported him during the quest for office whose inputs were instrumental to his eventually emergence as Governor are not only full of regrets for their conjectures in terms of expectations as individuals but what his administration has become to Kogites.

Since assumption of office, Gov. Yahaya Bello has shown that as far as he is concerned, benevolence is better punished than rewarded.

Instances abound wherein close allies have morphed to sworn enemies. Sen. Dino Melaye and Hon. Tom Ohikere are famous examples of this warped trait.

But little is known or said of the case of Chief Asaje whose unwavering commitment and support was instrumental to the large number of Okun delegates that voted for Alh. Yahaya Bello during the primaries. The import of this in the eventual enthronement of Alh. Yahaya Bello can only be wished away by real or simulated myopia and amnesia.

Chief Richard Asaje it was who introduced the following persons to Alh. Yahaya Bello in his hotel as they never met him before

Hon Timi Joseph (Yagba West)

Hon. Abdulrazaq Asiru (Yagba East)

Hon. Sunday Alumo(Mopa Muro) )

Hon. Taofiq Isa( Ijumu)

Hon. Moses Olorunleke(kabba Bunu)

Hon.(Barr) Musa Kogi

Hon(Dr)Tolorunleke Sunday; Com. for Commerce & industry

Hon Mohammed Awal Com. for Transport

 Hon Idris Asiru Com. for Finance.

In fact, Chief Richard Asaje chose all the GYB Coordinators in Kogi West. He was dedicated and committed to GYB’s aspiration from consultation stage to after the party primaries. He ensured that Okun delivered on their delegates for GYB.

Asiwaju Idris was Chief Richard Asaje’s account officer through which he introduced him to GYB.

After inauguration, the treachery in certain individuals came to the fore resulting in schemes to edge out Chief Richard Asaje by those who felt threatened and insecure with Chief Asaje’s rising profile prominent among who are Asiwaju Idris and Taofik Isah.

At the peak of APC crisis sometimes in 2016, all critical APC stakeholders were invited for a meeting in Abuja at Sen. Ohiare's Hotel at zone 6, Abuja. Chief Asaje honoured the invitation since it was in his conviction geared towards reconciliation because Sen Dino's group, Faleke/Audu group and Haddy Ametuo led executive were all at the meeting.

In the meeting Haddy Ametuo and other stakeholders alleged GYB of complicity in the crisis rocking the party because of his selfish interest. Chief Richard Asaje from information as divulged by some of those present defended GYB stridently and accused all the stakeholders in the meeting of trying to destroy the party and the then young GYB administration over their inordinate ambitions and expectations. This led to a serious crisis and he walked out on them and returned to Kogi state.

It is what transpired in the abovementioned meeting that Taofik misrepresented to the Governor by alleging Chief Asaje attended a meeting with people planning to make Kogi State ungovernable. With the connivance of  Asiwaju Idris, Chief Richard Asaje was blacklisted without fair hearing.

Ever since, Chief Richard Asaje has been kept in a limbo through the machinations of those he brought into a system and by a government he assisted to put in place.

Not expecting handouts, Chief Richard Asaje bided for forestry revenue collection with his consultancy firm but he was refused obviously as a result of the conspiracy of certain individuals within the New Direction administration of Alh. Yahaya Bello.

Every other effort made by Chief Asaje to at least benefit from his contribution and efforts to GYB has vehemently been blocked by Taofik Isah and Onoja and Asiwaju.

The essence of this exposé is to let the backstabbing connivers in this saga realize that everything in life is transient and for Alh. Yahaya Bello to understand that his administration; faults, failure and success will be referred to as Yahaya Bello's government and neither Edward Onoja’s nor Taofik Isah’s. The reward for good ought to be good but when benevolence is being punished, extending same to others in the future becomes herculean.

Perfidious penchant to benefactors is not a virtue any good leader should be notorious for.

And for those basking in the gains of other people's sweat inappropriately, the day of reckoning is already upon them.

IDAH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY: AMB. OJIMA ASSURED CONSTITUENTS OF QUALITY REPRESENTATION

The political ambition of Amb. Michael Ojima Friday, an aspirant vying for the seat of Idah Federal Constituency in the National Assembly come 2019, is no doubt a reflection of pragmatic and good governance. Thus, nothing  inspires an intelligent and vibrant young man other than putting into practice his years of leadership training and experiences acquired  over time.


However, there is a hand writing on the four walls of Idah Federal constituency; the message is for the teeming youths of  this locality concerning their choice for the legislative seat.


Amb. Michael Friday's mandate to become the next House member representing Idah Constituency  in the National Assembly in the wake of 2019 is certain. He is the project of the youths adopted by the Elders and endorsed by the Good women of Idah Federal Constituency.


He is the 'Moses' of our time, a legislative advocate, the hope of the downtrodden and the voice of the people. Amb. Michael Friday, as a patriot is among the vanguard of Nigerian youths commissioned to repositioning the country to the reap of its lost glory.


Recall that eminent Nigerians have called for the inclusion of young persons in the course of governance as a result of the perceived  Leadership capacity deficiency among the present day Nigerian  political office holders.


Having known his onions, he is however ready to salvage the good people of Idah Federal Constituency from legislative inefficiency and revamping the same at shores of democratic dividends.


The business tycoon cum astute politician has promised to represent those who stand with Nigeria to grow in all her endeavors; those that will take what concerns Nigeria/Nigerians as his or her concern; those that will not watch things go bad or allow themselves to be destructive instruments to Nigeria and Nigerians. As a matter of fact, Nigerians need to be responsible and evenly responsive to takeup responsibilities as its affect our collective efforts and existence.


He also reassured Nigerians and the good people of Idah Constituency that, he will represent their interest any day, anytime as they will positive and thoughtfully progressive towards Nigeria and Nigerians.

AFTER PARIS CLUB REFUND AND BAILOUT FUNDS. KOGI TO BORROW 12BILLION NAIRA TO PAY SALARIES.

BY IMOLE DE MEDIA

Contrary to the barefaced lie of up-to-date salary payment to civil servants in the state, the Kogi State government is currently pursuing requests for loans totalling N12 billion to be jointly  financed by four commercial banks to enable it clear salary arrears of workers in 2018.


It was learnt that despite receiving tranches of Paris Club refunds and special bailout money from the Federal Government, the state government still owes workers several months of salary, a development that has pitched the state governor, Yahaya Bello against some prominent sons and daughters of the state, notably Senator Dino Melaye.


Documents emanating from from state's Ministry of Finance and sighted by our reporter indicated that the N12 billion loan request was before participating commercial banks since late 2017 with each bank to cough out at least N3billion or N3.5billion term loan payable within a period of two years and with a issuance of Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) by the state government as collateral.


The participating commercial banks are Access Bank, Fidelity Bank, Union Bank and Zenith Bank as approved by the State Executive Council (SEC).


Besides obtaining the loan to address funding gap in the payment of salary arrears, at about the same time in 2017, the state government had also approached Fidelity Bank for a term loan of N1,286,343,183.55 to enable it access 2017 matching grant from Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC).


In March, 2018, the state government issued ISPO instrument to the participating banks with which to effect a repayment of the loan - the sum of N236.8 million on a monthly basis for 18 months - to each bank from a Kogi State Government Statutory Account (FAAC) domiciled with Zenith Bank with effect from April, 2018.


The state government had also told the banks that it "will accommodate the repayment of the credit facility conveniently" with expected streams of inflows like the final payment of N21.2 billion Paris Club refund; N14 billion refund on capital projects executed on behalf of the Federal Government.


Others are revenue generation from the implementation of GIS project; N30 billion forced sale value of the N75 billion market value on disposal of Kogi state Liaison office in Lagos, Kogi House in Abuja, Kogi International Market, among others; and improved inflow from IGR.

Further investigations however showed that the loans obtained by the state government and the applicable terms were approved by the Kogi State House of Assembly as indicated in the correspondences obtained by DailyWitness dated December 5, 2017, addressed to the state governor and signed by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mathew Kolawole

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THANK YOU FOR HONOURING ME WITH YOUR INVALUABLE SUPPORT

I want to use the occasion of the Third Anniversary of my current Term as your Representative, to express my heart-felt thanks to the good people of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, for giving me such unwavering support that has reinforced my commitment towards the improvement of our peoples’ lives.

I express my sincere appreciation to Political Leaders, Traditional Leaders, Spiritual Leaders, Opinion Leaders, Community Leaders, Elders, Women, Youth, Public and Civil Servants, Trade Groups/Association, Students Unions, Cultural Groups, Civil Society Organisations, Indigenes, Residents and other Stakeholders in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency for their unflinching commitment, unusual love, unalloyed understanding and uncommon support for me, at all times. Indeed, I am humbled and grateful that, not minding my imperfection as a human being you have stood by me, resolutely, in our firm resolve and collective passion for the political, economic, social, institutional and infrastructural development of our very dear Federal Constituency.

I am most grateful for investing your trust in me. With your trust, I will renew my commitment and work more tirelessly on behalf of our constituents, to help address challenges, and to secure lasting and meaningful improvement to our people’s quality of life. The commendations that I have been receiving for my modest constituency development initiatives in Education, Welfare, Empowerment, Power, Health, Road, Youth Development, Sports, Employment Generation have been so remarkable.

Not only am I thankful for your support, I also deeply appreciate the commendable efforts of all Sons and Daughters of Kabba Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, who have contributed in one way or the other in our collective efforts/collaboration towards bringing progress into our communities, and helping seek solutions for public problems.
Given my unapologetic conviction that life and living is about selfless and sacrificial service to Humanity, I make a solemn pledge not to depart from this noble, novel and enduring path. As I, through your prayers, counsel and support, strive to deepen and improve on the modest achievement recorded thus far, I promise to continually offer resourceful, responsible and responsive representation to ALL.

While I have enjoyed your unwavering support in these years, I know that I will require it more in the days and years ahead when we join hands with even many more progress-minded people to collectively make further positive impact on our peoples’ lives and our place of origin. I strongly believe that with collective passion, focus and commitment, Together, we can elevate the status of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency in Kogi State and Nigeria. Yes, it is possible… yes, it is realisable… I am confident that we can make it a reality.

Finally, as I thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve, I pray Almighty God will bless us, all, Amen.


HON. YUSUF TAJUDEEN (TEEJAY)