Tinubu Donates ₦50 Million To Victims Of Zamfara Attacks

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, announced a donation of N50 million to Zamfara communities recently attacked by bandits.

Mr Tinubu announced the donation shortly after he commiserated with Gov. Bello Matawalle in Gusau, Zamfara.

The APC national leader called for sustained prayers to overcome the insecurity situation in the state.

“I could offer prayers for the people from anywhere, but coming in person is important.

“The enemies of knowledge, Boko Haram and other criminal elements will be defeated through commitment in humanity.

“We pray for the entire country to be stable and if the enemies refuse to stop the carnage, we shall eliminate them.

“We believe in President Muhammadu Buhari’s ability to restore law and order and bring back our country to stability and tracks of development,” Mr Tinubu said.

He was accompanied on the visit to Gusau by Kashim Shettima, former Borno governor, the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu and former APC national vice chairman, South-West, Pius Akinyelure.

Mr Matawalle, who received the APC leader, said that his visit would further console the bereaved communities and the entire people of the state.

“It is my pleasure to welcome His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Jagaban Borgu, who has spared time out of his tight commitments to visit the state to commiserate with our people over the recent tragic incident of banditry attacks in some communities of Anka and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas,” Mr Matawalle said.

He described Mr Tinubu as a doyen of contemporary Nigerian politics, a dedicated leader, and a bridge-builder.

Similarly, he cited him as someone who had spent the past 23 years of the nation’s democracy fostering unity, nurturing, and raising individuals who had equally distinguished themselves in various spheres of human endeavour in contemporary Nigeria.

The governor noted that the problem of banditry in the state had persisted for over a decade.

“When I assumed office in 2019, I made it my utmost priority to address this issue as no meaningful development could be accomplished in an atmosphere of insecurity.

“Considering the reality that the conflict is tied to ethnic fault lines, I initiated a dialogue and reconciliation programme, which leaders of thought overwhelmingly accepted all over the state.

“As a result of our programme of dialogue and reconciliation, hostilities ceased for a period of over nine months.

“Hundreds of kidnapped persons were unconditionally released by their captors,” Mr Matawalle said.

He explained that as the disarmament process progressed; the glorious era of brotherly love, and mutual coexistence among segments of the Zamfara communities returned.

According to him, for the first time in more than a decade, the annual Fulani festival of ‘Sharu’ was held in Gusau in 2019.

He, however, expressed sadness that the achievement became bad news for some “self-serving politicians in the state.

“They, therefore, perfected plans to sabotage the peace process. In some cases, security reports fingered them as having direct involvement in the planning and execution of kidnapping, ostensibly to embarrass the government.

“For instance, based on the figures confirmed by the affected community leaders when I visited the communities after the recent attacks, a total of 58 people lost their lives in contrast to the outrageous figures being published in the media,” he stated.

Mr Matawalle said that his government had in addition to the dialogue, committed enormous resources in the provision of logistics and allowances for security forces deployed to the state.

In 2019 alone, he said that his government procured and distributed 200 brand new Hilux pickups for the security forces in the state.

The Governor added that his administration would continue to do everything within its power to bring an end to the menace of banditry in the state.

“As we get closer to 2023 general elections, we will be more vigilant and proactive, knowing that these destabilising forces are not likely to tone down their antics.

“They may continue to plot nefarious schemes in order to obtain political gains,” Mr Matawalle said.

He thanked the APC leader for taking time out to visit and commiserate with the government and people of the state.

“May Allah richly reward you and fulfil your desire of building a strong bond among Nigerians across all the divides.”

TINUBU 2023: IKEJA APC HELD SPECIAL PRAYER SESSIONS FOR ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU PRESIDENTIAL BID

Sequel to *Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's* expression of interest to President Buhari to contest for the office of the  President come 202, the All progressive Congress (APC)  in Ikeja LGA  held a special prayer session to seek the face of God in ensuring the success of the Presidential ambition of the  *APC National leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu*. 

The Prayer session was held at the LTV 8 Blue roof arena, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos on January 12, 2022.

The special prayer session which was facilitated and led by the Federal House of Representatives member representing Ikeja Federal constituency, *Rt. Hon. (High Chief) James Abiodun Faleke, the Atunlushe-Akorede of Ikeja Land*, had both Christian and Islamic clergy men and women prepared alters of prayers for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Following the prayer sessions, musical performances filled the ears of everyone in attendance as Gospel juju music artist, Yinka Ayefele and the popular Islamic melodious singer, Alhaji Abiodun Abdul Azeez (Saoti Arewa) both performed melodious rhythms.

Present at the special prayer sessions are some top APC party leaders and major stakeholders in Ikeja Federal Constituency, and the list includes: Rt. Hon. (High Chief) James Abiodun Faleke, Chief Mathew Adesanya Olusola, Mayor Alani Okikioposu, Alhaja Ogun, Alhaja Olusola Kokumo, the Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Engr. Mojeed Alabi Balogun, the Executive Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA Hon. Dotun Olakanle, the Vice Chairman of Ojodu LCDA Hon. Bunmi Oluyadi, the APC party Chairmen; Ikeja LGA Alhaji Dally Adeokun, Ojodu LCDA Comrade Kayode Ajakaiye, and Onigbongbo LCDA Alhaji Kehinde Onifade respectively, present and past Councillors/political appointees in Ikeja, Ojodu and Onigbongbo LCDA,Mallam Moyosore Jaji, Hon. Yomi Balogun, Barrister Yomi Tijani amongst several others.

The colourful event witnessed a massive turn out of  party faithfuls in Ikeja federal constituency.

Group Hails Tinubu's Declaration for Presidency

The Tinubulate Nigeria Agenda(TINA), a pro Tinubu 2023 Presidency support group , on Tuesday hailed the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for declaring interest to contest in the 2023 Presidential Election.

Mr. Alamoh Kehinde Samuel on behalf of the group, disclosed the group’s stance on the development.

Alamoh said Tinubu had demonstrated that he had the needed integrity, capacity, courage and political will to lead the nation to its promised land.

He urged well-meaning Nigerians to rally round Asiwaju and give him the required support to succeed President Buhari.

“Having boldly declared his intentions to Mr. President to be on the ballot in 2023, it's obvious that Asiwaju has the widespread popularity and national acceptance from Nigerians.

It took the emergence of a disciplined, determined and focused leader like Asiwaju to lift the nation out of the precipice.

“So, it is against this backdrop and other obvious reasons that we and numerous other support groups are deeply elated over the president’s decision to contest in the forthcoming election.

“We are convinced that a Tinubu in office will help consolidate on the uncommon transformation and gains which the Party APC has recorded in every sector, across the country.

Signed

Alamoh Kehinde Samuel

For TINUBULATE NIGERIA AGENDA 2023.

I will run for Presidency, Tinubu informed President Buhari

The National Leader of the All progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, says he has informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his intention to contest the presidential election in 2023*.

He, however, declared that he has yet to inform Nigerians of his intention to succeed the President.

Tinubu stated this on Monday while briefing State House correspondents after he met with President Buhari at the Aso Villa in Abuja.

According to him, the President is a democrat and therefore, has not asked him to stop the pursuit of his ambition which for him is life-long.

The APC leader and former governor of Lagos State stressed that he has the confidence, vision, and capacity to build on the foundation laid by President Buhari to turn around the fortunes of the country.

Ikeja agog as coalition of Obas coronate Honorable Faleke and wife(PHOTOS)

Lagos- Yesterday January 7, witness an historic event as it hosts eminent men and women from all walks of life stormed the Nigerian Police College Ikeja for the formal installation and coronation of His Excellency, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke and wife as the Atunluse-Akorede and Yeye Atunluse-Akorede of Ikeja respectively.

At a colourful ceremony held first at the palace of Awise of Onigbongbon, Oba Saibu Hakeem Agbaosi alongside other two Obas, Oba Olusegun Adeyemi Ajasa, Ewe Obaja 1 of Aguda and Oba Dr. Olukunmi Olusesan Akingbola, Olu of Iregun installed Hon. James Abidoun Faleke and wife as the Atunluse-Akorede and Yeye Atunluse-Akorede of Ikeja land saying the event heralded era of more prosperity and development to Ikeja.

The choice of Hon. Faleke was well received by all kingmakers, chiefs and citizens of the kingdom whom were entertained by the music legend King Sunny Ade.

In his remarks, Chief Faleke expressed gratitude to God, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, traditional rulers in the state and all the people of the kingdom, saying he would continue to do more and strive for the progress and development of the kingdom.

Important dignitaries who witnessed the coronation included the Speaker of HOR, Rt. Honorable Femi Gbajabiamila, Senator Olamilekan Yayi, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akinolu, music legend King Sunny Ade, Movie Star, Jide Kosoko, members of the state executive council, members of the state House of Assembly, former and serving members of the National Assembly, Muslims and Christian clerics.

More photos:

Faleke, wife to be conferred with Atunluse-Akorede of Ikeja chieftaincy title Dec. 24

Nigerian entrepreneur, politician, bussinessman, and a third term member of the 9th National Assembly, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke and as well as his amiable wife, will be conferred with the titles of Atunluse-Akorede and Yeye Atunluse-Akorede of Ikeja Land respectively on Friday 24 December 2021 by His Royal Majesties, Oba Salihu Hakeem Agbaosi of Aguda, Oba Olusegun Adeyemi Ajasa of Onigbongbon and Oba Dr. Olukunmi Olusegun Akingbola of Oregun Kingdom.

The conferment will hold at the Nigerian Police College Ground GRA Ikeja.

The chieftaincy titles conferment event is anticipated to be graced and attract well-meaning Nigerians, notable dignitaries, politicians, business partners, friends, and families of recipients of the titles such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Speaker HOR Femi Gbajabiamila, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu and Chief Mrs Kemi Nelson etc. The evergreen Yinka Ayefele will provide music.

The chieftaincy tittle Atunluse-Akorede which means "the one that brings development and blessings to the community" is one of it's kind in Lagos Ikeja.

Both recipients of the revered chieftaincy titles have distinguished themselves in their respective careers and have brought tremendous honour to the Ikeja land in particular and Nigeria in general.

Honorable Faleke after the chieftaincy title ceremony is also expected to celebrate his birthday the next day which is the 25th Christmas day in Ikeja. 

Breaking: Buhari Writes National Assembly, Gives Reasons for Withholding Assent to Electoral Amendment Bill

In a letter to the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, exclusively obtained by THISDAY, the president said that prevailing situation in the country would not allow him to sign the bill.

Among other reasons for rejecting the bill, the president cited high cost of conducting direct primaries, the security challenge of monitoring the election, violation of citizens’ rights and marginalization of small political parties.

Buhari said he had received informed advice from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Government, and had also carefully reviewed the Bill in light of the current realities prevalent in the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the circumstances.

Gumi's visit: DSS summons former Kogi Commissioner over comments

A former commissioner for education in the old the Kwara State, Oluwayomi David Atte, has revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) invited him over his recent comment on the visit of

Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, to Okun land.

According to him, the secret police asked him to show up at its office in Lokoja, the state capital, on Tuesday.

Atte said his decision to inform the public about the invitation was to keep people abreast of happenings, given the DSS’s record of hounding those with views that oppose the President Muhammadu-led administration.

Buttressing his point, the ex-commissioner recalled the experience of Obadiah Mailafia, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), who died not long after his encounter with the DSS.

Atte wondered why the DSS did not invite Gumi, who has been holding meetings with armed bandits and foreign Fulanis in various states across the country.

The former commissioner said the secret police and other security agencies ought to have dissipated similar energy they are using to invite him to deal with issues raised and tackle the insecurity in Okun land.

Atte recounted that in the past few years, Fulani people from foreign countries have taken over several communities in the state, killing people and displacing several others.

The former commissioner said his comment on Gumi’s visit to meet with foreign Fulani in the state was based on grapevine sources.

He said: “I have been invited to the DSS State office in Lokoja slated for Tuesday, 7th December 2021 at 10 am

“The DSS has not formally accused or charged me for anything. The issue of my statements about Gumi’s visit to Okunland and our insistence that we need to rise and defend ourselves came from the grapevine.

“I made the decision to inform Okun people and relevant stakeholders of the invitation by the DSS as a precautionary measure. The nation is not as it used to be, and organs of government in Nigeria tend to show more loyalty to regimes than to the Constitution and the People.

“They have shown over and over that the survival of a regime is paramount to them, hence, the lives and welfare of citizens of Nigeria have become secondary. So anybody, perceived to even just think differently from the powers they serve, can be wasted or destroyed in the line of duty of security forces. Fresh in my memory is the hounding of my personal friend, the late Obadiah Mailafia, by security agents, soon after which he died.

“Could this happen to me? Possibly, but not necessarily. With Nigeria’s security agencies, one can no longer be sure.

So I decided to let stakeholders know, just to be aware that they asked me to come.

“Since I have not been charged or accused, please let us keep calm and hear what they say. It has to concern what Okun People say about their safety and welfare, which I echo.

“Okun People have lived peacefully with Fulanis for generations. In the last six years, an influx of foreign Fulani into Okunland has taken place with disastrous consequences for our People. We watched with bated breath as they swept through Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, leaving behind a trail of bloodshed, massacres, destruction of farms, properties and communities. It is in public view that no concerted effort to stop them was made by the government.

“Then they came into Kogi and Southern Nigeria causing unprecedented insecurity. In Okun land, many areas have been occupied illegally by foreign Fulani, (foreign to us and Nigeria. We encountered them in Okun land and they confessed to coming from Mali in one instance). They have settled on our land, without our permission. From there they kill our people, machete them on their farms, destroy their crops, kidnap them and make us pay a ransom.

“Our land is unsafe to move about. Chief Osadumo is dead, kidnapped from a church. Hon. Serebe was shot dead by Fulanis on the farm, a vigilante officer was shot and killed near Okedayo. Our Commissioner Omofaiye was shot and Fulanis kidnapped people in Ikoyi last week. The last three regained freedom three days ago after ransom was paid for them.

“Last Thursday, Elder Ologun was shot dead in Mopa. Widows and farmers have been driven from the farms in Okun land by Fulanis. These are just a few samples. Our very peaceful life in Okun land has been disrupted. On top of all these, Sheikh Gumi came on a solidarity visit to the Fulani people in Okun land who are illegal occupiers of our land. He did not visit our key traditional rulers. Who can do that in the North? It was a slap on our face and a declaration that they can do what they want on our land.

“Now the numerous statements of Gumi about bandits, his clear sentiments of support for bandits, visiting them in their secret camps and taking photographs with them, heavily armed, are all in the public domain for Nigerians to see. And the government gives him free rein. Which community in Nigeria hears that Gumi is coming to visit Fulani (or bandits?) in their area that will not be alarmed?”

The former commissioner said if opportuned during his visit to the DSS office, he would ask probing questions about his invitation and the secret police’s seeming support of Gumi.

He added: “Which is of more concern to them, the suffering, killing, kidnapping and destruction of Okun people’s means of livelihood or their discomfort that we complained of being unprotected by the government we elected?

“Is the protection of Gumi’s image more important to the government than the safety of Okun People?

“In all the deaths, injuries, kidnappings, etc. inflicted on Okun People in the last 6 years, where were the Police and DSS to help rescue and defend our People?

“Will the security agencies in the State and each local government area say they do not know where the killer and kidnapping Fulanis are? Have they sought information from the communities and have they acted on such information to thwart killings, kidnappings or even rescued the kidnapped in Okun land?

Answers to these questions will shed light on the priorities of our security agencies who are charged with protecting us.”

Aunty Zainab you left me with a sore heart, but I won't forget how sweet growing up was with you... Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi

 

As he commiserate with the Kolawole family

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Kogi state on Civil Service and Labour Matters, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi has described the passing away of Mrs. Esther Kolawole, Wife of Speaker of Kogi state House of Assembly as a devastating blow and an occurrence that have left a great wound is his heart, saying the death of a great woman, faithful servant of God, caring mother and loving sister like her remains a tragic event that will be hard to forget. Omoluabi stated this in a press statement he personally signed, he said he has lost an older sister, a loving heart, a caring soul and a great child of God. Omoluabi recanted the experience of growing up with Mrs Zainab Kolawole as a child, as very rewarding and memorable, he said Mrs Kolawole was the loving elder sister, caring older sibling that made growing up great, exciting and memorable.

*With the death of Aunty Zainab, I have lost a very loving elder sister, outstanding care giver and compassionate sibling, although we were not of same parents but Anty Zainab was around with us during my childhood, she was such a wonderful person to me, she was my Mum's preferred daughter and the most loving person, while in the university, she was the off campus older sister that would look after me, advice and pray for me. Losing her at this stage is the most devastating news that will be hard for me to forget, my siblings and I are grateful to her for all the love, companionship and sweet memories* Omoluabi said

Omoluabi says he shares in the loss and commiserate with her husband, Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mathew Kolawole, her children and the entire family for the irreplaceable and unforgettable loss.

Mrs Esther Zainab Kolawole was said to have died at a Lagos Hospital after a brief illness, may her gentle and loving soul rest in peace

Alfred Bello And Cohorts Should Stop Transacting With Ijumu PDP

The current event in Ijumu PDP have shown that there will always be characters and agents of destabilization especially as we are approaching another election time.

Some few group of greedy individuals and self styled political traders whose ultimate goal is to use PDP as an instrument for commercial purposes to swindle intending aspirants have been using series of pseudo name to attack some Ijumu PDP leaders.

We have therefore, decided to correct the impression in other not to mislead loyal PDP members. 

We wish is to urgently warn against the use of the name Kogi West PDP Youths by some unscrupulous elements and their followers who have no affiliate with youths except when they want to use the youths for political agendas.

It is important to state that their is no any point in time, morning or at night where Kogi West PDP youths agreed to meet for any discussion or deliberation much more issuing a statement against our revered leader, Sen Dino Melaye.

We are perplexed by this day light impersonation by these same characters who sold out PDP in exchange for money collected from Gov Yahaya Bello of APC during the last Gubernatorial and Senatorial rerun election in Kogi. 

We wish to state that we have carried our investigation thoroughly and our findings reveals that non of the local govt youth leaders in Kogi West or the Kogi West Youth leader for that matter was a party to the self serving and childish statement issued against distinguished Senator Dino Melaye.

We wonder why they did not sign the statement if truly it originated from the appropriate youth quarter. 

Let it be clear that Kogi West youths holds dearly distinguished Senator Dino Melaye lots of respect, we hold him in a very high esteem any day, anytime.

Kogi West youths have demonstrated their unflinching support, loyalty l and love for Sen. Melaye at every election and will continue to do same by the grace of God.

Therefore, nobody or any selfish individual fighting to unseat a duly recognised Ijumu PDP chairman, should make any frivolous and criminal statement against Sen. Melaye in the name of Kogi West youths.

We are aware that some youths who have mortgage their conscience long before now are behind this unproductive behaviour. 

Kogi  West youths will not be an instrument for selfish agenda of some so called leaders to perpetrate any unwarranted verbal attack on Senator Dino Melaye.

It is not enough to go about making spurious statements and unsubstantiated allegations against distinguished Senator Dino over the Ijumu PDP chairmanship, they should rather approach the appropriate party organ to press their demands if any.

We wish to make it very loud and clear that distinguished Sen Dino Melaye is one of our indisputable national leader of this great party, who has contrubuted his quota in no measure to the growth, progress and development of PDP nationally, at state and local govt levels.

We seriously warn that those who are using the name of Kogi West youths to make all sorts of eye-service statement and irritating allegations should desist henceforth, or else, we will not hesitate to mobilize Kogi West youths against them. We can no longer condole the shameful acts of this faceless and fake group using all sorts of names in a bid to survive politically.

It is clear that they are in confusion and lost, so they resulted into political impersonation to blackmail of our leader(s). To that extent, these characters are so gullible and politically demented to claim that 

Sen Dino Melaye lost his polling unit and ward during election. This is most dumbest and funniest claim in the recent time that even opposition politicians can stand to defend that Sen Dino Melaye constantly wins his unit and ward with a comfortable margin-lead at every election. Not just that, he is also instrumental to election victory in his Ijumu LGA and beyond via his political structure indisputably.

On the interloping and unsolicited meddling into Ijumu PDP affairs by Mr. Alfred Bello and his group,

it is important to warn them seriously to retrace their steps and stop using Ijumu PDP for their personal political transaction.

For Alfred Bello like his Ijumu counterpart, we understand that they have been collecting money from some aspirants within Ijumu and Kabba to do the hatchet job, we advise them to either return the money collected or retrace their steps or be ready for stiff resistance from the people.

Alfred Bello as a tool for counter-prodution,

he is hell bent on exercising undue interference in Ijumu PDP matter because of his personal and selfish greed to suit the political orchestration of some few characters, who wants to dictate to Ijumu PDP, yet don't want to be seen as behind the whole issues.

Let it be clear to Alfred Bello and cohorts that nothing will change the name of hon Bode Olorunmaiye as the duly recognised Ijumu PDP chairman, as affirmed by the people and the party nationally.

It could be recalled that hon. Bode Olorunmaiye was among the 21 local govt party chairmen of Kogi State inaugurated on the 29th October, 2021 by the PDP in Abuja. It is also instructive to note that, hon. Bode Olorunmaiye name was duly published by the National Convention Committee of our great party to which he participated in all convention activities and also voted.

For the sake of our loyal and peaceful party members from Ijumu who have since united for the progress of our great party, it will interest you to know that hon. Bode Olorunmaiye attended the meeting held after the convention at Villa-U hotels, Abuja. 

The meeting was at the instance of state PDP chairman, Sam Uhuotu, attended by all 21 local govt party chairmen of which Mr. Alfred Bello was in attendance.

Anyone following this development will begin to wonder why the sudden infiltration, dishonourable and destructive attitude of Mr. Alfred Bello and his sponsors over Ijumu PDP chairmanship. It is clear that they have lost it completely!

Worthy of note, two weeks ago, Ijumu PDP under the chairmanship of hon. Bode Olorunmaiye held an enlarged stakeholder's meeting with local govt executives, ward executives, party leaders and supporters in attendance.

We do not know what Alfred Bello and his co-sponsors from both Ijumu and Kabba intend to achieve aside division, greed and commercialization of our great party, but we can assure them that our teeming party members believed in the leadership of Sen Dino Melaye and Prince Olusola Akanmode, other respected and responsible leaders of our part and we will stand by their choice.

Hon. Bode Olorunmaiye has commenced his tenure on a good note, and will end it on a very successful note irrespective of the sick antics of some political black-marketers within our party.

Signed:

Abdullahi Imam

Eyiwumi Bonire 

Bayo Ologun

For; Concerned Kogi West PDP Youths.