REFLECTION ON THE CRY OF A RIVER FROM THE UNJUSTIFIED Sen Dino Melaye... Cosmetic approach

Last week, I watched as some members of the National Assembly took turns to lament the state of insecurity in the country. One speaker after the other complained that they can no longer travel to or sleep in their villages because of insecurity. They are overwhelmed by the army of criminals. However, they just cannot see a link between their greed — their obscene allowances, their extortion-driven oversight activities as well as the padded budgets — and the poverty and insecurity in the land. That is the problem with Nigerian politicians: they think Nigeria is like this by mistake. They think if we are able to deploy more troops, kidnapping will stop. If only it were that simple!

Let me say this yet again: the Nigerian ruling elite need to have a meeting, perhaps a “meeting of minds”, and agree to change their ways. We cannot continue to run a system of an overfed elite minority and a malnourished majority and expect to keep travelling to the village in glittering SUVs without consequences. No. It won’t work. We cannot run a system where the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer and expect peace. We have been living a lie for too long. Commonsense tells us that inequality comes with a price. We cannot sustain a system that ruins the lives of the majority of 200 million Nigerians and hope to sleep and snore at night.
Although the economic downturn in the last five years and some of the policies of President Muhammadu Buhari are implicated in the current socio-political crises, the truth remains that for too long, we ignored the warning signals. For decades, the UNDP told us that 70 percent of Nigerians were living on less than $1 a day. What did we do to prevent the incoming disaster? It was all Greek to us. We spent our petrodollars as if there would be no tomorrow. Well, today is yesterday’s tomorrow. You don’t have to be a development expert to know that any country where the bulk of the youth are unemployed or unemployable is headed for chronic insecurity.

Don’t take my word for it. Check the poverty and unemployment rates of countries with the least incidence of crime and you will get a better idea of what I am driving at. When young men and young women wake up in the morning with nowhere to go, they are tempting the devil. He will give them something to do. Their energies will be misused and abused as they struggle to survive. No human being will sit down at home and die of hunger. Survival is a basic human instinct. The human being will survive by any means necessary — even if it is to steal, beg or borrow. The police and the army combined cannot contain crime when the factory producing criminals has not been closed.

Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. We have sown the wind and we are reaping the whirlwind. The teens and teenagers that we refused to care for yesterday have become our nemesis today. They are now in our neighbourhood and on the highway, making life unbearable for us. The security system we failed to overhaul and modernise for ages — despite security budgets in billions of dollars — is now unable to protect us. But if I may ask, what are we doing today to make sure our trouble does not double tomorrow? Are we investing properly in the future? Are we striving hard to make the country conducive in the future so that ordinary people can enjoy the basics of life? The elite must realise that it is in their own interest to make Nigeria habitable. This milking must subside.

Until the elite across board reach a consensus to curtail their greed and put Nigeria first, we cannot begin to make meaningful progress as a nation. Our predatory system will continue to breed terrorists, kidnappers, ritual killers, yahoo boys and circumstantial sex workers. What we are witnessing today would be child’s play compared to what is ahead. Nobody is safe in Nigeria, including those who think they are covered by a convoy of armed escorts. It is just a matter of time. Until we begin to sow the good seeds at all levels — federal, state and local — our troubles will keep multiplying. Nigeria will not develop overnight, but if we fail to act decisively and intelligently today, we cannot hope to reap gainful jobs, lasting peace, security and national prosperity tomorrow.

Good morning my people
_AVC

Kogi traditional rulers' visit canceled as Villa mafias disappoints Yahaya Bello...

Governor in desperate moves to secure APC ticket, plans cash splash on traditional rulers.

As November 16 date for Kogi gubernatorial election comes nearer, intrigues and political horseracing have taken over the firmament of the state with various political camp making strategies on how to undo one another. The gubernatorial contest appears to be a straight fight between the two dominant political parties in the country, APC and PDP. Although both parties appear to be engrossed in threatening internal crisis and divisions.


The incumbent governor and aspirant under the All Progressive Congress appears to be facing the most tasking political challenge ever. He seems to be fighting deafening political wars from all angles, from his Arc rival, Sen Dino Melaiye to his own party's infighting. Governor Bello apart from political foes is also fighting against the civil servants that are yet to be paid for months.


The governor of recent has coarsely involved the revered traditional institution in Kogi in the struggle for a 2nd term ticket. The traditional rulers across the state were helplessly cajoled and intimidated into declaring forcefully for Bello to continue. They were arranged from Senatorial zone to another and endorsed the Governor for continuity.


The latest information obtained from the grapevine suggests that Governor Bello had perfected arrangements for the royal fathers to visit President Buhari until the visit was abruptly canceled by the protocol of the President on instruction from above. It was learnt that Governor Bello had perfected the plans that would appear like the people of Kogi through the traditional leaders have endorsed the 2nd term ambition of the governor. The plan which is being spare headed by a close ally of the governor was also meant for the government to splash ten million naira on each first class traditional rulers and five million on the 2nd class category. The source confirmed that over one billion Naira has been earmarked for the purpose. This money they said will be to buy the rights and privileges of the traditional rulers as they are meant to be used for a lot of jobs. The  source quoted the close ally of the Governor as boasting to deal ruthlessly with any erring traditional rulers who would not agree or carry out their bidding accurately.

Reactions have continued to trail the juvenile approach that the governor is using to run the affairr of state and even in fighting perceived political enemies. Many people have alleged that the government have been using proxies to stockpile ammunition that are used to intimidate opposition away.

Many have expressed worry and concern about the propensity of the current administration to violence and disruption of legal gatherings. It will be recalled that the Senate sometime ago probed the allegation of purchasebof military hardware by Kogi state government, an act which was widely condemned.

More troubles for GYB as party moves to cancel illegal membership registration

....Opposition rallies EU Jibrin for ticket

Uncertainty, doubt and confusion has continued to trail the struggle for 2nd term ticket of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state. This is coming on the heels of plans by the national working committee of the party to cancel the membership registration embarked upon by Governor Yahaya Bello two years ago. It will be recalled that in a bid to ascert his control of the party, the governor conducted a state wide membership registration which was said to have tripped the original members figure before the coming on board of Yahaya Bello. An action that was condemned by founding members of the party, Hon Omomi, secretary of the founding members forum described the exercise as an attempt to personalize the structure of the party, he describes it as the root cause of the irreconcilable difference in the party.

Information available from the grapevine suggests that the national leadership of the party has begun moves to restore peace and unity to the party and have identified the registration as the immediate cause of the acrimony in the state chapter of the party. The source quoted a top national official as saying that the exercise lack every legitimacy and will surely be canceled, he said a registration that did not have the imput of the state, LGA and wards executive cannot stand.

Party stakeholders and Governor Bello have continued to be in total state of disagreement since his assumption of office and the difference appears not to be ending soon, but the party at the national level is desirous of a united party to the coming election.

The candidature of the immediate past Chief of Naval Staff has continued to enjoy state wide endorsement and support, Admiral Jibrin Usman who is generally considered as the fittest alternative to the incumbent governor, given his abysmal failure and huge public disenchantment against him. Kogi people according to reports appear to be comfortable with a mature, experienced and fairly rich candidate who will rescue the state from the myriad of challenges it is presently confronted with. It is these qualities that makes Admiral Jibrin to stand out among the candidates
He is said to be of deep pocket with contact across the country and his military background is perceived to be another plus that will tame the excesses of the incumbent.

Weather his candidature will succeed or not will be determined during the forth coming primary election

Palpable fear grips DISCOs as Lokoja Court orders accelerated hearing on suit challenging prepaid meeters

The ruling of accelerated hearing as ordered by a Lokoja Federal High Court over the suit challenging the legality of sales of prepaid meters has continued to generate tension within the Electricity Distribution Companies across the country over the fate of the program in the face of the suit

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company had penultimate Friday launched the sale of the Prepaid meter across the states of Kogi, Nassarawa, Nigeria and FCT, an act that an Abuja based Civil Rights Activist, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi has described as wicked, illegal and anti people, Omoluabi contend that Section 67 of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Act 2005 forbids such action.


Our investigation has revealed that the stakeholders in the Distribution business of electricity are in palpable fear of what the eventual

judgement will look like. Attempt to get official reaction from Abuja Electricity Distribution Company has been unsuccessful but reliable inside sources confirmed that the issue was extensively discussed on the Kogi region staff whatsapp group where staff members expressed concerns.

Ever since the news broke out, electricity consumers have been expressing great excitement and joy, the news of possibilities of getting prepaid meters free of charge is what they have all prayed should come to reality. Electricity consumers across the country have taken to the social media to express their frustration and disappointment in the Discos, they encourage the judge to demonstrate courage to declare the distribution free.
The details of the suit is contained below


COURT ORDERS ACCELERATED HEARING ON SUIT CHALLENGING SALES OF PREPAID METERS IN KOGI

As plaintiff slams AEDC with seven billion Naira damages for crazy billing, extortion and under supply of electricity...



A Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has on Wednesday granted an order of accelerated hearing on a suit challenging the legality of sales of prepaid meters to electricity consumers in Kogi West Senatorial district, arbitrary and crazy billing, extortion and under supply of electricity in the area.


A former ADC Senatorial Candidate in the just concluded election and civil rights activist, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi on behalf of the
Kogi West electricity consumers had through a Writ of Summons supported with a motion on notice pursuant to Order 28 of the Federal High Court (civil rule procedure) dragged the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Hon Minister of Power, Works and Housing and Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission before Justice Okorowo over the illegality of the AEDC in the sales of prepaid meters, arbitrary estimated and undersupply of electricity to the people according to the rules guiding estimated billing system.


Omoluabi who swore to 12 point Affidavit under oath in suit number FHC/LKJ/CS/88/2019 before His Lordship Hon Justice Okorowo of the Federal High Court, is seeking

1. An interlocutory order of injunction restraining AEDC from carrying out sales of prepaid meters to unsuspecting customers.

2. A declaration that AEDC estimated billing is illegal, unlawful and null and void being contrary to the laid down regulations guiding billing of electricity customers.

3. A declaration that GET metered of AEDC asking customers to pay for meter is illegal and contrary to the provision of Section 67 of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Act, 2005 and paragraph 4(1) of the MAP Regulations NERC-R-112-2018 and thus null, void and of no effect.

4. An order of the court restraining AEDC from using estimated billing without recourse to the extant laws and the consumables of the consumers.

5. An order of court directing the AEDC to issue prepaid meters to all its customers immediately at no cost whatsoever

6. An order of court directing AEDC to pay seven billion Naira being the illegal money generated on estimated billing in Kogi West.


While ruling on the experte motion, Hon Justice Okorowo granted the order of accelerated hearing on the motion on notice and adjourned till 28th May for hearing of the motion on notice.


Reacting to the ruling, Omoluabi thanked the judge for being sensitive to the plight of electricity consumers in Kogi West, he assured the people that he will pursue the case with every vigor to ensure justice for over hundred thousands of customers in Kogi West. He went further to explain the ordeals, untold frustration and challenges the people face daily in the hands of AEDC

Hon(ELD) LEKE ABEJIDE Bags National Assembly IMPACT MAKER Award Of The Year

The House of Representative member-elect for Yagba Federal constituency of Kogi State during the weekend was one of the award winner of WHO is WHO Personality Award of the incoming 9th National Assembly.

He was awarded the IMPACT MAKER of the year, after landslide victory at the last National Assembly election, he was one of the out standing nominees for the award.

Hon. Elder Leke Abejide has always been determined to make positive and indelible impacts with great changes, that has a traceable footprints.

This award is a self deserving one because the member-elect stands on the threshold of making difference.

In his remark he expressed his undiluted joy, as he received the award, it is a clear indication that his  efforts to imprint a legacy is yielding results,  people can see it.

This is also an inspiration and encouragement to do more.
In his remark at the event, after he was honoured with the award he said, "I have the believe that every good cause produces more than one effect". I will improve my best to do more so that the impacts will speak more for it self.

I want  to say a very big thank you , as I accept the award from Who & Who Awards as The National Assembly IMPACT MAKER .

DON'T PAY FOR PREPAID METERS, IT IS ILLEGAL, Activist advises Electricity consumers...

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT !!!

UPDATE ON AEDC's EXTORTION, CRAZY BILLINGS AND ILLEGAL SALES OF PREPAID METERS AGAINST OUR PEOPLE


I am pleased to inform the general public that after due consultations and receipt of complaints against the misdemeanor of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company against our people, I was at the Federal High Court, Lokoja yesterday to sue AEDC after substantially establishing that huge infractions have been committed against our people in the supply, rates and distribution of electricity to our people, it's important to state that the abominable acts of the company against the people are grievous, frustrating and and debilitating so much that it requires immediate legal action, most especially after it has been established that they have been sufficiently and painstakingly engaged by traditional, community and religious leaders severally without any iota of change.

It became most needful after the company introduced cost to prepaid meters, this to me and my team is the height of extortion, corporate robbery and deliberate wickedness against our people who are customers, as conscious law abiding citizens, we have sufficiently established that the sale is against the extant laws guiding the operation of Discos and electricity distribution in Nigeria.

I therefore wish advise our people not to pay a dime for the illegal sales as the court in the coming week will grant our injuction restraining the company from such sales but distribute free of charge.

I wish to assure all electricity consumers in Kogi West that we shall do all within our power and ability to ensure justice is served and served timely.

God bless you
God bless Kogi West


Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi
Masses true servant and advocate

HON. FALEKE RESPONDS TO CAMPAIGN POSTERS AT APC NATIONAL SECRETARIAT.

I have received calls from some well meaning kogites and Nigerians at large as to my posters being pasted across Kogi and Abuja calling on me to come and contest Kogi Guber Elections in the November 2019 Governorship Elections.

I was surprised yesterday when the information got to me from the Nationtional Secretariat of our Party that my posters are on the walls of the secretariat in Abuja.

To me it shows an intervention is urgently required in my state of birth and I want thank all for recognizing my ability and capacity to deliver the much needed good governance that has eluded the state.

I have stated before and wish to restate now that what is before me and my colleagues is to support Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila in his speakership aspiration and represent the good people of Ikeja Federal Constituency.

If in the nearest future,the people and leadership of our party both home and abroad requires my services in such capacity,I will be willing to offer myself for service.

When in 2015,I accepted to be running mate to Late Prince Abubakar Audu,it was my conviction then that the late "Prince of the Niger" had a lot to offer the people. When he died, and I rejected the same position offered to me,it was also because I knew that there was no vision in the then incoming government. I believe I have been vindicated.
God Almighty will direct our path and help.

Signed: Hon. James Abiodun Faleke

Kogi Guber: Faleke’s Posters flood APC National Secretariat.

Ahead of August 2019 Kogi state governorship primary election of the All Progressive Congress (APC), former running-mate to late Abubakar Audu and a Lagos state House of Representative member-elect, James Faleke, has joined the race to replace governor Yahaya Bello.

Blueprint can report authoritatively that Faleke’s governorship posters have already flooded the national secretariat of the APC, located at Blantyre street, Wuse 11, Abuja.

When our correspondent visited the party house on Wednesday, the collourful posters were already strategically pasted from the main entrance round about the building.

Although the national secretariat seemed deserted but few staff and other party members around appeared happy about the development with some of them seen in groups discussing the matter.

A senior members of the party who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity described the move as a welcome development.

He said: “Remember that Falake was on a joint ticket with the late Audu. He has right and qualify to contest. So, the primary election will be a tough on,” the APC staff stated.

Earlier, the incumbent governor Yahaya Bello had declared his intention to seek the party’s ticket to contest for a second term in Abuja.

Why I rejected Yagba East Administrator’s appointment

I wish to thank the Yagba East Local Government Administrator for considering me worthy of being appointed as one of his Senior Special Advisers. It is however unfortunate that I was not consulted before the appointment was made. However, I humbly request to be excused as I will not be taking the appointment based on many reasons.
Firstly, having looked at the increasing state of hunger, starvation and untold hardship being experienced by civil servants which have led to death of many of the workers and businesses folding up with no sign of hope in any time soon. Also our healthcare, education and economy are getting worse by the day; from underpayment, irregular payment to outright non-payment of salaries for months.
Secondly, my political Leader (Elder Leke Abejide) would have no part with this administration and it will be a disservice for me to pitch my tent with APC led Government in Kogi State.
Finally, after weighing my options and consulting thoroughly, I have decided to reject the appointment. I wish the Administrator the wisdom to pilot the affairs of Yagba East towards peace and progress.

*Ibikunle Bukola*
*Ward 09*

RAMADAN : Use this holy month to seek God's intervention against wicked rulers... AMB Mohammad Ahmed tell Kogi Muslims

As he promises better days ahead for Kogi transformation...

The leading All Progressive Congress gubernatorial aspirant and Ankpa Prince, Ambassador Mohammad Jubrin Ahmed has urged Muslim faithfuls to dedicate this holy month in prayers to almighty Allah for a change in the current hardship and visionlessness as is currently experienced in Kogi under this inhumane administration.


He made the call in his Ramadan message to the people of Kogi state. Ambassador Mohammad notes that it is excruciatingly difficult and most unimaginable for Muslims to enter the holy month of Ramadan without food, yet it is rewarding for them to bear it in order not to miss the benefits of the holy month.


"I share in the pains and perfectly understand the difficulty in fasting when salaries are not paid for months and general economy of the state in state of comatose, but I urge you all in the name of almighty Allah to endure the little time till when redemption will come. I am very confident that by Allah's power, this will be the last Ramadan that will be observed in lack, hunger and hopelessness, I however urge you all to dedicate this period to supplication to Allah to take away the agonizing and debilitating government, may Allah accept all our sacrifices as act of Ibadah" Alh Mohammad says.


He further assured the people that the time of redemption is near, he advised them to remain law abiding and never depart from the teachings of the holy Quran, especially at this holy month. He promised to reposition, redirect and restore the state to the path of speeding progress and economic prosperity when elected insha Allah by November