The unfolding smear campaign against former Lagos governor and leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu, is no surprise. It had been in the works for years since the Jonathan-led government realized that Tinubu commanded a powerful political followership. The successful merger and birth of the APC posed the most potent threat to the PDP and Tinubu an architect of the merger has become a marked man.
The thought of a Buhari-Tinubu ticket confounds the PDP hierarchy and their crisis-battered president. That Tinubu might be nominated as General Buhari’s running mate also incenses the small element within the APC who joined the party not for its progressive vision but to exploit its platform to press forward their vision of themselves. Having failed at halting General Buhari’s bid, the PDP disinformation machine has thrown itself into overdrive trying to stymie the selection of Tinubu. Sadly, some elements within the APC – elevating their personal ambition over party and national interests — have lent themselves to this endeavor.
During the Nazi takeover of Germany, madman Adolf Hitler became jealous of those within his own party who showed independent thought and who would not allow themselves to be bent just so he could satisfy his megalomania. Outraged, he engineered a purge executing the lot of them. This bloody scheme became known as the “night of the long knives.” In Nigeria, we have entered the “season of the wrong knives.”
The recent report on one of the online news websites on the allegations bordering on his academic qualification is not new. What is new is how desperate they have become to stir up a new controversy using an old lie. In the past these allegations were successfully rebutted. Recent attempt to present them as fresh allegations will not go unchallenged.
The online report, published by Sahara Reporters, claims that Tinubu withdrew his support for the ACN in the 2011 election due to blackmail by the president. It is rather odd that this report colors Tinubu as the villain. If the report were true, he would be a victim. President Jonathan and his administration would be guilty of the high crime of extortion. This tiny consideration seemed not to dawn on the authors of this scurrilous piece; so fixated on stabbing Tinubu, they implicate their own boss in wrongdoing. So eager to please their master, Jonathan’s mindless men further ensnare him.
If Tinubu had been scared off in 2011, it would make no sense for him to spearhead the formation of the APC against the same president. If the president had such control over Tinubu why didn’t the president use that leverage earlier to scuttle the APC before it gained a strong position in the political space? The story makes no logical sense.
The particular accusations in the story further reveal the malice of mind of those peddling it. They claim Tinubu did not attend Chicago State University. They cite as their evidence a letter from the US Consulate. But if you read the letter carefully, the surname stated is “TinubO” not “TinubU.” If the University did a computer check on that name, the check would come up empty. The culprits likely misspelled the last name so that the name search would reveal nothing. This is clever but immoral; it is a wrong knife.
Meanwhile, Tinubu has genuine documents and pictures showing him as an award-winning student at the school. Nigeria should be proud that one of its own graduated an honor student from an American university over thirty years ago when that was more of a rarity than it is today. Instead, his detractors want to pretend he never set foot on campus.
As late as August 2012, Tinubu visited the university and was given a special reception and a tour by the school’s president. This would not have been done for a stranger. It would have been done for a distinguished alumnus.
After graduation, Tinubu landed jobs with two well established international companies, one the accounting firm Deloitte and Touche and the other, ExxonMobil. Such companies investigate an applicant’s academic background. If he had not attended school, these companies would not have hired him. He would not have excelled in them but he did.
The rumor about drug running is the lowest form of calumny. He has never been arrested, charged or indicted for any drug-related crime. Had any such suspicion existed, the American government would not have granted him political asylum during the Abacha era. Under American law, asylum cannot attach to anyone who has broken or offended that same law.
Moreover, Tinubu travels frequently to the states. This means he has a visa. American law prohibits visa issuance to anyone reasonably suspected of drug dealing, let along being convicted of the same.
If I were Tinubu, I would place a wager with the PDP. He should offer to fly to America if the PDP would also send Mr. Kashamu. Both can fly to Chicago. Then he should bet the PDP who would return to Nigeria first. We all know the answer.
There is a vicious campaign to deter Tinubu from the APC ticket; this campaign is being run from the PDP’s basement. They fear him. They cannot assail his competence and experience. He has been an able senator and governor. They cannot assail his commitment to democracy. He has personally sacrificed more for democracy than all the PDP hierarchy combined. They fear his ability to campaign, to get out the vote and to protect that vote, especially in the southwest because they know that is the pivotal region where the election will likely be won or lost.
These assailants desperately try to scuttle Tinubu’s potential candidacy. In that the truth offers them no solace, they resort to lies. They seek to ambush the man under cover of innuendo and untruth. But their aim is off and their knives are wrong. In the end, what they use to injure him will turn to point against them. Such is the outcome when one engages in malice.
Thus, they seek to prevent a person who may be controversial yet he is perhaps Nigeria’s most able and versatile politician, strategist and policy maker. For perhaps the most gifted politician of his time not to seek national office is a luxury a nation in this dire circumstance can ill afford. In the end, governance has little to do with religion, region or rumor. It has to do with vision and competence. The wrong knives will never be able to cut that truth.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Amosun alleges Ogun State Police Command and Bankers Forum of Sabotage over "frequent" breakdown of Armored Personnel Carrier.
The Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, CON; fca. has alleged sabotage over the frequent breakdown of the Armored Personnel Carriers which were allotted to provide security back-up in the Ijebu area of the state.
Amosun stated this in in Ogbere in the Ijebu East Local Government Area while reacting to the recent panic decision by managements of banks in the Ijebu Ode and Ijebu Igbo areas, which made them to close shops for some days.
While speaking to newsmen over the incident, Governor Amosun explained
“We stationed one in Ijebu Ode and another one in Ijebu Igbo because of the problems that were happening with our banks.
“We also stationed one in Ago-Iwoye, but other APCs are working except the ones in the Ijebu areas which break down every now and then.
“When we moved it and brought another new one, within a month, it will not work again.
“When we moved another one, within a very short time, it will break down again while the ones we moved away will be working in other places.”
Amosun added that "immediately the APCs which broke down in the Ijebu Ode and Ijebu Igbo area were moved to other locations, they would suddenly begin to work.
He also wondered why bank managements in the Ijebu area would know that an APC would not work the following day and for that reason would refused to open offices.
He explained that a text message was sent to him last Sunday predicting that the security vehicles in Ijebu would not work on Monday and as such, banks would not open, adding that as foretold, the APCs refused to work.
It should be noted that the same scenario played out in 2012 less than a year the Armoured Personnel Carrier was purchased when one of the newly acquired APC stationed in the area developed "mechanical" fault and has to be replaced before financial institutions in the area could continue their business.
Governor Amosun further challenged the traditional rulers in the area to help is sensitize people over the security situation in the area and state particular stating “We should all continue to relate peacefully. And in takiling about about security, our leaders must be involved. Please, our paramount rulers, I want you to help me sensitise the people that when we were to buy APCs, we bought 14 APCs and distributed to everywhere in the state. I am not saying this for saying sake."
Amosun stated this in in Ogbere in the Ijebu East Local Government Area while reacting to the recent panic decision by managements of banks in the Ijebu Ode and Ijebu Igbo areas, which made them to close shops for some days.
While speaking to newsmen over the incident, Governor Amosun explained
“We stationed one in Ijebu Ode and another one in Ijebu Igbo because of the problems that were happening with our banks.
“We also stationed one in Ago-Iwoye, but other APCs are working except the ones in the Ijebu areas which break down every now and then.
“When we moved it and brought another new one, within a month, it will not work again.
“When we moved another one, within a very short time, it will break down again while the ones we moved away will be working in other places.”
Amosun added that "immediately the APCs which broke down in the Ijebu Ode and Ijebu Igbo area were moved to other locations, they would suddenly begin to work.
He also wondered why bank managements in the Ijebu area would know that an APC would not work the following day and for that reason would refused to open offices.
He explained that a text message was sent to him last Sunday predicting that the security vehicles in Ijebu would not work on Monday and as such, banks would not open, adding that as foretold, the APCs refused to work.
It should be noted that the same scenario played out in 2012 less than a year the Armoured Personnel Carrier was purchased when one of the newly acquired APC stationed in the area developed "mechanical" fault and has to be replaced before financial institutions in the area could continue their business.
Governor Amosun further challenged the traditional rulers in the area to help is sensitize people over the security situation in the area and state particular stating “We should all continue to relate peacefully. And in takiling about about security, our leaders must be involved. Please, our paramount rulers, I want you to help me sensitise the people that when we were to buy APCs, we bought 14 APCs and distributed to everywhere in the state. I am not saying this for saying sake."
Saturday, September 20, 2014
SEX TIPS By "Dr." Wole LTAI Solitaire.
Let me start by telling us that sex @ night must start from the morning or earlier in the day. We will start with romance today!
Romance can take two different forms, physical and non physical. Physical romance involves body contact while non physical does not.
Many body parts are involved in romance, fingers, tongue, boobs, nipples, hair , pussy , dicks just to mention a few. There are special ways of making use of this organs to have effective romance!
Ladies are like aircraft, they need to taxi on runway b4 taking off. So, they need romance for them to enjoy the sex well, so any man that doesn't do well in romance, is only making the woman to have hard taking off
There are different ways of handling this organs involved in romance, b'cos they are of different sizes and shapes. For guys!, the way you will handle small boobs is different fron the way to handle big boobs!
The way to lick a circumcised pussy is different from the way to lick an uncircumcised pussy. The way to suck a small and thick dick, is different from a long thick dick, or a curve thick dick. The way to handle a flat dick is different from a hard dick.
So let's start from the ladies now!
Let's see how to handle different dicks in different state. The dick is made up of the trunk and the cap( dick head). The dick head is the most important and the most sensitive part of the dick.
B4 I continue, I will like to state here that it is a crime for a man to allow your woman to undress herself during sex also for the ladies, it is part of romance to know how to undress your man!
So, a lady should know how to unzip the trouser with just one hand. And guys too should learn how to remove the bra with just one hand without looking @ the bra. So, while you are kissing your man!, your hand can go down to the trouser's zip and lower it.
If the dick is hard already due to the kissing, good for you!, but if the dick is still flat, then you need to handle it as a flat dick.
Ma!, if you can't unzip the trouser without looking. @ it, please kindly look @ it to unzip it o!, b'cos if you hook bros dick with the zip, that might be the end of the fuck o!!!! So for the flat dick, run it gently and make the dick head to be in btw the 2nd and 3rd finger to your thumb. Although you can rub a flat dick a bit h but never try it hard dick o!!!, although the guy might not complain but it pains when you rub our hard dick hard o!!!!!!
Some ladies will squeeze the dick as if dem dey wash dress =D. When the dick is hard concentrate more on the dick cap. The dick cap or dick head is the most sensitive part of the dick. When you are touching the dick use your finger to be lifting the dick cap from the base as is you want to remove the dick cap!, you will notice that as you are doing tharos will be jerking as if his remote control dey for that dick head!
When you are touching the dick please don't neglet the scrotum completely but you have to be careful in handling the scrotum.
BOOBS
Caressing boobs should be gently not squeezing it hard!!!! Finger tips should be used on the nipples. We will continue from there next time...........
Romance can take two different forms, physical and non physical. Physical romance involves body contact while non physical does not.
Many body parts are involved in romance, fingers, tongue, boobs, nipples, hair , pussy , dicks just to mention a few. There are special ways of making use of this organs to have effective romance!
Ladies are like aircraft, they need to taxi on runway b4 taking off. So, they need romance for them to enjoy the sex well, so any man that doesn't do well in romance, is only making the woman to have hard taking off
There are different ways of handling this organs involved in romance, b'cos they are of different sizes and shapes. For guys!, the way you will handle small boobs is different fron the way to handle big boobs!
The way to lick a circumcised pussy is different from the way to lick an uncircumcised pussy. The way to suck a small and thick dick, is different from a long thick dick, or a curve thick dick. The way to handle a flat dick is different from a hard dick.
So let's start from the ladies now!
Let's see how to handle different dicks in different state. The dick is made up of the trunk and the cap( dick head). The dick head is the most important and the most sensitive part of the dick.
B4 I continue, I will like to state here that it is a crime for a man to allow your woman to undress herself during sex also for the ladies, it is part of romance to know how to undress your man!
So, a lady should know how to unzip the trouser with just one hand. And guys too should learn how to remove the bra with just one hand without looking @ the bra. So, while you are kissing your man!, your hand can go down to the trouser's zip and lower it.
If the dick is hard already due to the kissing, good for you!, but if the dick is still flat, then you need to handle it as a flat dick.
Ma!, if you can't unzip the trouser without looking. @ it, please kindly look @ it to unzip it o!, b'cos if you hook bros dick with the zip, that might be the end of the fuck o!!!! So for the flat dick, run it gently and make the dick head to be in btw the 2nd and 3rd finger to your thumb. Although you can rub a flat dick a bit h but never try it hard dick o!!!, although the guy might not complain but it pains when you rub our hard dick hard o!!!!!!
Some ladies will squeeze the dick as if dem dey wash dress =D. When the dick is hard concentrate more on the dick cap. The dick cap or dick head is the most sensitive part of the dick. When you are touching the dick use your finger to be lifting the dick cap from the base as is you want to remove the dick cap!, you will notice that as you are doing tharos will be jerking as if his remote control dey for that dick head!
When you are touching the dick please don't neglet the scrotum completely but you have to be careful in handling the scrotum.
BOOBS
Caressing boobs should be gently not squeezing it hard!!!! Finger tips should be used on the nipples. We will continue from there next time...........
Saturday, September 6, 2014
"INVESTIGATE THE MATTER, DONT INTIMIDATE THE LEGISLATURE"
That the Chairman of Ipokia Local Government Council of Ogun State has been suspended by 12 Councillors in the legislative arm of the Council for "Gross Misconduct" and abuse of office is no more news. What is baffling the minds of everyone following the trend is the conspicuous silence of the state government over the allegations leveled against the erring LG Chairman Isiaka Wale Aderohunmu.
Instead of the Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rt. Hon Muyiwa Oladapo who himself (unfortunately) was a Speaker of House of Assembly in the state to be bullying threatening to arrest and harassing the Councillors of the Council Area, what is expected of him is to rather call for thorough "probe" into the actions that led into the legislative "sledge hammer" used on Aderohunmu.
We really want to hear from the LG Commissioner IF the Ipokia Legislative Arms did anything unexpected or against the law. We want to know IF truly the LG boss is guilty for “His failure to abide by the Resolution of the House in returning the sum of over Five Million naira to the local government which accrued from hiring out the bulldozer."
Hon. Muyiwa Oladapo should shed more lights on the alleged ”mismanagement of properties of the council" and lastly Hon Commissioner for LG/CA should look into Aderohumun's alleged failure "to appear before the House on five different occasions when he was invited”.
Although fortunately for the LG boss, through the genuine intervention of some key stakeholders in the Local Government Area which includes Elders, all political appointees in Amosun's government from Ipokia LG held a peace-talk meeting with the 12 Councillors and the Chairman himself, with some resolutions by all the parties present. Some of the immediate demands by the Legislative Arm of Ipokia Local Government are;
1, that the 5million naira public fund in his possession be returned to government cover.
2, that the Chairman guard his loins and appear before the house next week to answer charges leveled against him in previous invitations he has turned down.
3, that the chairman tenders a public apology for making a mess of legislative process. After which they (councillors) will consider the possibility of reversing the suspension.
It is our opinion that despite the magnanimity shown by the Councillors, the state department saddled with Local Government activities should go further in do the needful by defending the good people of Ipokia Local Government.
Instead of the Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rt. Hon Muyiwa Oladapo who himself (unfortunately) was a Speaker of House of Assembly in the state to be bullying threatening to arrest and harassing the Councillors of the Council Area, what is expected of him is to rather call for thorough "probe" into the actions that led into the legislative "sledge hammer" used on Aderohunmu.
We really want to hear from the LG Commissioner IF the Ipokia Legislative Arms did anything unexpected or against the law. We want to know IF truly the LG boss is guilty for “His failure to abide by the Resolution of the House in returning the sum of over Five Million naira to the local government which accrued from hiring out the bulldozer."
Hon. Muyiwa Oladapo should shed more lights on the alleged ”mismanagement of properties of the council" and lastly Hon Commissioner for LG/CA should look into Aderohumun's alleged failure "to appear before the House on five different occasions when he was invited”.
Although fortunately for the LG boss, through the genuine intervention of some key stakeholders in the Local Government Area which includes Elders, all political appointees in Amosun's government from Ipokia LG held a peace-talk meeting with the 12 Councillors and the Chairman himself, with some resolutions by all the parties present. Some of the immediate demands by the Legislative Arm of Ipokia Local Government are;
1, that the 5million naira public fund in his possession be returned to government cover.
2, that the Chairman guard his loins and appear before the house next week to answer charges leveled against him in previous invitations he has turned down.
3, that the chairman tenders a public apology for making a mess of legislative process. After which they (councillors) will consider the possibility of reversing the suspension.
It is our opinion that despite the magnanimity shown by the Councillors, the state department saddled with Local Government activities should go further in do the needful by defending the good people of Ipokia Local Government.
"RE-IPOKIA LG BOSS REMOVAL; AMOSUN SHOULD INVESTIGATE THE MATTER, DONT INTIMIDATE THE LEGISLATURE".
PRESS RELEASE: "RE-IPOKIA LG BOSS REMOVAL; AMOSUN SHOULD INVESTIGATE THE MATTER, DONT INTIMIDATE THE LEGISLATURE".
That the Chairman of Ipokia Local Government Council of Ogun State has been suspended by 12 Councillors in the legislative arm of the Council for "Gross Misconduct" and abuse of office is no more news. What is baffling the minds of everyone following the trend is the conspicuous silence of the state government over the allegations leveled against the erring LG Chairman Isiaka Wale Aderohunmu.
Instead of the Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rt. Hon Muyiwa Oladapo who himself (unfortunately) was a Speaker of House of Assembly in the state to be bullying threatening to arrest and harassing the Councillors of the Council Area, what is expected of him is to rather call for thorough "probe" into the actions that led into the legislative "sledge hammer" used on Aderohunmu.
We really want to hear from the LG Commissioner IF the Ipokia Legislative Arms did anything unexpected or against the law. We want to know IF truly the LG boss is guilty for “His failure to abide by the Resolution of the House in returning the sum of over Five Million naira to the local government which accrued from hiring out the bulldozer."
Hon. Muyiwa Oladapo should shed more lights on the alleged ”mismanagement of properties of the council" and lastly Hon Commissioner for LG/CA should look into Aderohumun's alleged failure "to appear before the House on five different occasions when he was invited”.
Although fortunately for the LG boss, through the genuine intervention of some key stakeholders in the Local Government Area which includes Elders, all political appointees in Amosun's government from Ipokia LG held a peace-talk meeting with the 12 Councillors and the Chairman himself, with some resolutions by all the parties present. Some of the immediate demands by the Legislative Arm of Ipokia Local Government are;
1, that the 5million naira public fund in his possession be returned to government cover.
2, that the Chairman guard his loins and appear before the house next week to answer charges leveled against him in previous invitations he has turned down.
3, that the chairman tenders a public apology for making a mess of legislative process. After which they (councillors) will consider the possibility of reversing the suspension.
It is our opinion that, despite the magnanimity shown by the Councillors, the state department saddled with Local Government activities should go further in do the needful by defending the good people of Ipokia Local Government.
Signed;
The Akinlade Group (TAG)
That the Chairman of Ipokia Local Government Council of Ogun State has been suspended by 12 Councillors in the legislative arm of the Council for "Gross Misconduct" and abuse of office is no more news. What is baffling the minds of everyone following the trend is the conspicuous silence of the state government over the allegations leveled against the erring LG Chairman Isiaka Wale Aderohunmu.
Instead of the Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rt. Hon Muyiwa Oladapo who himself (unfortunately) was a Speaker of House of Assembly in the state to be bullying threatening to arrest and harassing the Councillors of the Council Area, what is expected of him is to rather call for thorough "probe" into the actions that led into the legislative "sledge hammer" used on Aderohunmu.
We really want to hear from the LG Commissioner IF the Ipokia Legislative Arms did anything unexpected or against the law. We want to know IF truly the LG boss is guilty for “His failure to abide by the Resolution of the House in returning the sum of over Five Million naira to the local government which accrued from hiring out the bulldozer."
Hon. Muyiwa Oladapo should shed more lights on the alleged ”mismanagement of properties of the council" and lastly Hon Commissioner for LG/CA should look into Aderohumun's alleged failure "to appear before the House on five different occasions when he was invited”.
Although fortunately for the LG boss, through the genuine intervention of some key stakeholders in the Local Government Area which includes Elders, all political appointees in Amosun's government from Ipokia LG held a peace-talk meeting with the 12 Councillors and the Chairman himself, with some resolutions by all the parties present. Some of the immediate demands by the Legislative Arm of Ipokia Local Government are;
1, that the 5million naira public fund in his possession be returned to government cover.
2, that the Chairman guard his loins and appear before the house next week to answer charges leveled against him in previous invitations he has turned down.
3, that the chairman tenders a public apology for making a mess of legislative process. After which they (councillors) will consider the possibility of reversing the suspension.
It is our opinion that, despite the magnanimity shown by the Councillors, the state department saddled with Local Government activities should go further in do the needful by defending the good people of Ipokia Local Government.
Signed;
The Akinlade Group (TAG)
Thursday, August 21, 2014
“Akinlade is the next Governor of Ogun State". -Former Ogun LG Boss.
A former chairman of Imeko Afon Loacal Government Area in Ogun state, Hon. Saka Isiaka has stated that one of the leading PDP Governorship aspirants Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade will take over the mantle of leadership of the Gateway State from the incumbent Senator Ibikunle Amosun by 2015. Isiaka stated this in Imeko while receiving the aspirant (Akinlade) at a consultation forum meeting he had with leaders and executives of PDP at Imeko-Afon and Yewa North Local governments.
Hon. Isiaka stated “Akinlade is the next Governor of Ogun State, we know him very well, he is tested, trusted and very reliable. He has shown traits of a good leader in his previous and current position, without any sentiment I wish to state that we the people of Imeko-Afon are ready to throw out weight behind him"
While addressing the leaders of the party, Hon Akinlade who is a third term member of Federal House of Representatives, thanked the leaders and the party faithfuls in the Local Government for their unflinching supports over times. “I appreciate the massive turn out of the people of Imeko Afon to welcome us to this great forum, it is obvious that PDP is well loved by the people and I am happy to be a member of this great party, you love me and I am happy to know that you are all ready to support our readiness to sign a NEW PACT with the people of Ogun State and put a stop to the close to four decades marginalization of our people"
Speaking further, the guber hopeful implore the members of the party and entire people of Imeko-Afon Local Government Area to participate fully in the coming issuance of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and continuous voters registration (CVR) as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission which is due to hold across the state in few days time. While speaking, Akinlade stated that "I love to implore you all to turn out en-masse in few weeks time for the forthcoming voter registration exercise where the permanent voter’s card will be distributed and new voters will be registered”.
Also present at the Party Consultative Meeting includes, Hon. Waliu Taiwo; a former commissioner for works, Hon. Kunle Salako; former commissioner for Health, Hon. Adijat Adeleye and hon. Samson Onademuren who are members of the Ogun State House of Assembly respectively, political leaders across the Imeko-Afon 7 Yewa North.
Hon. Isiaka stated “Akinlade is the next Governor of Ogun State, we know him very well, he is tested, trusted and very reliable. He has shown traits of a good leader in his previous and current position, without any sentiment I wish to state that we the people of Imeko-Afon are ready to throw out weight behind him"
While addressing the leaders of the party, Hon Akinlade who is a third term member of Federal House of Representatives, thanked the leaders and the party faithfuls in the Local Government for their unflinching supports over times. “I appreciate the massive turn out of the people of Imeko Afon to welcome us to this great forum, it is obvious that PDP is well loved by the people and I am happy to be a member of this great party, you love me and I am happy to know that you are all ready to support our readiness to sign a NEW PACT with the people of Ogun State and put a stop to the close to four decades marginalization of our people"
Speaking further, the guber hopeful implore the members of the party and entire people of Imeko-Afon Local Government Area to participate fully in the coming issuance of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and continuous voters registration (CVR) as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission which is due to hold across the state in few days time. While speaking, Akinlade stated that "I love to implore you all to turn out en-masse in few weeks time for the forthcoming voter registration exercise where the permanent voter’s card will be distributed and new voters will be registered”.
Also present at the Party Consultative Meeting includes, Hon. Waliu Taiwo; a former commissioner for works, Hon. Kunle Salako; former commissioner for Health, Hon. Adijat Adeleye and hon. Samson Onademuren who are members of the Ogun State House of Assembly respectively, political leaders across the Imeko-Afon 7 Yewa North.
“Akinlade is the next Governor of Ogun State". -Former Ogun LG Boss.
A former chairman of Imeko Afon Loacal Government Area in Ogun state, Hon. Saka Isiaka has stated that one of the leading PDP Governorship aspirants Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade will take over the mantle of leadership of the Gateway State from the incumbent Senator Ibikunle Amosun by 2015. Isiaka stated this in Imeko while receiving the aspirant (Akinlade) at a consultation forum meeting he had with leaders and executives of PDP at Imeko-Afon and Yewa North Local governments.
Hon. Isiaka stated “Akinlade is the next Governor of Ogun State, we know him very well, he is tested, trusted and very reliable. He has shown traits of a good leader in his previous and current position, without any sentiment I wish to state that we the people of Imeko-Afon are ready to throw out weight behind him"
While addressing the leaders of the party, Hon Akinlade who is a third term member of Federal House of Representatives, thanked the leaders and the party faithfuls in the Local Government for their unflinching supports over times. “I appreciate the massive turn out of the people of Imeko Afon to welcome us to this great forum, it is obvious that PDP is well loved by the people and I am happy to be a member of this great party, you love me and I am happy to know that you are all ready to support our readiness to sign a NEW PACT with the people of Ogun State and put a stop to the close to four decades marginalization of our people"
Speaking further, the guber hopeful implore the members of the party and entire people of Imeko-Afon Local Government Area to participate fully in the coming issuance of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and continuous voters registration (CVR) as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission which is due to hold across the state in few days time. While speaking, Akinlade stated that "I love to implore you all to turn out en-masse in few weeks time for the forthcoming voter registration exercise where the permanent voter’s card will be distributed and new voters will be registered”.
Also present at the Party Consultative Meeting includes, Hon. Waliu Taiwo; a former commissioner for works, Hon. Kunle Salako; former commissioner for Health, Hon. Adijat Adeleye and hon. Samson Onademuren who are members of the Ogun State House of Assembly respectively, political leaders across the Imeko-Afon 7 Yewa North.
Hon. Isiaka stated “Akinlade is the next Governor of Ogun State, we know him very well, he is tested, trusted and very reliable. He has shown traits of a good leader in his previous and current position, without any sentiment I wish to state that we the people of Imeko-Afon are ready to throw out weight behind him"
While addressing the leaders of the party, Hon Akinlade who is a third term member of Federal House of Representatives, thanked the leaders and the party faithfuls in the Local Government for their unflinching supports over times. “I appreciate the massive turn out of the people of Imeko Afon to welcome us to this great forum, it is obvious that PDP is well loved by the people and I am happy to be a member of this great party, you love me and I am happy to know that you are all ready to support our readiness to sign a NEW PACT with the people of Ogun State and put a stop to the close to four decades marginalization of our people"
Speaking further, the guber hopeful implore the members of the party and entire people of Imeko-Afon Local Government Area to participate fully in the coming issuance of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) and continuous voters registration (CVR) as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission which is due to hold across the state in few days time. While speaking, Akinlade stated that "I love to implore you all to turn out en-masse in few weeks time for the forthcoming voter registration exercise where the permanent voter’s card will be distributed and new voters will be registered”.
Also present at the Party Consultative Meeting includes, Hon. Waliu Taiwo; a former commissioner for works, Hon. Kunle Salako; former commissioner for Health, Hon. Adijat Adeleye and hon. Samson Onademuren who are members of the Ogun State House of Assembly respectively, political leaders across the Imeko-Afon 7 Yewa North.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
AT HOME IN MARYLAND, LAGOS WITH EX-OGUN GOVERNOR, GBENGA DANIEL * My life in EFCC detention
Since he left office in 2011, former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has not been having it easy with his successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), his political opponents and more. In fact, it’s been literally war, war, war for the astute businessman and owner of Kresta Laurel whose defeat of Aremo Segun Osoba in 1999 shocked the political world. Never one to shy away from controversies or even flee from saying it as it is, the handsome billionaire took time out on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 to set the records straight on some of the untrue stories that have been circulating about and around his person. From his detention by the EFCC to what he tagged the spectacular lies of Governor Ibikunle Amosun, all the millions he was accused of stealing to the rubbishing of his good works as a governor by the incumbent, YES INTERNATIONAL! Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, AZUH ARINZE, captured all of them during that encounter that took place at his sprawling mansion in Maryland, Lagos. However, this is just the first part…
BATTLE WITH EFCC
You will appreciate that these are criminal charges and according to the laws of the land, when a matter is in court, you can hardly comment. Otherwise it is subjudice. I think it is indeed an offence. But one can pass a few comments in such a way that one is a little bit cautious. If you remember, all of charges with EFCC emanated from a man called Tunde Oladunjoye. Tunde became the chairman of Ijebu East local government under my governorship and there was a crisis in Ijebu Ife; for people who still remember. On that occasion, a police commissioner, Omolodun is his name, was murdered in cold blood. I rushed there and found that it was not just murder; having been killed, he was actually burnt. I saw it with my two eyes. I was in Owu, at a service on that fateful day. In fact, I remember that I was sitting down with Chief Obasanjo in church and I had to excuse him. It was an Owu event, but I had to go and see what was going on, because I received those messages from there. While I was doing that, I was then asking the council chairman whether he’s already there and he said yes, he’s there, there’s no cause for alarm, everything is fine. But by the time I got there, he was not there and not only that, there was already (an) issue…I need to give you this background because since you’ve given me this quality time today, the stories that you have heard different versions, you should hear it correctly today, and anything I say, I stand by it. We got there only to find out it was mayhem. As a matter of fact, the Kabiyesi said to me that once they killed the police commissioner, the whole town was in trouble because Kabiyesi was expecting that before daybreak, the police would act and wipe out the place as it were. So, I moved in and then pleaded with all the police. I had to do what I had to do, and I went round myself and I left my word that look, I have seen the number of houses that’s burnt, I have seen everything. Now, I hand over this place to you, the police guy that I saw there. I’m gonna come back the next day, if I see one more house burnt, it is not the town, it is you. That is how we saved the town. It was that bad that we had to set up an enquiry and then the enquiry indicted Tunde Oladunjoye and I had no choice than to remove him as chairman. So, that was the background and he too now felt that okay, I will also do something. He then wrote a petition and of course if you remember what was going on in Ogun State at that time, the arrows were coming from all angles – OBJ was firing his own arrow, Dimeji Bankole was firing his own arrow, then somebody called Kashamu (Buruji) came in too; he was firing his own arrow. All against one person! (General laughter). The offence, I don’t know. But after a lot of reminiscences, the issue is very simple – there was once upon a time a state called Ogun; nobody went there. We all stayed in Lagos. I have my business here. If you don’t come to Lagos, you go to Port-Harcourt, Abuja. Abeokuta wasn’t in anybody’s dictionary. So, God gave us the grace, we went there, we opened the place up and so ehen, is it like this? So, the battle started. That is the summary of what went wrong and it is indeed an irony. However, Oladunjoye’s petition stated; it was a 16-count charge, that I stole $3 million. First, it was one, later they said it was three and that I stole God knows maybe 8 or 9 billion of local government funds. It was news to me because I had been detained for 10 days and I was just wondering what exactly has gone wrong. While I was in detention, between you and I, I boycotted newspapers. I didn’t read, because I was just annoyed. By the time I came out of detention, I saw that it was even N57 billion (Voice rises) that was reported, carried all over the place that was stolen. N57 billion! How? Where? Anyway, when they were not releasing me, I then said I will go on hunger strike; that if they had nothing to do with me, they should take me to court, because part of the case is that, as they would also confess later; as at the point of my arrest, there was nothing against me. Nothing! It was after I was arrested, they now started investigation. And the law says within 24 hours or 48 hours, you must give somebody a bail. You are keeping me for 10 days. What? So, take me to court. That was now when I was brought to court with all those court charges and everybody celebrated – another governor, another thief had been caught. However, I called my Finance Commissioner and I said Ogbeni, wa, nibo ni $3 million yi je yo? (Mr., where is this $3 million). So, Finance Commissioner, where is $ 3 million? He said they are crazy; there’s no $3 million anywhere. In fact, there’s $18 million which was part of the debt recovered, and the money is in First City Monument Bank. When we were broke on one occasion, you’ve forgotten, you authorized that I should change $1 million to pay salary, then another 2 million to pay salary. So, I didn’t even touch the money, it is in First City. They changed the money, the credited our account. The dom. account was in First City, the Naira account was in First City. From the Dollar that you have, please could you change this, credit our account? So, where is it? Nothing! Not one dime came. I said give me the proof, they gave it to me. Not only was it changed, I checked the rate of exchange whether there was any game, there was no game, because the rate of exchange was exactly the going rate at that point in time. The tragedy that we had, simply because OGD must be nailed at all cost, is that even when those facts and figures became available, the news did not carry the news (Laughs). So, that was the story of the Dollars.
Let me say to you today, in all my 8 years as governor, I did not touch, 12×8, 96 allocations, to local governments. I didn’t touch one dime. Not one dime! If somebody is a sworn enemy and he writes a petition, is there no weight that people should put on that petition? To cut a long story short, they had to quash all of the charges at that point in time. The celebration of profligacy ended. And then another round of investigation now started. At that time, Amosun had set up his land enquiry and then stories started that I had stolen land in Ogun State. At that time, in the course of stumbling on documents, they ran into one of my lawyers who had been registering companies for me, probably for the past 20 years. They then stumbled on some companies and said ah, this company was registered, this company belongs to OGD, he didn’t declare it. I said which company? Some companies that have never done business. I don’t even remember they existed. So, that is the set of allegation. Then, when I was there, they gave me a form, declare your assets. I said in this dungeon where you put me? To declare my assets? I’m not a man of one or two houses. How do you expect me to remember under this tension that you put me? Sorry, I can’t. After battling for 3 days, they started pleading with me, they said His Excellency, it is just for our use. I said but statutorily and as per the law, I am to declare my assets with the Code of Conduct and I have so declared. Not only that, I was probably the only governor in history who publicly declared his assets and it was not small. This is my house (referring to his house in Maryland, Lagos). I commissioned this house in 1996 or so. That’s my office (referring to the nearby Kresta Laurel building), I finished it in 1997. So, how do I begin to now…It’s not possible. When it was then like okay, you don’t want to co-operate with us, I said okay, what do you want? I wrote there that I cannot remember anything, but the ones I remembered, I wrote there, and I signed. Another set of allegations – failure to declare assets. I said don’t we have inter-agency co-operation? If you want to find out whether I declared my assets, go to the Code of Conduct, you would find it there completely documented and it is not a one-page declaration. I think it is about 10-page declaration. How do you want me to remember that in the dungeon where you kept me? So, that is the second allegation. Then, all of a sudden they said oh, some billions was paid to some company. Which company? Finally, they found out that it has nothing to do with me. Somebody laid water pipes from Yemoji to Ijebu Ode – the expansion of the water. And they actually went to see whether the pipe was laid; everything, as they found out. So, they removed that. Oh, now, we’ve seen that some companies that are doing business have paid some money to Kresta Laurel. Ah-ah! The companies do business with Ogun State and if they paid money to Kresta Laurel, it must mean that it’s bribery. Totaling N211 million; in trenches of N1.5, N2 million, N8.2, this, that. I said you are not even able to sit down to find out what this payment is for. We sell elevators, we sell generators. I don’t even have to know who is buying. It’s a growing concern. We went through it on our way here. Kresta Laurel has a customer base of about 2000 conservatively. I don’t know whether a few of you are aware that about 2 weeks ago, we received some expatriates from Kone. I hosted four of them at Intercontinental Hotel (Victoria Island, Lagos) where Kresta Laurel was declared the best distribution company for Kone elevators in the world for year 2013/2014 consecutively. MD, Kresta Laurel, oya, go, and they were harassing them. Finally, they found all the documentation, the LPO, the invoices…In fact, those companies are still owing money to Kresta Laurel that they have not paid. So, that is the list of the N211 million that is being celebrated to have been stolen, after they’ve investigated me to my pants. Having finished with me, they now said oh, anybody who is around me must be the one keeping the money. So, today, the three sets of allegations that are there – you stole land and two weeks ago in the open court, they were asking the prosecution witness whether this land was paid for; he said it was paid for. But it didn’t go through due process. So, what is due process? He said em, they did it over and above him. They didn’t let him know. They said so, because you were not informed, that is why you have now become prosecution witness? They asked him all manner of questions and he was just rabble-rousing. How did you become prosecution witness? You have retired. He said they brought him back, they gave him contract. To come and do what? Where are you from? Kogi State! Ah-ah! What is so special about you that…This is open court stuff, so I can talk about it. What is so special that you are now being brought? Okay, the person who is your boss, who did it over and above you, is he a surveyor? He said yes. Is he your senior in the profession? He said yes. So, what then is the process? So, that is the rigmarole of prosecution that we are going through. So, criminal prosecution is criminal prosecution and you are presumed innocent until found guilty. So, I’m just praying, because in all of this, if a judge wants to be nasty, they can always find something to say. But I think it will be a travesty of justice in this country if I serve for 8 years and nobody has asked me…Even my security vote is available to be probed. When I resumed government in 2003, my security vote was N5m per month and I sustained that until maybe the time we had some crisis; later on to N10m, to N15m. Maximum security vote that came out of Ogun State before I left, I think, was N20 million, when we were having serious problem in Ota. And I know governors who get God knows, even today, N200m per month. So, what are you people harassing me up and down for?
NEXT POLITICAL MOVE AND SUPPORT FOR JONATHAN
My next political move, between you and me…What happened to me is an irony. Because a new government came with pomp and pageantry, won the election, landslide, started doing his own thing. And I had told all my people that we don’t need to fight; election had been fought and won. For the sake of our state, please let everybody go and co-operate with the new governor and let’s move on. Those were my public declarations consistently. But what happened? I guess the governor decided that the only issue for him is OGD. You may not know what I’m about to say to you – every single step that he has taken, name it, any project that he has done, is just OGD. Either to erase OGD or to surpass OGD! How can that be the philosophy of a government? However, fact of the case is that a large number of our people continue to plead with me. I said what have I done? Our structure lost election; you have a new governor. They are now blaming us for what you perceive to be the non-performance of this governor. He’s building bridges, he’s building roads. So, how does that become my problem? And because they are blaming me, I find myself in a position where I have no choice but to contribute to the process of giving our people a better governor. If that means I have to work with Labour Party, with Goodluck Jonathan, with PDP, it doesn’t matter. We just must find a change; the change that you people are now blaming me for. So, that’s my next political move, God willing. And I think that since we are supporting Jonathan, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. I campaigned for him, I led his South West campaign, he won the election, though I got the wrong side of the stick. I happen to understand because of the forces that he had to contend with. I’m not giving him excuses. But however, matters of corruption have become so celebrated in Nigeria and I think that if I am his campaign co-ordinator and EFCC has charged me, I may be demanding too much of him. In fact, it would have been better if I had no relationship with him at all. I think I will be demanding too much of him to now say oya, EFCC, go and stop. No, I’m not expecting that. I’m working for him because I have looked at the terrain and I have been around for quite sometime in this political environment; I’m not saying that he is the only one who could be president, but I think for now, within the framework of the contemporary challenge we have as a country, he’s better for the sake of this country, he’s better supported to run a second term. That’s the reason why I’m supporting him. If there’s anybody who has a better reason why I should not, he should bring out the reason, let’s debate it. But I don’t need to talk much. They are not unaware of the challenges we had when we had the agitation for the South South, how oil production of Nigeria went to all-time low. Sometimes, not more than over 30 percent. Income plummeted and the exploration was going down, expatriate kidnapping was going on. Nigeria was fast becoming a pariah nation nobody was touching. Somehow, that has gone down. Production has gone back up, and that led to our rebasing. Recently, they said that Nigeria is now ahead in terms of the economy in Africa. When we play politics, we also have to be patriotic. I think that that equilibrium, we need to maintain second term and then we go back to the trenches again, begin to look for somebody who can succeed him. That’s my own position. Pragmatism. No more.
NEGLECT OF OTA ROADS BECAUSE OF AMOSUN
It’s the current governor who should answer that. Well, let me quickly tell you – somebody is laughing there; he’s from Ota. I was speaking with somebody and you will get it within the context. I was speaking with somebody yesterday and he was shocked when I said, because he’s a very good friend of the former governor, Osoba. And he was shocked when I said do you know what? Do you remember one lady called Subu, who is the secretary you see before Osoba? He said yes, one fair lady like that. I said oh, you know her. Very good! So, while Osoba was governor in 2003, Subu was his confidential secretary. The last person you will see before you can see the governor was Subu. I said are you aware that I did not change Subu when I became governor? And that the same Subu was my secretary, sitting on that same chair up until 2007 or 2008. For about 5 years, when she was finally promoted. He opened his mouth. I said are you aware that apart from my own driver that I took from here, that all the drivers that were driving Osoba’s convoy were the same drivers that drove me for all of my 8 years? He opened his mouth. Are you aware that in all of my 8 years, not a single project of Osoba that I re-negotiated or cancelled? He opened his mouth. I said are you aware that there was no money that he was owing, either to contractors or to staff or to whoever that I did not pay? He opened his mouth. Gentlemen, this country will not progress until we appreciate our responsibility in government, until we understand that, maybe as a corporate person, I appreciate this; that the only way you can provide stability for your creditors, for your customers is to make sure that there is consistency in policy. The only way the banks can help you is to see consistency, the only way people can come and say they want to invest is to see consistency. We investors, businessmen, if we are not sure that there is consistency, we will not move. The projects that turn around the fortunes of a people are not these short term perspective projects. Quickly do, 6 months, one year, let me get out. The projects that turn around the fortunes of a people are usually long term. The third terminal, Heathrow Airport, which was opened about 7 years ago; incidentally, my elevator company, Kone Elevators, installed that terminal 5 and so I had the opportunity in one of our international conferences to find out the story of Terminal 5. That’s the most modern terminal in London today. The master plan of Terminal 5 was already done 30 years before it was finally executed. They’ve already started thinking of Terminal 6 and 7. It is not the people who are there now who will implement them. But when we continue to look at what we need to do to turn around the fortunes of our people from that short perspective; government come, government go, and that is what we demonstrated. Regrettably, they say it doesn’t happen all the time and regrettably, it is the direct opposite of what has happened in Ogun State today. So, what has happened? Because there is politics of assault and inconsistency, people who want to bring big money will not come to Ogun State. It’s not a question of window dressing. No! There is no consistency. When a government, a President signs to a project, it is sacrosanct? It is not Olusegun Obasanjo who signed it; it is the President of the Federal Republic. When, as governor of Ogun State, OGD signed a paper called a C of O, it is no longer an OGD matter; it is the governor of Ogun State. Our governor has started, for instance now, what you can call precedence. He’s so excited that his predecessor is arraigned inside EFCC box and so he’s so happy. Yes, God don catch am. Precedence! Whether we like it or not, subsequent governors of Ogun State will go into that box. I also have friends, people that I’ve helped over the years and they are watching. They are compiling their own papers. Somebody has to explain the cost of those roads one way or the other. Sooner than later. Because it is precedence that is being set, and once you begin all of these, it is good. Popular action, everybody will clap. But at the end of the day, what happens? The income of Ogun State cannot sustain Ogun State; the income of Nigeria cannot sustain Nigeria. What sustains every country is venture capital. A right environment has been created, yes, let us move there and invest. That is what’s sustaining Dubai. Most of you don’t know that Dubai have no oil. You think they have oil? They are one of the few middle East countries that has no oil, but they are the most prosperous. What did they do? They created the right environment for you and I to go and invest there and they enjoy our money. The only thing that’s happening in Switzerland, the only thing they had is Swiss watch, which electronic watch has virtually taken over. How come Switzerland remains one of the richest countries in Europe? Secret banking. Your money, our money, because they created an environment where people have confidence to take their resources to. So, those are the issues and I had thought that at our level in Ogun State, with all our education, we should be sophisticated enough to appreciate some of these things. So, that really is the way I can answer some of your questions.
ABOUT AMOSUN INTRODUCING HIM TO OBJ
I attended Baptist Boys High School, just like OBJ. While he was prosecuting the war, I was already in school. He was one of our heros, he came home to Abeokuta, to our school, to greet us. Seun Obasanjo who runs Obasanjo Farms today and my first son, Rotimi grew up together in Adisa Bashua in the house of Mrs. Obasanjo. So, who is this man who says he introduced me to who? What is he talking about? Dateline 1999. You knew what happened? Your governor general (Asiwaju Bola Tinubu) lived in my pent house up here. If you have time, after, I will take you there. I will show you – his toothpaste, his toothbrush is still there. This same pent house. I decided to preserve it for my children (Laughter). Yes! The office where we are coming from is the office that I gave him where he stayed 3 months before he was sworn in. I’m not boasting here, because the whole essence is not to boast. But it was from here; it was my S class that took him to Tafawa Balewa, it was my Concorde that took Kofo (Bucknor – Akerele, Tinubu’s deputy) to Tafawa Balewa. It was after we escorted him to Tafawa Balewa where he was sworn in that I came back home. The day he won the election, here was where we did the party. It’s this same place. I’ve not changed this floor. This same bar! That’s where we celebrated Bola Tinubu’s election in 1999. So, who is…Bode George invited me to an event in year 2001. He said Otunba ,we’ve heard about you; you supported Bola Tinubu, you said you are Afenifere, now come and help us in PDP too. We need your support. I said but how can I go? I can’t go to PDP. He said what are you talking about? So, I went there. By the way, I hosted Obasanjo here in 1998 December. In this same house. He came with Fasawe (Johnson) when no young Yoruba man can get close to Obasanjo. What is Amosun talking about? And you people are believing him. Obasanjo sat in this my hosue for about 4 hours. I had about 40 people here – all the Yoruba intelligentsia of this world. Jimi Agbaje was there, Fola Adeola, they were all in this house. That’s where Obasanjo came to ask for support of Yoruba intelligentsia for his 1999 election. Here! And so Bode George called me, Golden Crown Restaurant in Ikoyi; after I debated shall I go, and shall I not go? I said after all, I’m not chopping from anybody now! If he calls me, let me go and I don’t have any constraints. So, I went. I got there early and Bode George said ah, Otunba you’ve come. We are still going to take you to the high table, but come and sit here for now. So, I sat down quietly. He came to where I was sitting. He (Amosun) said Otunba, good evening. I said good evening. So, he sat down. He brought out his card. He said you don’t know me, but this is me. I’ve heard so much about you, I said okay o. I took his card, but before he could say much, they had called me to the high table. And then the programme went like that. It was a Friday. On Monday, I went to the office; just the office where we came down from. And my secretary came and said somebody is looking for me. Who? The same person who gave me his card – Ibikunle Amosun. I said okay, let him in. So, he came in. He said to me Otunba, I want you to do something for me, I want you to help me. Ah! Help ke! I said what is it? He said I’m told that Bola Tinubu wants to remove Adekanola as the people who are doing their accounts, I’m interested in taking it. Ah! I looked at him like this (Demonstrates it); I said really? I said but how can that happen? It’s tough o! Because I met you in a PDP outing, Bola runs an AD government. Even if Bola wants to change Adekanola as the revenue collector, he will not pick a PDP person. I said okay, wait, I won’t take you to Bola, let me ask my friend who is a Finance Commissioner. So, I picked my phone and I called Wale Edun, who was then the Finance Commissioner. I said Wale; we call him Wales. How are you doing? He said Otunba, kilo n sele? I said look, there’s somebody I want to send to you and I want you to find a way to help him. He then said where are you, I said I’m in the office. Will you be there in another 30 minutes? I said yes, Wale I will be here. Okay, I will come and see you. So, Wale came as Commissioner for Finance to come and see me in that same office. While we were waiting, I said okay, Ibikunle, maybe you better sit at the reception until or if you are able to wait… Ah, kini mo n se, ma duro now! So, he waited. Of course, I knew at that time that they had started talking of ABC Consulting and I knew that won o le fun. I then said Wale, this is my dilemma. I don’t know this guy from Adam, but this is what he said. Wale just asked me one question – are you sure you really want me to help him? I said yes, by all means. Okay! We should bring him in, so he came. I said Wale, this is Ibikunle Amosun. The rest is over to you. He said he should see him in the office. I didn’t know that they had given Ibikunle any job. When Wale left as Commissioner for Finance, somebody called Adewusi took over. I was the one who pushed Adewusi as Managing Director of Ibile Holdings in 1991. So, Wale left as Commissioner for Finance, Bola Tinubu then put Adewusi there. So, Adewusi came to see me in Abeokuta. Ha! OGD, what’s happening? Wo ni man kan yo e lunu nibi ba yi? Mo ni man wo? Eee senator ee? Amosun. Moni, you know how politicians are. Ha! Oni, we are owing him about N100 million, I will not pay. Mo ni N100 million fu kini? Oni when Wale was giving him his handover note, he told me Dr. Adewusi, this guy is OGD o! So…I’m mentioning names because we will confront ourselves one day. He said this guy is OGD o, so whatever happens, make sure that you protect his interest. And I suppose they had been paying him. He was now looking for N100m and Adewusi now said that ah, if he doesn’t behave, he will not pay. That is the person who says he’s the one who introduced me to Obasanjo (Laughing). I can’t say my governor is a liar, but everybody has agreed that he’s not particularly good at telling the truth. And I’m not disparaging him. I think it is now virtually common knowledge in Ogun state. So, all of those things are just stories.
...............To Be Continued. (Source: Yes International Magazine)
BATTLE WITH EFCC
You will appreciate that these are criminal charges and according to the laws of the land, when a matter is in court, you can hardly comment. Otherwise it is subjudice. I think it is indeed an offence. But one can pass a few comments in such a way that one is a little bit cautious. If you remember, all of charges with EFCC emanated from a man called Tunde Oladunjoye. Tunde became the chairman of Ijebu East local government under my governorship and there was a crisis in Ijebu Ife; for people who still remember. On that occasion, a police commissioner, Omolodun is his name, was murdered in cold blood. I rushed there and found that it was not just murder; having been killed, he was actually burnt. I saw it with my two eyes. I was in Owu, at a service on that fateful day. In fact, I remember that I was sitting down with Chief Obasanjo in church and I had to excuse him. It was an Owu event, but I had to go and see what was going on, because I received those messages from there. While I was doing that, I was then asking the council chairman whether he’s already there and he said yes, he’s there, there’s no cause for alarm, everything is fine. But by the time I got there, he was not there and not only that, there was already (an) issue…I need to give you this background because since you’ve given me this quality time today, the stories that you have heard different versions, you should hear it correctly today, and anything I say, I stand by it. We got there only to find out it was mayhem. As a matter of fact, the Kabiyesi said to me that once they killed the police commissioner, the whole town was in trouble because Kabiyesi was expecting that before daybreak, the police would act and wipe out the place as it were. So, I moved in and then pleaded with all the police. I had to do what I had to do, and I went round myself and I left my word that look, I have seen the number of houses that’s burnt, I have seen everything. Now, I hand over this place to you, the police guy that I saw there. I’m gonna come back the next day, if I see one more house burnt, it is not the town, it is you. That is how we saved the town. It was that bad that we had to set up an enquiry and then the enquiry indicted Tunde Oladunjoye and I had no choice than to remove him as chairman. So, that was the background and he too now felt that okay, I will also do something. He then wrote a petition and of course if you remember what was going on in Ogun State at that time, the arrows were coming from all angles – OBJ was firing his own arrow, Dimeji Bankole was firing his own arrow, then somebody called Kashamu (Buruji) came in too; he was firing his own arrow. All against one person! (General laughter). The offence, I don’t know. But after a lot of reminiscences, the issue is very simple – there was once upon a time a state called Ogun; nobody went there. We all stayed in Lagos. I have my business here. If you don’t come to Lagos, you go to Port-Harcourt, Abuja. Abeokuta wasn’t in anybody’s dictionary. So, God gave us the grace, we went there, we opened the place up and so ehen, is it like this? So, the battle started. That is the summary of what went wrong and it is indeed an irony. However, Oladunjoye’s petition stated; it was a 16-count charge, that I stole $3 million. First, it was one, later they said it was three and that I stole God knows maybe 8 or 9 billion of local government funds. It was news to me because I had been detained for 10 days and I was just wondering what exactly has gone wrong. While I was in detention, between you and I, I boycotted newspapers. I didn’t read, because I was just annoyed. By the time I came out of detention, I saw that it was even N57 billion (Voice rises) that was reported, carried all over the place that was stolen. N57 billion! How? Where? Anyway, when they were not releasing me, I then said I will go on hunger strike; that if they had nothing to do with me, they should take me to court, because part of the case is that, as they would also confess later; as at the point of my arrest, there was nothing against me. Nothing! It was after I was arrested, they now started investigation. And the law says within 24 hours or 48 hours, you must give somebody a bail. You are keeping me for 10 days. What? So, take me to court. That was now when I was brought to court with all those court charges and everybody celebrated – another governor, another thief had been caught. However, I called my Finance Commissioner and I said Ogbeni, wa, nibo ni $3 million yi je yo? (Mr., where is this $3 million). So, Finance Commissioner, where is $ 3 million? He said they are crazy; there’s no $3 million anywhere. In fact, there’s $18 million which was part of the debt recovered, and the money is in First City Monument Bank. When we were broke on one occasion, you’ve forgotten, you authorized that I should change $1 million to pay salary, then another 2 million to pay salary. So, I didn’t even touch the money, it is in First City. They changed the money, the credited our account. The dom. account was in First City, the Naira account was in First City. From the Dollar that you have, please could you change this, credit our account? So, where is it? Nothing! Not one dime came. I said give me the proof, they gave it to me. Not only was it changed, I checked the rate of exchange whether there was any game, there was no game, because the rate of exchange was exactly the going rate at that point in time. The tragedy that we had, simply because OGD must be nailed at all cost, is that even when those facts and figures became available, the news did not carry the news (Laughs). So, that was the story of the Dollars.
Let me say to you today, in all my 8 years as governor, I did not touch, 12×8, 96 allocations, to local governments. I didn’t touch one dime. Not one dime! If somebody is a sworn enemy and he writes a petition, is there no weight that people should put on that petition? To cut a long story short, they had to quash all of the charges at that point in time. The celebration of profligacy ended. And then another round of investigation now started. At that time, Amosun had set up his land enquiry and then stories started that I had stolen land in Ogun State. At that time, in the course of stumbling on documents, they ran into one of my lawyers who had been registering companies for me, probably for the past 20 years. They then stumbled on some companies and said ah, this company was registered, this company belongs to OGD, he didn’t declare it. I said which company? Some companies that have never done business. I don’t even remember they existed. So, that is the set of allegation. Then, when I was there, they gave me a form, declare your assets. I said in this dungeon where you put me? To declare my assets? I’m not a man of one or two houses. How do you expect me to remember under this tension that you put me? Sorry, I can’t. After battling for 3 days, they started pleading with me, they said His Excellency, it is just for our use. I said but statutorily and as per the law, I am to declare my assets with the Code of Conduct and I have so declared. Not only that, I was probably the only governor in history who publicly declared his assets and it was not small. This is my house (referring to his house in Maryland, Lagos). I commissioned this house in 1996 or so. That’s my office (referring to the nearby Kresta Laurel building), I finished it in 1997. So, how do I begin to now…It’s not possible. When it was then like okay, you don’t want to co-operate with us, I said okay, what do you want? I wrote there that I cannot remember anything, but the ones I remembered, I wrote there, and I signed. Another set of allegations – failure to declare assets. I said don’t we have inter-agency co-operation? If you want to find out whether I declared my assets, go to the Code of Conduct, you would find it there completely documented and it is not a one-page declaration. I think it is about 10-page declaration. How do you want me to remember that in the dungeon where you kept me? So, that is the second allegation. Then, all of a sudden they said oh, some billions was paid to some company. Which company? Finally, they found out that it has nothing to do with me. Somebody laid water pipes from Yemoji to Ijebu Ode – the expansion of the water. And they actually went to see whether the pipe was laid; everything, as they found out. So, they removed that. Oh, now, we’ve seen that some companies that are doing business have paid some money to Kresta Laurel. Ah-ah! The companies do business with Ogun State and if they paid money to Kresta Laurel, it must mean that it’s bribery. Totaling N211 million; in trenches of N1.5, N2 million, N8.2, this, that. I said you are not even able to sit down to find out what this payment is for. We sell elevators, we sell generators. I don’t even have to know who is buying. It’s a growing concern. We went through it on our way here. Kresta Laurel has a customer base of about 2000 conservatively. I don’t know whether a few of you are aware that about 2 weeks ago, we received some expatriates from Kone. I hosted four of them at Intercontinental Hotel (Victoria Island, Lagos) where Kresta Laurel was declared the best distribution company for Kone elevators in the world for year 2013/2014 consecutively. MD, Kresta Laurel, oya, go, and they were harassing them. Finally, they found all the documentation, the LPO, the invoices…In fact, those companies are still owing money to Kresta Laurel that they have not paid. So, that is the list of the N211 million that is being celebrated to have been stolen, after they’ve investigated me to my pants. Having finished with me, they now said oh, anybody who is around me must be the one keeping the money. So, today, the three sets of allegations that are there – you stole land and two weeks ago in the open court, they were asking the prosecution witness whether this land was paid for; he said it was paid for. But it didn’t go through due process. So, what is due process? He said em, they did it over and above him. They didn’t let him know. They said so, because you were not informed, that is why you have now become prosecution witness? They asked him all manner of questions and he was just rabble-rousing. How did you become prosecution witness? You have retired. He said they brought him back, they gave him contract. To come and do what? Where are you from? Kogi State! Ah-ah! What is so special about you that…This is open court stuff, so I can talk about it. What is so special that you are now being brought? Okay, the person who is your boss, who did it over and above you, is he a surveyor? He said yes. Is he your senior in the profession? He said yes. So, what then is the process? So, that is the rigmarole of prosecution that we are going through. So, criminal prosecution is criminal prosecution and you are presumed innocent until found guilty. So, I’m just praying, because in all of this, if a judge wants to be nasty, they can always find something to say. But I think it will be a travesty of justice in this country if I serve for 8 years and nobody has asked me…Even my security vote is available to be probed. When I resumed government in 2003, my security vote was N5m per month and I sustained that until maybe the time we had some crisis; later on to N10m, to N15m. Maximum security vote that came out of Ogun State before I left, I think, was N20 million, when we were having serious problem in Ota. And I know governors who get God knows, even today, N200m per month. So, what are you people harassing me up and down for?
NEXT POLITICAL MOVE AND SUPPORT FOR JONATHAN
My next political move, between you and me…What happened to me is an irony. Because a new government came with pomp and pageantry, won the election, landslide, started doing his own thing. And I had told all my people that we don’t need to fight; election had been fought and won. For the sake of our state, please let everybody go and co-operate with the new governor and let’s move on. Those were my public declarations consistently. But what happened? I guess the governor decided that the only issue for him is OGD. You may not know what I’m about to say to you – every single step that he has taken, name it, any project that he has done, is just OGD. Either to erase OGD or to surpass OGD! How can that be the philosophy of a government? However, fact of the case is that a large number of our people continue to plead with me. I said what have I done? Our structure lost election; you have a new governor. They are now blaming us for what you perceive to be the non-performance of this governor. He’s building bridges, he’s building roads. So, how does that become my problem? And because they are blaming me, I find myself in a position where I have no choice but to contribute to the process of giving our people a better governor. If that means I have to work with Labour Party, with Goodluck Jonathan, with PDP, it doesn’t matter. We just must find a change; the change that you people are now blaming me for. So, that’s my next political move, God willing. And I think that since we are supporting Jonathan, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. I campaigned for him, I led his South West campaign, he won the election, though I got the wrong side of the stick. I happen to understand because of the forces that he had to contend with. I’m not giving him excuses. But however, matters of corruption have become so celebrated in Nigeria and I think that if I am his campaign co-ordinator and EFCC has charged me, I may be demanding too much of him. In fact, it would have been better if I had no relationship with him at all. I think I will be demanding too much of him to now say oya, EFCC, go and stop. No, I’m not expecting that. I’m working for him because I have looked at the terrain and I have been around for quite sometime in this political environment; I’m not saying that he is the only one who could be president, but I think for now, within the framework of the contemporary challenge we have as a country, he’s better for the sake of this country, he’s better supported to run a second term. That’s the reason why I’m supporting him. If there’s anybody who has a better reason why I should not, he should bring out the reason, let’s debate it. But I don’t need to talk much. They are not unaware of the challenges we had when we had the agitation for the South South, how oil production of Nigeria went to all-time low. Sometimes, not more than over 30 percent. Income plummeted and the exploration was going down, expatriate kidnapping was going on. Nigeria was fast becoming a pariah nation nobody was touching. Somehow, that has gone down. Production has gone back up, and that led to our rebasing. Recently, they said that Nigeria is now ahead in terms of the economy in Africa. When we play politics, we also have to be patriotic. I think that that equilibrium, we need to maintain second term and then we go back to the trenches again, begin to look for somebody who can succeed him. That’s my own position. Pragmatism. No more.
NEGLECT OF OTA ROADS BECAUSE OF AMOSUN
It’s the current governor who should answer that. Well, let me quickly tell you – somebody is laughing there; he’s from Ota. I was speaking with somebody and you will get it within the context. I was speaking with somebody yesterday and he was shocked when I said, because he’s a very good friend of the former governor, Osoba. And he was shocked when I said do you know what? Do you remember one lady called Subu, who is the secretary you see before Osoba? He said yes, one fair lady like that. I said oh, you know her. Very good! So, while Osoba was governor in 2003, Subu was his confidential secretary. The last person you will see before you can see the governor was Subu. I said are you aware that I did not change Subu when I became governor? And that the same Subu was my secretary, sitting on that same chair up until 2007 or 2008. For about 5 years, when she was finally promoted. He opened his mouth. I said are you aware that apart from my own driver that I took from here, that all the drivers that were driving Osoba’s convoy were the same drivers that drove me for all of my 8 years? He opened his mouth. Are you aware that in all of my 8 years, not a single project of Osoba that I re-negotiated or cancelled? He opened his mouth. I said are you aware that there was no money that he was owing, either to contractors or to staff or to whoever that I did not pay? He opened his mouth. Gentlemen, this country will not progress until we appreciate our responsibility in government, until we understand that, maybe as a corporate person, I appreciate this; that the only way you can provide stability for your creditors, for your customers is to make sure that there is consistency in policy. The only way the banks can help you is to see consistency, the only way people can come and say they want to invest is to see consistency. We investors, businessmen, if we are not sure that there is consistency, we will not move. The projects that turn around the fortunes of a people are not these short term perspective projects. Quickly do, 6 months, one year, let me get out. The projects that turn around the fortunes of a people are usually long term. The third terminal, Heathrow Airport, which was opened about 7 years ago; incidentally, my elevator company, Kone Elevators, installed that terminal 5 and so I had the opportunity in one of our international conferences to find out the story of Terminal 5. That’s the most modern terminal in London today. The master plan of Terminal 5 was already done 30 years before it was finally executed. They’ve already started thinking of Terminal 6 and 7. It is not the people who are there now who will implement them. But when we continue to look at what we need to do to turn around the fortunes of our people from that short perspective; government come, government go, and that is what we demonstrated. Regrettably, they say it doesn’t happen all the time and regrettably, it is the direct opposite of what has happened in Ogun State today. So, what has happened? Because there is politics of assault and inconsistency, people who want to bring big money will not come to Ogun State. It’s not a question of window dressing. No! There is no consistency. When a government, a President signs to a project, it is sacrosanct? It is not Olusegun Obasanjo who signed it; it is the President of the Federal Republic. When, as governor of Ogun State, OGD signed a paper called a C of O, it is no longer an OGD matter; it is the governor of Ogun State. Our governor has started, for instance now, what you can call precedence. He’s so excited that his predecessor is arraigned inside EFCC box and so he’s so happy. Yes, God don catch am. Precedence! Whether we like it or not, subsequent governors of Ogun State will go into that box. I also have friends, people that I’ve helped over the years and they are watching. They are compiling their own papers. Somebody has to explain the cost of those roads one way or the other. Sooner than later. Because it is precedence that is being set, and once you begin all of these, it is good. Popular action, everybody will clap. But at the end of the day, what happens? The income of Ogun State cannot sustain Ogun State; the income of Nigeria cannot sustain Nigeria. What sustains every country is venture capital. A right environment has been created, yes, let us move there and invest. That is what’s sustaining Dubai. Most of you don’t know that Dubai have no oil. You think they have oil? They are one of the few middle East countries that has no oil, but they are the most prosperous. What did they do? They created the right environment for you and I to go and invest there and they enjoy our money. The only thing that’s happening in Switzerland, the only thing they had is Swiss watch, which electronic watch has virtually taken over. How come Switzerland remains one of the richest countries in Europe? Secret banking. Your money, our money, because they created an environment where people have confidence to take their resources to. So, those are the issues and I had thought that at our level in Ogun State, with all our education, we should be sophisticated enough to appreciate some of these things. So, that really is the way I can answer some of your questions.
ABOUT AMOSUN INTRODUCING HIM TO OBJ
I attended Baptist Boys High School, just like OBJ. While he was prosecuting the war, I was already in school. He was one of our heros, he came home to Abeokuta, to our school, to greet us. Seun Obasanjo who runs Obasanjo Farms today and my first son, Rotimi grew up together in Adisa Bashua in the house of Mrs. Obasanjo. So, who is this man who says he introduced me to who? What is he talking about? Dateline 1999. You knew what happened? Your governor general (Asiwaju Bola Tinubu) lived in my pent house up here. If you have time, after, I will take you there. I will show you – his toothpaste, his toothbrush is still there. This same pent house. I decided to preserve it for my children (Laughter). Yes! The office where we are coming from is the office that I gave him where he stayed 3 months before he was sworn in. I’m not boasting here, because the whole essence is not to boast. But it was from here; it was my S class that took him to Tafawa Balewa, it was my Concorde that took Kofo (Bucknor – Akerele, Tinubu’s deputy) to Tafawa Balewa. It was after we escorted him to Tafawa Balewa where he was sworn in that I came back home. The day he won the election, here was where we did the party. It’s this same place. I’ve not changed this floor. This same bar! That’s where we celebrated Bola Tinubu’s election in 1999. So, who is…Bode George invited me to an event in year 2001. He said Otunba ,we’ve heard about you; you supported Bola Tinubu, you said you are Afenifere, now come and help us in PDP too. We need your support. I said but how can I go? I can’t go to PDP. He said what are you talking about? So, I went there. By the way, I hosted Obasanjo here in 1998 December. In this same house. He came with Fasawe (Johnson) when no young Yoruba man can get close to Obasanjo. What is Amosun talking about? And you people are believing him. Obasanjo sat in this my hosue for about 4 hours. I had about 40 people here – all the Yoruba intelligentsia of this world. Jimi Agbaje was there, Fola Adeola, they were all in this house. That’s where Obasanjo came to ask for support of Yoruba intelligentsia for his 1999 election. Here! And so Bode George called me, Golden Crown Restaurant in Ikoyi; after I debated shall I go, and shall I not go? I said after all, I’m not chopping from anybody now! If he calls me, let me go and I don’t have any constraints. So, I went. I got there early and Bode George said ah, Otunba you’ve come. We are still going to take you to the high table, but come and sit here for now. So, I sat down quietly. He came to where I was sitting. He (Amosun) said Otunba, good evening. I said good evening. So, he sat down. He brought out his card. He said you don’t know me, but this is me. I’ve heard so much about you, I said okay o. I took his card, but before he could say much, they had called me to the high table. And then the programme went like that. It was a Friday. On Monday, I went to the office; just the office where we came down from. And my secretary came and said somebody is looking for me. Who? The same person who gave me his card – Ibikunle Amosun. I said okay, let him in. So, he came in. He said to me Otunba, I want you to do something for me, I want you to help me. Ah! Help ke! I said what is it? He said I’m told that Bola Tinubu wants to remove Adekanola as the people who are doing their accounts, I’m interested in taking it. Ah! I looked at him like this (Demonstrates it); I said really? I said but how can that happen? It’s tough o! Because I met you in a PDP outing, Bola runs an AD government. Even if Bola wants to change Adekanola as the revenue collector, he will not pick a PDP person. I said okay, wait, I won’t take you to Bola, let me ask my friend who is a Finance Commissioner. So, I picked my phone and I called Wale Edun, who was then the Finance Commissioner. I said Wale; we call him Wales. How are you doing? He said Otunba, kilo n sele? I said look, there’s somebody I want to send to you and I want you to find a way to help him. He then said where are you, I said I’m in the office. Will you be there in another 30 minutes? I said yes, Wale I will be here. Okay, I will come and see you. So, Wale came as Commissioner for Finance to come and see me in that same office. While we were waiting, I said okay, Ibikunle, maybe you better sit at the reception until or if you are able to wait… Ah, kini mo n se, ma duro now! So, he waited. Of course, I knew at that time that they had started talking of ABC Consulting and I knew that won o le fun. I then said Wale, this is my dilemma. I don’t know this guy from Adam, but this is what he said. Wale just asked me one question – are you sure you really want me to help him? I said yes, by all means. Okay! We should bring him in, so he came. I said Wale, this is Ibikunle Amosun. The rest is over to you. He said he should see him in the office. I didn’t know that they had given Ibikunle any job. When Wale left as Commissioner for Finance, somebody called Adewusi took over. I was the one who pushed Adewusi as Managing Director of Ibile Holdings in 1991. So, Wale left as Commissioner for Finance, Bola Tinubu then put Adewusi there. So, Adewusi came to see me in Abeokuta. Ha! OGD, what’s happening? Wo ni man kan yo e lunu nibi ba yi? Mo ni man wo? Eee senator ee? Amosun. Moni, you know how politicians are. Ha! Oni, we are owing him about N100 million, I will not pay. Mo ni N100 million fu kini? Oni when Wale was giving him his handover note, he told me Dr. Adewusi, this guy is OGD o! So…I’m mentioning names because we will confront ourselves one day. He said this guy is OGD o, so whatever happens, make sure that you protect his interest. And I suppose they had been paying him. He was now looking for N100m and Adewusi now said that ah, if he doesn’t behave, he will not pay. That is the person who says he’s the one who introduced me to Obasanjo (Laughing). I can’t say my governor is a liar, but everybody has agreed that he’s not particularly good at telling the truth. And I’m not disparaging him. I think it is now virtually common knowledge in Ogun state. So, all of those things are just stories.
...............To Be Continued. (Source: Yes International Magazine)
Thursday, May 29, 2014
PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN'S 2014 DEMOCRACY DAY MESSAGE
1. I greet and felicitate with you all, today, as we mark 15 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in our beloved country.
2. Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
3. Although I have ordered a low-key commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people.
4. As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law and freedom of expression.
5. As a result of our collective efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it. The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people overthe past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure.
6. On my watch, we have witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services.
7. In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled personnel.
8. Significant increase in mobile telephoneand national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy. We have also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints.
9. Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged in Abuja early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa.
10.The event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few years.
11. In foreign relations, our country has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This has helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in multilateral institutions including the United Nations.
12.Furthermore, under this administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly representative of the people’s free choice. The National Conference we initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving our current political and socio-economic challenges is ongoing. It is our expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness.
Dear Compatriots,
13. It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedomwe cherish and celebrate today.
14. The despicable abduction of school girls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanize our nation.
15. In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states is in jeopardy.
16. There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue.
17. I welcome the statements of solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in support of our efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud the understanding that in a democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism. Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for present and future generations.
18. Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone, Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.
19. Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.
20. It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.
21. I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.
22. I have also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.
23. For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.
24. My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.
Dear Compatriots,
25. We must remain united to win the war against terrorism. Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.
26. The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.
27. We are a strong, resilient and courageous people. We will continue to partner with the civilized world, to confront international terrorism and every other challenge that comes our way with patriotic zeal and determination.
Fellow Nigerians,
28. Yes, we have challenges but we will surely overcome. Nigeria is our country. Nigeria is blessed. We will all collectively protect, defend and develop this country for ourselves, and our children.
29. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
30. Thank you and God bless Nigeria
2. Our dear nation, Nigeria, has certainly come a long way and made notable progress since our first Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when the military finally relinquished power and handed over to a democratically-elected government, marking the true beginning of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
3. Although I have ordered a low-key commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day in deference to the current mood of the nation, there can be no doubt that the past 15 years, the longest period of sustained democratic governance in our country, have been a blessing to us, as a people.
4. As we commemorate 15 years of our Fourth Republic today therefore, I believe that it is fitting that we pay tribute once again to all those who played a part in restoring our nation to the true path of democratic governance, built on the foundations of rule of law and freedom of expression.
5. As a result of our collective efforts since 1999, democratic governance is now entrenched in our nation and institutions. I wholeheartedly believe that our people are the better for it. The scope of fundamental rights and liberties enjoyed by our people overthe past 15 years has been expanded beyond measure.
6. On my watch, we have witnessed high national economic growth rates, steady improvements and expansion of national infrastructure including airports and roads, the restoration of rail transportation, the efficient implementation of a roadmap for improved power supply, a revolutionary approach to agricultural production, as well as advances in education, sports, youth development, healthcare delivery, housing, water supply and other social services.
7. In the oil and gas sector, our promotion of a sustainable local content policy, continues to guarantee equity and better opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs and skilled personnel.
8. Significant increase in mobile telephoneand national broadband penetration, making Information and Communications Technology (ICT) one of the fastest growing sectors of the Nigerian economy. We have also developed strong financial markets and regulatory institutions. Our banks now have regional and global footprints.
9. Nigeria has also gained recognition as the largest economy in Africa, the most preferred investment destination in the continent and in terms of returns on investment, the fourth in the world. We are pleased that the world has noticed, as global leaders converged in Abuja early this month for the World Economic Forum in Africa.
10.The event not only witnessed a record attendance, it brought the prospect of an additional flow of investment into the Nigerian economy estimated at over $68 billion over the next few years.
11. In foreign relations, our country has equally done well within this period, by establishing and strengthening strong partnerships with all ECOWAS countries and the rest of the world. This has helped to deepen Nigeria’s leadership role in multilateral institutions including the United Nations.
12.Furthermore, under this administration, we have made consistent progress in improving the standard of elections in our country to ensure that they are ever more credible and truly representative of the people’s free choice. The National Conference we initiated to deliberate and make recommendations on the best ways of resolving our current political and socio-economic challenges is ongoing. It is our expectation that its outcomes will help to further consolidate the gains we have made from democracy in the past 15 years, and place our dear nation even more firmly on the path to greatness.
Dear Compatriots,
13. It is a sad fact that as I address you today, all the gains of the past 15 years of democratic governance in our country are threatened by the presence of international terrorism on our shores. Our dear country, Nigeria is facing a new challenge. A war has been unleashed on us. Extremist foreign elements, collaborating with some of our misguided citizens, are focused on an attempt to bring down our country and the democracy and freedomwe cherish and celebrate today.
14. The despicable abduction of school girls from Chibok in Borno State has brought to the awareness of the entire world, the heartless brutality of these terrorists who want to instigate a descent into anarchy and balkanize our nation.
15. In recent years, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of several of our compatriots, many have been injured or maimed, whole villages and communities have been destroyed and the economy of some of our states is in jeopardy.
16. There can be no doubt that what we are witnessing in Nigeria today is a manifestation of the same warped and ferocious world view that brought down the Twin Towers in New York, killed innocent persons in Boston and led to the murder of defenceless people in the Southern Russian city of Volgograd. Terrorist activities have brought war and pains to Mali, Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. These agents of evil continue to brainwash and incite ignorant young men and women to attack the innocent. We cannot allow this to continue.
17. I welcome the statements of solidarity from patriotic citizens and the global community in support of our efforts to stamp out terrorism. I applaud the understanding that in a democracy, such as we are building, people can have differences while sharing worthy values and standing together in opposition to the scourge of terrorism. Nigeria is the only country we have and we must all work to preserve it for present and future generations.
18. Despite the challenges we face, we must commend our security forces. We must not forget their gallantry and successes in liberating nations and in peacekeeping, from Liberia to Sierra Leone, Congo, Sudan, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and many places in Africa and beyond. Our forces have paid the supreme price in several places at several times.
19. Today, they face a different challenge, an unconventional war by terrorists. They are adjusting and are being equipped to tackle the new menace of terrorism. We must show confidence in their ability. I have no doubt that, with the support of Nigerians, our neighbours and the international community, we will reinforce our defence, free our girls and rid Nigeria of terrorists.
20. It is now 45 days since the horrifying abduction of the college girls of Chibok. I share the deep pain and anxiety of their parents and guardians and I assure them once again that government will continue to do everything possible to bring our daughters home.
21. I am determined to protect our democracy, our national unity and our political stability, by waging a total war against terrorism. The unity and stability of our country, and the protection of lives and property are non-negotiable. I have instructed our security forces to launch a full-scale operation to put an end to the impunity of terrorists on our soil.
22. I have also authorized the security forces to use any means necessary under the law to ensure that this is done. I assure you that Nigeria will be safe again, and that these thugs will be driven away – it will not happen overnight, but we will spare no effort to achieve this goal.
23. For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.
24. My government, while pursuing security measures, will explore all options, including readiness to accept unconditional renunciation of violence by insurgents, and to ensure their de-radicalization, rehabilitation and re-integration into the broader society.
Dear Compatriots,
25. We must remain united to win the war against terrorism. Christians, Moslems, farmers, fishermen, herdsmen, teachers, lawyers, clergy or clerics, the rich, the poor and Nigerians from all sections of the country must work together with our security agencies and armed forces to overcome the terrorists who now threaten all that we hold dear.
26. The war against terror may be difficult, but the days of peace will come again. Terror is evil; nowhere in history has evil endured forever. The menace of Boko Haram will surely come to an end. I believe that because of your prayers, your courage, hardwork, faith and sacrifice, we will ultimately prevail over the terrorists and all other evil forces.
27. We are a strong, resilient and courageous people. We will continue to partner with the civilized world, to confront international terrorism and every other challenge that comes our way with patriotic zeal and determination.
Fellow Nigerians,
28. Yes, we have challenges but we will surely overcome. Nigeria is our country. Nigeria is blessed. We will all collectively protect, defend and develop this country for ourselves, and our children.
29. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
30. Thank you and God bless Nigeria
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
8 Killed in Olabisi Onabanjo University Cult Clash
The cult clash raging at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, has increased its death toll as a 200 level student by the name Olawale Made was shot in Ijebu Ode.
Made was killed around his residence in Imowo area, in the outskirts of Ijebu Ode around 8:15pm last Thursday.
One of the brothers confirmed Olawale’s membership of Aiye cult group.
“I just received a call from my father that Wale has been killed by some boys, suspected to be cult boys”, said his brother.
Later, I put a call across to some of my friends and his friends and I was told that he has paid his own price.
I requested to know what that means, I was told that he too has been killed in the way he and his people have been killing others.
“I know that he belongs to Aiye cult group and on several occasions,we have called him, advised him to move away from such nasty group, but he never listened.
Now, he will be regretting his actions and in-actions while alive and his death will serve as a big lesson for others, who are willing to learn and change”, he posited.
Mafe, did his NCE at Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE), Omu Ijebu, where he finished in 2011 in Economics/Education before he later proceeded to OOU for his degree course in Economics.
His death has increased to eight the death toll since the outbreak of cult violence in Ijebu-Ode last week.
GOVERNOR FASHOLA MAKES CASE FOR SOCIAL MEDIA "CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT"
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Monday, described the terror alert issued by the United States of America, USA, Consul-General over the weekend, as “inappropriate”.
The US Consul-General had warned her citizens to stay off some states and also alerted that some groups associated with terrorism allegedly planned to carry out an unspecified attacks against a popular hotel, in Nigeria, in the city of Lagos.
Fashola while reacting in an interview after handing over 100 patrol vehicles, 150 patrol motorbikes, five Vans popularly called “Blackmaria” and one towing vehicle donated by the state Security Trust Fund, LSSTF at the state House, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, said that the information violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948; Freedom from fear.”
“I think that there are channels of communication that information of that type can be shared without creating panic and I think that citizens of all nationals can be protected without throwing a cat among pigeons.
“I will hope that we are more circumspect in the way we share information and that our intentions are noble. This is very important at this time, what the country needs is more information in the right hands, to the right places.
“This will assist our agencies and government to overcome this difficult period and not disseminating information through the social media especially, in a way that there is no control and management. Anyone who does that does not mean well for the country.”
The governor submitted that the release of such information has raised new dimension into the obligation of nations and governments around the world to ensure peace and to cooperate with one another.
Lamenting the gravity of the information Fashola said: “The fundamental freedom that seems to have gone out of our daily discuss, which is the freedom from fear and this was a freedom that was recognized in 1948 when the declaration of rights were been adopted as a global publication.
“At a local level, I have received information before that a particular commercial bank was about to be robbed. I did not go out and announce to the public that such act will be committed in the state.
“All I did was I called the security officials and what we did was to sleep inside the bank. The robbers came at night, and we apprehended them without the public idea except the bank manager who was aware on why we visited the bank and our mission,” he added.
While commenting on security challenge, the governor described terrorism as a threat to humanity, calling for a concerted effort of all countries in tackling the menace.
Fashola said he was disturbed by the recent abduction of about 200 school girls in Chibok, Borno, and urged all Nigerians to unite to ensure their safe rescue.
The US Consul-General had warned her citizens to stay off some states and also alerted that some groups associated with terrorism allegedly planned to carry out an unspecified attacks against a popular hotel, in Nigeria, in the city of Lagos.
Fashola while reacting in an interview after handing over 100 patrol vehicles, 150 patrol motorbikes, five Vans popularly called “Blackmaria” and one towing vehicle donated by the state Security Trust Fund, LSSTF at the state House, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, said that the information violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948; Freedom from fear.”
“I think that there are channels of communication that information of that type can be shared without creating panic and I think that citizens of all nationals can be protected without throwing a cat among pigeons.
“I will hope that we are more circumspect in the way we share information and that our intentions are noble. This is very important at this time, what the country needs is more information in the right hands, to the right places.
“This will assist our agencies and government to overcome this difficult period and not disseminating information through the social media especially, in a way that there is no control and management. Anyone who does that does not mean well for the country.”
The governor submitted that the release of such information has raised new dimension into the obligation of nations and governments around the world to ensure peace and to cooperate with one another.
Lamenting the gravity of the information Fashola said: “The fundamental freedom that seems to have gone out of our daily discuss, which is the freedom from fear and this was a freedom that was recognized in 1948 when the declaration of rights were been adopted as a global publication.
“At a local level, I have received information before that a particular commercial bank was about to be robbed. I did not go out and announce to the public that such act will be committed in the state.
“All I did was I called the security officials and what we did was to sleep inside the bank. The robbers came at night, and we apprehended them without the public idea except the bank manager who was aware on why we visited the bank and our mission,” he added.
While commenting on security challenge, the governor described terrorism as a threat to humanity, calling for a concerted effort of all countries in tackling the menace.
Fashola said he was disturbed by the recent abduction of about 200 school girls in Chibok, Borno, and urged all Nigerians to unite to ensure their safe rescue.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
EXCLUSIVE INTERNATIONAL BERTHS ANKARA FASHION SHOW & PAGEANT, NAMES ABIKE DABIRI & NNENA UKEJE AS PATRONS
Fast growing celebrity journal, Exclusive International, managed by young media executive, Omooba Damilare Oloyede has concluded plans to stage a first of its kind Ankara fashion show and pageant tagged 'Exclusive Ankara Fashion Groove & Exhibition + Face of Ankara Fashion Beauty Pageant'.
The event according to Dayo Oyewo; the event publicist is an avenue to promote African fashion to the outside world and also make our youth understand the value and gains of promoting the Ankara fashion trend.
'Ankara Fashion Groove & Exhibition will afford fashion designers the opportunity to showcase their Ankara collections to politicians, corporate players, professionals, media executives, celebrities, entertainers and fashion conscious youths, also the Face of Ankara Fashion Beauty Pageant will promote our culture as this will be the first all-ankara beauty pageant of class and international standard' the statement reads.
Our team of editors alongside the event consultant unanimously endorsed the duo of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Hon. Nnena Ukeje as the joint Grand Patron of the event for their tremendous support for the Ankara fashion item and promotion of African fashion in the Diaspora.
Abike Dabiri Erewa is the Chairman, House of Representative Committee on the Diaspora Affairs, while Nnena Ukeje is the Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs
Participants for the pageant are enjoin to get the registration form for three thousand naira only, N3,000 from designated sales points and the form closes on the 27th of June, 2014.
Partnering Exclusive for the success of this event is Glamour Media Incorporation, which is the event's official event management consultant.
Signed
'Dayo Oyewo
Asst. Entertainment Editor
Exclusive Int'l Magazine
The event according to Dayo Oyewo; the event publicist is an avenue to promote African fashion to the outside world and also make our youth understand the value and gains of promoting the Ankara fashion trend.
'Ankara Fashion Groove & Exhibition will afford fashion designers the opportunity to showcase their Ankara collections to politicians, corporate players, professionals, media executives, celebrities, entertainers and fashion conscious youths, also the Face of Ankara Fashion Beauty Pageant will promote our culture as this will be the first all-ankara beauty pageant of class and international standard' the statement reads.
Our team of editors alongside the event consultant unanimously endorsed the duo of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Hon. Nnena Ukeje as the joint Grand Patron of the event for their tremendous support for the Ankara fashion item and promotion of African fashion in the Diaspora.
Abike Dabiri Erewa is the Chairman, House of Representative Committee on the Diaspora Affairs, while Nnena Ukeje is the Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs
Participants for the pageant are enjoin to get the registration form for three thousand naira only, N3,000 from designated sales points and the form closes on the 27th of June, 2014.
Partnering Exclusive for the success of this event is Glamour Media Incorporation, which is the event's official event management consultant.
Signed
'Dayo Oyewo
Asst. Entertainment Editor
Exclusive Int'l Magazine
Monday, April 28, 2014
Hope Of Rescuing Abducted Girl Rises As Military Surrounds Camps Where Boko Haram Held Abducted Girls, Intensifies Negotiation
Nigeria’s military said it has tracked down and surrounded the location, where over 200 schoolgirls who were abducted two weeks ago from Government Secondary School, Chibok, are reportedly being held captive by Islamist sect Boko Haram.
The military is said to be applying caution in its approach having identified the various camps where the girls are held, to ensure their safety it explores several options, including intense negotiations by locals and the Borno State Government to secure their release.
“The operation is being strategically carried in a very covert manner because the terrorists will not hesitate to use any of the girls as human shields or even kill them in the event of an attack.
“Another thing you must consider is that apart from being a large expanse of land area, the Sambisa forest also has many clusters of villages and settlements that can suffer from the collateral damage, should an all-out bombardment be carried out.
“Assuming the military attacks them and some of the girls get killed in the process, can you imagine the outrage that will come from the members of the public? So they (military) are being careful.
“All this while, the military has known and has tracked the locations where they are and has even concluded plans to invade the place, but later shelved it to avoid collateral damage,” a source told Thisday.
The military was said to have changed tactics, as it was revealed that the instead of a full onslaught on the terror hideouts, the troops are relying more on intelligence gathering and negotiations by some local indigenes and the state government with the terrorists to secure the release of the girls.
It has also emerged that in the course of searching for the girls, the military has arrested some of the arrowheads behind their abduction and are currently undergoing interrogation.
The source further explained that the security forces do not want to get involved in negotiations since they consider the kidnapping a “highly coordinated local issue” with the full backing of the state government.
“The state government and the Commissioner (of Education) are seriously negotiating (for the girls’ freedom) because they know these boys. And what you see playing out is the politics of the state of emergency,” he said.
Also, sources within defence circles further revealed that after being embarrassed by the conflicting accounts on the number of girls that were abducted or released, the military is taking a more cautious approach in dealing with the situation.
Most of the military top brass, the sources also revealed, are still aggrieved with the way they were misled into giving a false statement about the missing students, which forced the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja to retract its statement.
One top security officer expressed doubts that 234 schoolgirls were kidnapped, stating that the number of the abducted girls was grossly exaggerated and may not be more than 70 in total.
According to him, since the total number of the students in the school from junior to senior secondary level is about 1,200, this would explain the high number of parents claiming that their children are missing.
“This is aside from the calculated effort aimed at getting some kind of financial compensation from the state government, which was alleged to have doled out the sum of N1 million to each family of the missing girls.
“Now if you divide that figure by six, you would have a maximum of 200 students in a class. And when you consider the fact that the SS3 (Senior Secondary 3) students are normally fewer in number than other classes, it stands to reason that less than 200 schoolgirls were abducted,” the source explained.
Expressing frustration with the entire incident, the security official added: “Another thing you should note is that schools were closed within this period and this is both a day and boarding school, and not all the students were living in the school.
“So who gave them the directive to come to school and what were they doing in school at that time? Who are the students that make up these figures, because most of them were going to school from home since they are all members of Chibok community.
“The fact is that the figure is less than 100, or even less than 70 from our estimates, which was admitted by the school security men there and even the principal of the school before she started changing figures and statement. Today, she will say the figure is 129, then later she said 234 and again changed the figure.”
He alleged that the whole situation playing out with the abduction saga was beginning to appear like a hatchet job meant to ridicule the military in order to gain the upper hand in their quest to lift the state of emergency imposed on Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.
“Owing to what has happened, the military has decided to operate in the background since our men cannot trust the people (community members) who are also being brainwashed to see us as enemies.
“The way this whole situation has played out has made the military wary of those it is working with, that is, the locals and their hunters, as you can see how the principal has been made the star of this whole misfortune.
“She has been granting interviews to the media in a euphoric manner, ridiculing the military and saying the hunters are the ones doing the job,” the source added.
Source: Information Nigeria Online
The military is said to be applying caution in its approach having identified the various camps where the girls are held, to ensure their safety it explores several options, including intense negotiations by locals and the Borno State Government to secure their release.
“The operation is being strategically carried in a very covert manner because the terrorists will not hesitate to use any of the girls as human shields or even kill them in the event of an attack.
“Another thing you must consider is that apart from being a large expanse of land area, the Sambisa forest also has many clusters of villages and settlements that can suffer from the collateral damage, should an all-out bombardment be carried out.
“Assuming the military attacks them and some of the girls get killed in the process, can you imagine the outrage that will come from the members of the public? So they (military) are being careful.
“All this while, the military has known and has tracked the locations where they are and has even concluded plans to invade the place, but later shelved it to avoid collateral damage,” a source told Thisday.
The military was said to have changed tactics, as it was revealed that the instead of a full onslaught on the terror hideouts, the troops are relying more on intelligence gathering and negotiations by some local indigenes and the state government with the terrorists to secure the release of the girls.
It has also emerged that in the course of searching for the girls, the military has arrested some of the arrowheads behind their abduction and are currently undergoing interrogation.
The source further explained that the security forces do not want to get involved in negotiations since they consider the kidnapping a “highly coordinated local issue” with the full backing of the state government.
“The state government and the Commissioner (of Education) are seriously negotiating (for the girls’ freedom) because they know these boys. And what you see playing out is the politics of the state of emergency,” he said.
Also, sources within defence circles further revealed that after being embarrassed by the conflicting accounts on the number of girls that were abducted or released, the military is taking a more cautious approach in dealing with the situation.
Most of the military top brass, the sources also revealed, are still aggrieved with the way they were misled into giving a false statement about the missing students, which forced the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja to retract its statement.
One top security officer expressed doubts that 234 schoolgirls were kidnapped, stating that the number of the abducted girls was grossly exaggerated and may not be more than 70 in total.
According to him, since the total number of the students in the school from junior to senior secondary level is about 1,200, this would explain the high number of parents claiming that their children are missing.
“This is aside from the calculated effort aimed at getting some kind of financial compensation from the state government, which was alleged to have doled out the sum of N1 million to each family of the missing girls.
“Now if you divide that figure by six, you would have a maximum of 200 students in a class. And when you consider the fact that the SS3 (Senior Secondary 3) students are normally fewer in number than other classes, it stands to reason that less than 200 schoolgirls were abducted,” the source explained.
Expressing frustration with the entire incident, the security official added: “Another thing you should note is that schools were closed within this period and this is both a day and boarding school, and not all the students were living in the school.
“So who gave them the directive to come to school and what were they doing in school at that time? Who are the students that make up these figures, because most of them were going to school from home since they are all members of Chibok community.
“The fact is that the figure is less than 100, or even less than 70 from our estimates, which was admitted by the school security men there and even the principal of the school before she started changing figures and statement. Today, she will say the figure is 129, then later she said 234 and again changed the figure.”
He alleged that the whole situation playing out with the abduction saga was beginning to appear like a hatchet job meant to ridicule the military in order to gain the upper hand in their quest to lift the state of emergency imposed on Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.
“Owing to what has happened, the military has decided to operate in the background since our men cannot trust the people (community members) who are also being brainwashed to see us as enemies.
“The way this whole situation has played out has made the military wary of those it is working with, that is, the locals and their hunters, as you can see how the principal has been made the star of this whole misfortune.
“She has been granting interviews to the media in a euphoric manner, ridiculing the military and saying the hunters are the ones doing the job,” the source added.
Source: Information Nigeria Online
EKITI LABOUR PARTY HOLDS MEGA RALLY IN ADO-EKITI
EKITI LABOUR PARTY HOLDS MEGA RALLY IN ADO EKITI
In continuation of its campaigns across towns, villages and settlements, the Labour Party, Ekiti State shall, tomorrow, Tuesday, April 29, 2014, hold a mega rally in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.
Barr. Akin Omole, the party chairman in Ekiti is the chief host at this rally holding on Ajitadidun grounds in Opopogbooro Adebayo area of Ado Ekiti. The event which starts at9am and promises to be grand shall have in attendance dignitaries from all over the country including the National Chairman of Labour Party, Barr. Dan Nwanyanwu OFR, members of the national working committee of the party, chieftains of the party in the South West including Governor Rahman Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Ondo State House of Assembly members, Commissioners and Special Advisers, Afenifere chieftains as well as other stakeholders.
All hands are on deck to make this mother of all rallies a grand occasion. The Labour Party standard flag bearer in Ekiti State, Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele will also meet with party stakeholders and present his manifesto to them.
Signed
Bolanle Olatunde-Bruce
Media & Publicity Secretary,
Labour Party,
Ekiti State
In continuation of its campaigns across towns, villages and settlements, the Labour Party, Ekiti State shall, tomorrow, Tuesday, April 29, 2014, hold a mega rally in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.
Barr. Akin Omole, the party chairman in Ekiti is the chief host at this rally holding on Ajitadidun grounds in Opopogbooro Adebayo area of Ado Ekiti. The event which starts at9am and promises to be grand shall have in attendance dignitaries from all over the country including the National Chairman of Labour Party, Barr. Dan Nwanyanwu OFR, members of the national working committee of the party, chieftains of the party in the South West including Governor Rahman Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Ondo State House of Assembly members, Commissioners and Special Advisers, Afenifere chieftains as well as other stakeholders.
All hands are on deck to make this mother of all rallies a grand occasion. The Labour Party standard flag bearer in Ekiti State, Hon. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele will also meet with party stakeholders and present his manifesto to them.
Signed
Bolanle Olatunde-Bruce
Media & Publicity Secretary,
Labour Party,
Ekiti State
DIVIDEND OF GODFATHERISM (DOG)
The political landscape of the Nigeria's South-West has further been proven to have left the grip of any godfather in the region. Before the 2011 general elections, we are having three (3) political parties occupying the government houses of the six (6) states region; Lagos- ACN; Ekiti- ACN; Osun- ACN; Ogun- PDP; Oyo- PDP and Ondo- LP.
In 2011, Ogun and Oyo states under the platform of the PDP have their share of Dividend Of Godfatherism (DOG) as the party lost to the ACN. This happened not necessarily because the party have not been able to deliver but their loss was more of that "house divided against itself " due to the pocketing of the party activities by FEW advantaged party chieftains which was characterised with mass decamping of the PDP members to alternative political platforms to achieve their political ambitions.
In Ogun state, a sizeable number of the then ruling PDP decamped to various rivalry political parties: ACN; PPN; LP and other political parties on ground.
To Be Continued....
In 2011, Ogun and Oyo states under the platform of the PDP have their share of Dividend Of Godfatherism (DOG) as the party lost to the ACN. This happened not necessarily because the party have not been able to deliver but their loss was more of that "house divided against itself " due to the pocketing of the party activities by FEW advantaged party chieftains which was characterised with mass decamping of the PDP members to alternative political platforms to achieve their political ambitions.
In Ogun state, a sizeable number of the then ruling PDP decamped to various rivalry political parties: ACN; PPN; LP and other political parties on ground.
To Be Continued....
Friday, April 11, 2014
HOW HONOURABLE ABIODUN AKINLADE CELEBRATED HIS 47th BIRTHDAY.
For a man that has benefitted immensely from the society, sharing his time and resources on his 47th birthday with prisoners and the less privileged in the society was the least he could do.
Abiodun Akinlade, representing Yewa South/Ipokia federal constituency at the House of Representatives s re-ignited the hope of inmates of the Ilaro Prison, after presenting vocational materials worth several millions of naira to them, for the acquisition of skills and trades ahead of their re-integration into the society.
The House Committee chairman on Science and Technology said: “I have been celebrating my birthday with friends and relatives in the comfort of my home in the past, but my family and I resolved to put smiles on the faces of prisoners and the less privileged in the orphanages, this time around.
“We discovered that this set of people are detached from the society and most of them are mere victims of circumstance. They needed to be given the hope that they would be reintegrated into the society after their jail terms. Our prisons should be reformative and not punitive, and this is why we have chosen to celebrate my birthday with the presentation of these vocational items to the inmates.”
SOURCE:http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=59494
Abiodun Akinlade, representing Yewa South/Ipokia federal constituency at the House of Representatives s re-ignited the hope of inmates of the Ilaro Prison, after presenting vocational materials worth several millions of naira to them, for the acquisition of skills and trades ahead of their re-integration into the society.
The House Committee chairman on Science and Technology said: “I have been celebrating my birthday with friends and relatives in the comfort of my home in the past, but my family and I resolved to put smiles on the faces of prisoners and the less privileged in the orphanages, this time around.
“We discovered that this set of people are detached from the society and most of them are mere victims of circumstance. They needed to be given the hope that they would be reintegrated into the society after their jail terms. Our prisons should be reformative and not punitive, and this is why we have chosen to celebrate my birthday with the presentation of these vocational items to the inmates.”
SOURCE:http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=59494
Thursday, April 10, 2014
OGUN STATE APC CONGRESSS; A CHARADE -LABOUR PARTY
Our attention has been drawn to the pandemonium that followed the recently held. Ward Congresses of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Ogun State Chapter on Saturday, 5th April, 2014.
The violence and civil disturbance that erupted during and after the congress with a lot of party members sustaining different degree of injuries has further exposed the APC to be a conglomieration of greedy politicians who are hell bent in acquiring power at all means without being prepared for the responsibility of leadership.
If at ordinary ward congress blood-letting and maiming could be the order of the day one wonders what we are to expect in the remaining party congresses not to talk of the general elections. it is amusing that a Political party that claims to be the symbol of democracy and pacesetter could disintegrate and demonstrate the height of undemocratic acts. From the above, it is evident that All Progressive Congress in Ogun State will employ all means to retain itself in government at all cost which could jeopardize the peaceful conduct of the 2015 general election.
It must be recalled that the Labour Party in Ogun State recently held its congresses in the State which could be regarded by every standard as one of the best organized Party Congresses as it was devoid of any crisis. The Labour Party is however using this medium to appeal to the good people of Ogun State to embrace the social democratic ideals of the Labour Party by joining it and vote out the All Progressive Congress in the next general election in order to save our people from the bondage the APC will put the people into if voted into power by Year 2015.
Conclusively, it is our considered opinion that the APC leadership in the state will appease its members ahead of the coming Local Government congress to avoid another audacious outing.
As usual, it is expected that the APC lying machinery will attempt to cover up this insolence. But they must be reminded that the truth is constant, hence the veracity of any claim resides with the people.
'Deji Kalejaiye
Publicity Secretary
Ogun State Labour Party
The violence and civil disturbance that erupted during and after the congress with a lot of party members sustaining different degree of injuries has further exposed the APC to be a conglomieration of greedy politicians who are hell bent in acquiring power at all means without being prepared for the responsibility of leadership.
If at ordinary ward congress blood-letting and maiming could be the order of the day one wonders what we are to expect in the remaining party congresses not to talk of the general elections. it is amusing that a Political party that claims to be the symbol of democracy and pacesetter could disintegrate and demonstrate the height of undemocratic acts. From the above, it is evident that All Progressive Congress in Ogun State will employ all means to retain itself in government at all cost which could jeopardize the peaceful conduct of the 2015 general election.
It must be recalled that the Labour Party in Ogun State recently held its congresses in the State which could be regarded by every standard as one of the best organized Party Congresses as it was devoid of any crisis. The Labour Party is however using this medium to appeal to the good people of Ogun State to embrace the social democratic ideals of the Labour Party by joining it and vote out the All Progressive Congress in the next general election in order to save our people from the bondage the APC will put the people into if voted into power by Year 2015.
Conclusively, it is our considered opinion that the APC leadership in the state will appease its members ahead of the coming Local Government congress to avoid another audacious outing.
As usual, it is expected that the APC lying machinery will attempt to cover up this insolence. But they must be reminded that the truth is constant, hence the veracity of any claim resides with the people.
'Deji Kalejaiye
Publicity Secretary
Ogun State Labour Party
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
NATIONAL CONFAB: Cleric Calls for Religious Tolerance
As a delegate, and as a people representing people of faith in God from the Islamic perspective, one thing we believe is that God will protect the community that stands for justice even if they are not Muslims and God will not protect the community that goes contrary to justice even if they call themselves Muslims.
God is not a religious bigot. He is not a male chauvinist. He is not an ethnocentric tribalist. God is not the oppressor of anyone. God is with those who care; those who want for others those things they want for themselves.
One tendency for people who claim to follow a religion is to slide into the position of believing that we are better than the others. We overestimate our virtues and underestimate the goodness in others. The tendency is for us to become spiritually arrogant; to forget that others are people like us.
There is always a tension between representing our religious communities or our ethnic communities and our loyalty to the virtues and values and teachings of our religion even those lofty ideals of our ethnic groups.
It is our prayer that delegates will try and ensure that the spiritual strength we have in us will keep us from not getting angry and not allowing our bitterness from others to make us sail from justice. It is in this vein and as a delegate from the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, we condemn the murder of all Christians, we condemn the murder of all Muslims. Not because they are Christians or Muslims, but because they are human beings – creatures of God.
There is no compulsion in religion. We all own Nigeria. We all belong here. And we all have the right to self-determination. We should respect that right and do unto others what we will do unto ourselves.
There are many other countries that have ethnic and religious diversity far greater than what we have here in Nigeria. But something that distinguishes us from them, be it Singapore, United States, they have been able to respect the rule of law so that any bigot, any nepotic individual who tramples on the right of anyone especially that of the minority, the rule of law will catch up. Satan will only find a hole if there is a crack in that rule of law.
Ever ethnic group is an oppressed minority somewhere. Every group is a religious and ethnic minority somewhere. Every majority or settler is an indigene somewhere. In one way, we are all settlers; we just don’t remember where we came from or why we came.
But ultimately, we are all visitors to this planet, from God we come and to Him we return. As Muslim delegates, we come in brotherhood, as brothers and friends to solve our common problems and not as adversaries.
We come against the exploitation of religion and religious sentiments. We come against stereotyping, stigmatizing and dehumanizing of each other. We come against the use of religion as a political decoy and as a distraction from the critical things that bedevil our nation.
I pray that at the end of this conference, we will all grow in our humanity and respect for each other.
Alh. Nurudeen Lemu, a delegate from the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs
God is not a religious bigot. He is not a male chauvinist. He is not an ethnocentric tribalist. God is not the oppressor of anyone. God is with those who care; those who want for others those things they want for themselves.
One tendency for people who claim to follow a religion is to slide into the position of believing that we are better than the others. We overestimate our virtues and underestimate the goodness in others. The tendency is for us to become spiritually arrogant; to forget that others are people like us.
There is always a tension between representing our religious communities or our ethnic communities and our loyalty to the virtues and values and teachings of our religion even those lofty ideals of our ethnic groups.
It is our prayer that delegates will try and ensure that the spiritual strength we have in us will keep us from not getting angry and not allowing our bitterness from others to make us sail from justice. It is in this vein and as a delegate from the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, we condemn the murder of all Christians, we condemn the murder of all Muslims. Not because they are Christians or Muslims, but because they are human beings – creatures of God.
There is no compulsion in religion. We all own Nigeria. We all belong here. And we all have the right to self-determination. We should respect that right and do unto others what we will do unto ourselves.
There are many other countries that have ethnic and religious diversity far greater than what we have here in Nigeria. But something that distinguishes us from them, be it Singapore, United States, they have been able to respect the rule of law so that any bigot, any nepotic individual who tramples on the right of anyone especially that of the minority, the rule of law will catch up. Satan will only find a hole if there is a crack in that rule of law.
Ever ethnic group is an oppressed minority somewhere. Every group is a religious and ethnic minority somewhere. Every majority or settler is an indigene somewhere. In one way, we are all settlers; we just don’t remember where we came from or why we came.
But ultimately, we are all visitors to this planet, from God we come and to Him we return. As Muslim delegates, we come in brotherhood, as brothers and friends to solve our common problems and not as adversaries.
We come against the exploitation of religion and religious sentiments. We come against stereotyping, stigmatizing and dehumanizing of each other. We come against the use of religion as a political decoy and as a distraction from the critical things that bedevil our nation.
I pray that at the end of this conference, we will all grow in our humanity and respect for each other.
Alh. Nurudeen Lemu, a delegate from the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
CONFUSION IN OSUN STATE AS "Pupils Wear Religious Regalia To School In Osun …Sing Different Religious Songs In Assembly "
There was confusion at Baptist High School, Iwo, Osun State on Tuesday as some pupils shunned their uniforms and wore choir gowns, white garments, Islamic apparel and other unconventional dresses to the school.
Although no group or individual could be identified as the mastermind of the bizarre dress code by the pupils, there were, however, conflicting reasons for the behaviour. While some people said the unconventional dresses were a way of registering dislike for the same uniform introduced by the government for all schools in the state, others said some Christians who were opposed to wearing of hijab in schools founded by Christian missionaries orchestrated the drama.
The suit instituted on the issue of hijab wearing to school is still pending before an Osun State High Court. But Tuesday confusion reportedly became more pronounced at the assembly ground as the pupils could not listen to their teachers because they were busy lining up themselves along religious lines.
A female pupil, who was dressed in a purple gown usually worn by the choir in the Baptist church, was said to have led Christian students in gospel praises, while her Muslim counterpart dressed in hijab was seen hollering “Allau Akbar” and singing praises to Allah from the same platform simultaneously.
It was learnt that although many other pupils appeared in the government-approved uniform, a few ones who are neither Christians nor Muslims wore clothes with the insignia of their religious beliefs, making the atmosphere in the school chaotic.
The confusion was said to have continued in the classrooms as pupils sang discordant tunes. The confusion, it was gathered, started on Monday and continued on Tuesday morning. The teachers were said to be helpless in controlling the pupils due to the sensitivity of the issue.
The Principal of the school, identified simply as Mr. Arowolo, told PUNCH Metro that that the issue had been reported to the appropriate authorities for action.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Sunday Akere, said the government had been informed of the development and had sent officials of the Ministry of Education to the school on a fact-finding mission.
The Christian Association of Nigeria in the state had protested against the wearing of hijab to schools founded by Christians, describing it as an attempt to wipe away the heritage bequeathed to them by the early missionaries. But the Joint Muslim Action Forum, which is an umbrella body of all Islamic groups in the state, issued a statement, condemning the protest.
The statement was issued by the JOMAF Coordinator, Alhaji Kola Uzamat and Secretary, Mr. Qaasim Odedeji. The group described the prevention of hijab-wearing students from Christian schools as an act of religious intolerance which would not be allowed in the state. The group accused Christians of attempting to sabotage Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s policy which it said was introduced to address the decay in the education sector in the state.
SOURCE: The Punch.
Although no group or individual could be identified as the mastermind of the bizarre dress code by the pupils, there were, however, conflicting reasons for the behaviour. While some people said the unconventional dresses were a way of registering dislike for the same uniform introduced by the government for all schools in the state, others said some Christians who were opposed to wearing of hijab in schools founded by Christian missionaries orchestrated the drama.
The suit instituted on the issue of hijab wearing to school is still pending before an Osun State High Court. But Tuesday confusion reportedly became more pronounced at the assembly ground as the pupils could not listen to their teachers because they were busy lining up themselves along religious lines.
A female pupil, who was dressed in a purple gown usually worn by the choir in the Baptist church, was said to have led Christian students in gospel praises, while her Muslim counterpart dressed in hijab was seen hollering “Allau Akbar” and singing praises to Allah from the same platform simultaneously.
It was learnt that although many other pupils appeared in the government-approved uniform, a few ones who are neither Christians nor Muslims wore clothes with the insignia of their religious beliefs, making the atmosphere in the school chaotic.
The confusion was said to have continued in the classrooms as pupils sang discordant tunes. The confusion, it was gathered, started on Monday and continued on Tuesday morning. The teachers were said to be helpless in controlling the pupils due to the sensitivity of the issue.
The Principal of the school, identified simply as Mr. Arowolo, told PUNCH Metro that that the issue had been reported to the appropriate authorities for action.
The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Sunday Akere, said the government had been informed of the development and had sent officials of the Ministry of Education to the school on a fact-finding mission.
The Christian Association of Nigeria in the state had protested against the wearing of hijab to schools founded by Christians, describing it as an attempt to wipe away the heritage bequeathed to them by the early missionaries. But the Joint Muslim Action Forum, which is an umbrella body of all Islamic groups in the state, issued a statement, condemning the protest.
The statement was issued by the JOMAF Coordinator, Alhaji Kola Uzamat and Secretary, Mr. Qaasim Odedeji. The group described the prevention of hijab-wearing students from Christian schools as an act of religious intolerance which would not be allowed in the state. The group accused Christians of attempting to sabotage Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s policy which it said was introduced to address the decay in the education sector in the state.
SOURCE: The Punch.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
FORMER LAGOS STATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR ARRESTED OVER LAND FRAUD
The Special Fraud Unit of the Nigeria Police on
Tuesday arrested a former Deputy Governor of
Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu.
The 67-year-old, who was declared wanted by the
SFU on June 19, 2013, for allegedly obtaining
N130m from one Cajethan Okekearu, under the
guise of selling a plot of land at Admiralty Way,
Lekki, Lagos, was arrested at her Lagos Island
residence.
In a statement by the SFU Commissioner of Police,
Mr.Tunde Ogunsakin, Ojikutu was said to have
allegedly connived with her son, Samson Ojikutu
Jnr, currently in the United States, to commit the
fraud.
The statement reads in part, “The suspect and
her son were parties to the sale of the land and
both signed the agreement given to Okekerau and
obtained the sum of N130m from him.
“She admitted the crime, but claimed that it was
a genuine mistake of plot identification. After
refunding N50m to Okekearu, she promised to
refund the balance as soon as she disposed her
two properties she put up for sale.
“She equally made an undertaking and payment
plan which was drawn from September, 2012 and
was to terminate by November 2012, but she
defaulted.”
It was learnt that Okekearu became aware of the
fraud after he commenced development on the
land. He was said to be on the verge of
completing the building when the bonafide owner
of the land surfaced.
It was later discovered that the land which the ex-
deputy governor sold did not belong to her. She
actually sold Plot 23 Block 4, said to belong to one
Mr. Afolabi, while her plot, 24 Block 4, already had
a property on it.
It was also discovered that the plot belonged to
late Samson Ojikutu Snr, the suspect’s husband
who died in 2008. The plot was sold by him in
1995, while the suspect appended her signature to
the sale of the land.
The statement added, “It will be recalled that the
suspect sued the Inspector-General of Police, the
Commissioner of Police, SFU and the complainants
in the State High Court at Igbosere, Lagos, with
Suit No. M/581/2013, praying the court to restrain
the police from further investigation into the
matter and violation of fundamental human right.
“The ruling by Justice Obadina on December 17,
2013, dismissed the suit for lack of merit, saying
the Nigeria Police has the power to prosecute the
applicants, Sinatu and her son, Samson, since the
police investigation revealed that there is prima-
facie case of obtaining by false pretences against
them and added that the court would not interfere
or restrain the police from carrying out their
statutory function.”
SOURCE: The Punch.
Tuesday arrested a former Deputy Governor of
Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu.
The 67-year-old, who was declared wanted by the
SFU on June 19, 2013, for allegedly obtaining
N130m from one Cajethan Okekearu, under the
guise of selling a plot of land at Admiralty Way,
Lekki, Lagos, was arrested at her Lagos Island
residence.
In a statement by the SFU Commissioner of Police,
Mr.Tunde Ogunsakin, Ojikutu was said to have
allegedly connived with her son, Samson Ojikutu
Jnr, currently in the United States, to commit the
fraud.
The statement reads in part, “The suspect and
her son were parties to the sale of the land and
both signed the agreement given to Okekerau and
obtained the sum of N130m from him.
“She admitted the crime, but claimed that it was
a genuine mistake of plot identification. After
refunding N50m to Okekearu, she promised to
refund the balance as soon as she disposed her
two properties she put up for sale.
“She equally made an undertaking and payment
plan which was drawn from September, 2012 and
was to terminate by November 2012, but she
defaulted.”
It was learnt that Okekearu became aware of the
fraud after he commenced development on the
land. He was said to be on the verge of
completing the building when the bonafide owner
of the land surfaced.
It was later discovered that the land which the ex-
deputy governor sold did not belong to her. She
actually sold Plot 23 Block 4, said to belong to one
Mr. Afolabi, while her plot, 24 Block 4, already had
a property on it.
It was also discovered that the plot belonged to
late Samson Ojikutu Snr, the suspect’s husband
who died in 2008. The plot was sold by him in
1995, while the suspect appended her signature to
the sale of the land.
The statement added, “It will be recalled that the
suspect sued the Inspector-General of Police, the
Commissioner of Police, SFU and the complainants
in the State High Court at Igbosere, Lagos, with
Suit No. M/581/2013, praying the court to restrain
the police from further investigation into the
matter and violation of fundamental human right.
“The ruling by Justice Obadina on December 17,
2013, dismissed the suit for lack of merit, saying
the Nigeria Police has the power to prosecute the
applicants, Sinatu and her son, Samson, since the
police investigation revealed that there is prima-
facie case of obtaining by false pretences against
them and added that the court would not interfere
or restrain the police from carrying out their
statutory function.”
SOURCE: The Punch.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
BABANGIDA DENIES WRITING JONATHAN.
Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, has denied media report that he, like former President General Olusegun Obasanjo, has written a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan on the state of the nation.
Babangida, in a statement yesterday by Mr. Kassim Afegbua, denied the report, which he described as “outright blackmail journalism and a sad commentary on the journalism practice.
”In the statement given to THISDAY in Minna, Niger State, Babangida denied issuing any statement titled: “Your aides are misleading you; IBB warns Jonathan,” published in an online publication.
“To state the least, this is outright blackmail journalism and a sad commentary on journalism practice; a profession that I hold dear to my heart.
Let me also state without mincing words that I did not issue the said statement that is flying around the social media on behalf of IBB,” the statement added.
Afegbua also stated that Babangida did not authorise anyone to write the
statement, adding that since he left to be the Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, Babangida had not officially appointed a spokesman.
He said: “I declare with all the emphasis at my disposal that General IBB did not authorise anyone to issue any statement on his behalf let alone crediting same odious statement to me; Prince Kassim Afegbua.
“Even though General IBB has not officially appointed a media spokesman since I left, my acceptance of the offer of special adviser by my governor automatically removes me from being General IBB’s spokesman, a position I so cherished and a personality I so admire.
“It is, therefore, bad journalism for one obscure, good-for-nothing, unprofessional platform such as the Global Villa Extra, to fabricate a statement and credit same to me, not only to mislead the public but cause disaffection amongst the personalities involved.”
He explained that it was not in Babangida’s character to take up issues with leaders in such a pedestrian manner as reflected in the so-called statement credited to him.
“This rebuttal becomes instructive to put the records straight and disabuse the minds of our numerous followers, friends and associates who may come across this statement in one way or the other,” he added.
According to him, “When I called the local mobile telephone number of the online publication : 08165076156, no one answered my several calls. In fact, the receiver from the other end was cutting my calls. When I called the international number, 00912407041545, a receiver from the other end who refused to disclose his name , expressed shock at my declaration. He did promise to instruct his co-
conspirators to remove the tissue of concocted lies from their site. As at the time of writing this rebuttal, he has not done so.”
Source: ThisDay
Babangida, in a statement yesterday by Mr. Kassim Afegbua, denied the report, which he described as “outright blackmail journalism and a sad commentary on the journalism practice.
”In the statement given to THISDAY in Minna, Niger State, Babangida denied issuing any statement titled: “Your aides are misleading you; IBB warns Jonathan,” published in an online publication.
“To state the least, this is outright blackmail journalism and a sad commentary on journalism practice; a profession that I hold dear to my heart.
Let me also state without mincing words that I did not issue the said statement that is flying around the social media on behalf of IBB,” the statement added.
Afegbua also stated that Babangida did not authorise anyone to write the
statement, adding that since he left to be the Special Assistant to the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, Babangida had not officially appointed a spokesman.
He said: “I declare with all the emphasis at my disposal that General IBB did not authorise anyone to issue any statement on his behalf let alone crediting same odious statement to me; Prince Kassim Afegbua.
“Even though General IBB has not officially appointed a media spokesman since I left, my acceptance of the offer of special adviser by my governor automatically removes me from being General IBB’s spokesman, a position I so cherished and a personality I so admire.
“It is, therefore, bad journalism for one obscure, good-for-nothing, unprofessional platform such as the Global Villa Extra, to fabricate a statement and credit same to me, not only to mislead the public but cause disaffection amongst the personalities involved.”
He explained that it was not in Babangida’s character to take up issues with leaders in such a pedestrian manner as reflected in the so-called statement credited to him.
“This rebuttal becomes instructive to put the records straight and disabuse the minds of our numerous followers, friends and associates who may come across this statement in one way or the other,” he added.
According to him, “When I called the local mobile telephone number of the online publication : 08165076156, no one answered my several calls. In fact, the receiver from the other end was cutting my calls. When I called the international number, 00912407041545, a receiver from the other end who refused to disclose his name , expressed shock at my declaration. He did promise to instruct his co-
conspirators to remove the tissue of concocted lies from their site. As at the time of writing this rebuttal, he has not done so.”
Source: ThisDay
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
2015: Ogun PDP Factions Close Ranks, May Field Dimeji Bankole. - By; Tunde Olanrewaju
Feuding factions of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State appeared to be closing ranks ahead of next year general elections as speculations persist that former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole, is being positioned to fly the party’s flag during the gubernatorial race.
There are at least four factions of the PDP in Ogun State. But the officially recognized one is led by party financier, Prince Buruji Kashamu. A side led by former Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has dissolved into the Labour Party, while remnants of those on President Olusegun Obasanjo side of the divide remain on the fringes as a number of them have joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with those loyal to former Minister of State for Finance, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye (JMK), still waiting in the wings.
An authoritative source confirmed to Uhuru Times that remnants of Obasanjo’s loyalists, who refused to join the APC, had a brainstorming session with representatives from Daniel, Kashamu and Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye factionss at the Iperu, Remo country home of former House of Representatives member, Hon. Dave Salako with a resolve that Bankole be pushed forward for the 2015 gubernatorial race as a rallying point for Ogun State PDP.
At the Iperu meeting were, the host, Bankole, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Hon.Wale Ogunbanjo, Chief Wale Egunleti, Chief Sina Adejobi, Hon.Abeeb Ajayi and three members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Messrs Job Akintan, Abiodun Akovoyon and Michael Fasinu. Others include Mr. Tunji Akinosi, Chief Dele Ajayi and Chief Yinka Sosinde. The meeting was said to have expressed confidence in the person of Bankole, who it believes is well positioned to wrest power from the incumbent Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
Leader of the JMK group, Salako, confirmed the meeting and explained that the PDP is currently in search of a credible material that would contest against any candidate presented by the ruling party. “It took us a lot of stress to get Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole to attend the meeting. But he agreed in the larger interest of the PDP.
“We are not only canvassing, we desire and we are looking for him (Bankole) to take the flag of PDP come the 2015 gubernatorial election. We are giving him all the support that he will need for 2015 and we are confident he is the man that will lead us to victory. If you leave here, go to Abeokuta, Ijebu, Yewa and Remo, the name you’ll find on their lips is Dimeji Bankole.
“In Ogun State, we still believe that we have peculiarity in our state, but we are going to make sure that everybody comes back to the PDP regardless of what has been happening over the days or weeks. People are defecting to APC or whatever. It is not so totally in Ogun State. Most PDP members in Ogun State are still steadfast and loyal to the party. I make bold to tell you that 90 to 95 per cent of PDP members are still there and we are ready to move, God helping us, to make sure that our candidate emerges by 2015 as governor.
“We dissociate ourselves from the (Obasanjo) Abeokuta meeting. We’ll remain in the PDP and we are ready to give the new national chairman all the support he requires. We commend his efforts at reorganizing and reinvigorating the party. We also support his reconciliation exercise and harmonization, especially in the South West and particularly Ogun State.”
Obasanjo had recently convened a meeting in Abeokuta subtly informing those present he might support a political party different from the PDP in the next elections. But a counter-move by PDP stakeholders last Friday in Abeokuta kicked against the defection of members to the APC, which many believed Obasanjo favours.
SOURCE:UHURU TIMES
There are at least four factions of the PDP in Ogun State. But the officially recognized one is led by party financier, Prince Buruji Kashamu. A side led by former Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has dissolved into the Labour Party, while remnants of those on President Olusegun Obasanjo side of the divide remain on the fringes as a number of them have joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with those loyal to former Minister of State for Finance, Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye (JMK), still waiting in the wings.
An authoritative source confirmed to Uhuru Times that remnants of Obasanjo’s loyalists, who refused to join the APC, had a brainstorming session with representatives from Daniel, Kashamu and Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye factionss at the Iperu, Remo country home of former House of Representatives member, Hon. Dave Salako with a resolve that Bankole be pushed forward for the 2015 gubernatorial race as a rallying point for Ogun State PDP.
At the Iperu meeting were, the host, Bankole, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Hon.Wale Ogunbanjo, Chief Wale Egunleti, Chief Sina Adejobi, Hon.Abeeb Ajayi and three members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Messrs Job Akintan, Abiodun Akovoyon and Michael Fasinu. Others include Mr. Tunji Akinosi, Chief Dele Ajayi and Chief Yinka Sosinde. The meeting was said to have expressed confidence in the person of Bankole, who it believes is well positioned to wrest power from the incumbent Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.
Leader of the JMK group, Salako, confirmed the meeting and explained that the PDP is currently in search of a credible material that would contest against any candidate presented by the ruling party. “It took us a lot of stress to get Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole to attend the meeting. But he agreed in the larger interest of the PDP.
“We are not only canvassing, we desire and we are looking for him (Bankole) to take the flag of PDP come the 2015 gubernatorial election. We are giving him all the support that he will need for 2015 and we are confident he is the man that will lead us to victory. If you leave here, go to Abeokuta, Ijebu, Yewa and Remo, the name you’ll find on their lips is Dimeji Bankole.
“In Ogun State, we still believe that we have peculiarity in our state, but we are going to make sure that everybody comes back to the PDP regardless of what has been happening over the days or weeks. People are defecting to APC or whatever. It is not so totally in Ogun State. Most PDP members in Ogun State are still steadfast and loyal to the party. I make bold to tell you that 90 to 95 per cent of PDP members are still there and we are ready to move, God helping us, to make sure that our candidate emerges by 2015 as governor.
“We dissociate ourselves from the (Obasanjo) Abeokuta meeting. We’ll remain in the PDP and we are ready to give the new national chairman all the support he requires. We commend his efforts at reorganizing and reinvigorating the party. We also support his reconciliation exercise and harmonization, especially in the South West and particularly Ogun State.”
Obasanjo had recently convened a meeting in Abeokuta subtly informing those present he might support a political party different from the PDP in the next elections. But a counter-move by PDP stakeholders last Friday in Abeokuta kicked against the defection of members to the APC, which many believed Obasanjo favours.
SOURCE:UHURU TIMES
11 PDP Senators Decamped To APC. More To Join.
Some of the decampees include Bukola Saraki, Danjuma Goje, and Mohammed Ndume.
The rank of the APC in the Senate swelled Wednesday with the defection of 11 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senators to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Among the senators that defected are Bukola Saraki, Mohammed Ndume, Danjuma Goje and Abdullahi Adamu.
The senators communicated their decision to decamp to the APC in a letter addressed to the Senate President, David Mark. There are reports that some more senators could decamp in the coming weeks.
The PDP still appears to have the majority in the Senate despite the defections, although
official figures are yet to be announced.
The gale of defection had hit the House of Representatives last December when 37 PDP members of the chamber defected to the APC.
Five PDP governors had earlier moved to the opposition party on November 26.
The governors are Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Rabi’u Kwankwaso (Kano), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara).
Mr. Saraki had told journalists at the weekend that more PDP senators would decamp upon resumption of the upper legislative chamber this week.
Full lists of the defecting senators are as follows :
Senator Bukola Saraki-Kwara Central
Senator Umaru Dahiru-Sokoto South
Senator Magnus Ngei Abe -Rivers South-East
Senator Wilson Asinobi Ake-Rivers West
Sen. Bindawa Muhammed Jibrilla-Adamawa North
Sen. Mohammed Danjuma Goje-Gombe central
Sen. Aisha Jummai Alhassan-Taraba North
Sen. Mohammed Ali Ndume-Borno South
Senator Mohammed Shaba Lafiaji-Kwara North
Sen. Abdulahi Adamu-Nasarawa West
Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir-Sokoto East
The rank of the APC in the Senate swelled Wednesday with the defection of 11 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senators to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Among the senators that defected are Bukola Saraki, Mohammed Ndume, Danjuma Goje and Abdullahi Adamu.
The senators communicated their decision to decamp to the APC in a letter addressed to the Senate President, David Mark. There are reports that some more senators could decamp in the coming weeks.
The PDP still appears to have the majority in the Senate despite the defections, although
official figures are yet to be announced.
The gale of defection had hit the House of Representatives last December when 37 PDP members of the chamber defected to the APC.
Five PDP governors had earlier moved to the opposition party on November 26.
The governors are Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Rabi’u Kwankwaso (Kano), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara).
Mr. Saraki had told journalists at the weekend that more PDP senators would decamp upon resumption of the upper legislative chamber this week.
Full lists of the defecting senators are as follows :
Senator Bukola Saraki-Kwara Central
Senator Umaru Dahiru-Sokoto South
Senator Magnus Ngei Abe -Rivers South-East
Senator Wilson Asinobi Ake-Rivers West
Sen. Bindawa Muhammed Jibrilla-Adamawa North
Sen. Mohammed Danjuma Goje-Gombe central
Sen. Aisha Jummai Alhassan-Taraba North
Sen. Mohammed Ali Ndume-Borno South
Senator Mohammed Shaba Lafiaji-Kwara North
Sen. Abdulahi Adamu-Nasarawa West
Senator Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir-Sokoto East
STATE OF THE NATION: General Ibrahim Babangida Tasks President Jonathan To Remain Focused and Ressilient.
The happenings in the country in recent times call for worry if we must be sincere with ourselves. Every day, the nation is treated with one form of political issue or the other. From security challenges to economic challenges, Nigerians are asking several questions that deserve responses from government at the various levels. Democracy is when it is a people-driven government with its fundamental principles of freedom of expression, freedom of association, rule of law, accountability, probity and equal representation amongst others.
“I will like to advise President Goodluck Jonathan to tread cautiously so that those sycophants in, and out of government will not derail his focus, resilience and perseverance. He needs all the comportment, resilience, perseverance, introspection and determination to be able to take the right decisions for the good of the country. The arrest and release of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is a deliberate distraction which the President must run away from.
“He must avoid gambling with decisions and he must be willing to seek a third opinion on issues before he takes his decision. President Goodluck Jonathan must understand that there is a whole body of people out there who are not happy with happenings in the country. It is his responsibility as President of the country to reach out to them and make his mission understandable to the common man on the street so that they can buy into his government.
“If his body of advisers do not understand the temperament in the country and decide to embark on arresting and releasing people on very questionable allegations, they will be making enemies for the President instead of friends. The prerogative is that of the President and no one else.
“President Jonathan should as a matter of responsibility listens to voices of the opposition and or dissent, as he stands to gain experience and knowledge from their well-informed criticisms rather than build hostilities around them. He has to ensure that he minimizes and maximizes his discretionary powers in a manner that will not be subject of abuse.
“President Goodluck Jonathan must sit back, collect himself and carry out a critical self-appraisal before he takes his decisions. He is aware without mention, that the country is presently faced with several developmental challenges.
“Also, security agencies must avoid getting involved in political issues. Modern day security has evolved to a point where you do not require seeing gun-wielding Policemen on the streets. The ability to collate information and analyse same in a proactive manner will help improve the security situation in the country. We must carry out moral healing as well as political healing in the land.
“The President must make it a point of duty to reach out to people, groups and individuals with the sole purpose of selling his presidency. It is becoming instructive that the concept of winner-takes-all which has pervaded the system for so long may not flourish as such again.”
“I will like to advise President Goodluck Jonathan to tread cautiously so that those sycophants in, and out of government will not derail his focus, resilience and perseverance. He needs all the comportment, resilience, perseverance, introspection and determination to be able to take the right decisions for the good of the country. The arrest and release of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is a deliberate distraction which the President must run away from.
“He must avoid gambling with decisions and he must be willing to seek a third opinion on issues before he takes his decision. President Goodluck Jonathan must understand that there is a whole body of people out there who are not happy with happenings in the country. It is his responsibility as President of the country to reach out to them and make his mission understandable to the common man on the street so that they can buy into his government.
“If his body of advisers do not understand the temperament in the country and decide to embark on arresting and releasing people on very questionable allegations, they will be making enemies for the President instead of friends. The prerogative is that of the President and no one else.
“President Jonathan should as a matter of responsibility listens to voices of the opposition and or dissent, as he stands to gain experience and knowledge from their well-informed criticisms rather than build hostilities around them. He has to ensure that he minimizes and maximizes his discretionary powers in a manner that will not be subject of abuse.
“President Goodluck Jonathan must sit back, collect himself and carry out a critical self-appraisal before he takes his decisions. He is aware without mention, that the country is presently faced with several developmental challenges.
“Also, security agencies must avoid getting involved in political issues. Modern day security has evolved to a point where you do not require seeing gun-wielding Policemen on the streets. The ability to collate information and analyse same in a proactive manner will help improve the security situation in the country. We must carry out moral healing as well as political healing in the land.
“The President must make it a point of duty to reach out to people, groups and individuals with the sole purpose of selling his presidency. It is becoming instructive that the concept of winner-takes-all which has pervaded the system for so long may not flourish as such again.”
Ex-Kano Governor, Shekarau, dumps APC for PDP!!!
Ibrahim Shekarau, one of the founding members of APC, has moved to the PDP.
The immediate past governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, has dumped the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Mr. Shekarau, backed by his supporters from the 44 local government areas of Kano, made the declaration at his Bompai GRA residence in Kano on Wednesday.
He said the decision is to satisfy the aspirations of the people of the state who felt left out from the APC.
“We intended with the merger to form a solid foundation for entrenchment of democracy,” Mr, Shekarau, the presidential candidate of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, in 2011, said.
“The Legacy Group sacrificed all interests for the merger, but for the past six months all agreements reached by the merged parties had not being met.
“No clear leaders, no registration of APC members at any levels. This shows a clear lack of commitment, transparency and accountability to all concerned,” he said.
The supporters participated in the declaration and affirmed the decision to defect to PDP.
Mr. Shekarau had last week met with a former Sokoto Governor and founding members of the APC, Attahiru Bafarawa, last week. Mr. Bafarawa has since decamped to the PDP. Both men accuse the APC of giving the party’s structures in their states to their current state governors who last year decamped to the APC from the PDP.
(NAN)
The immediate past governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, has dumped the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Mr. Shekarau, backed by his supporters from the 44 local government areas of Kano, made the declaration at his Bompai GRA residence in Kano on Wednesday.
He said the decision is to satisfy the aspirations of the people of the state who felt left out from the APC.
“We intended with the merger to form a solid foundation for entrenchment of democracy,” Mr, Shekarau, the presidential candidate of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, in 2011, said.
“The Legacy Group sacrificed all interests for the merger, but for the past six months all agreements reached by the merged parties had not being met.
“No clear leaders, no registration of APC members at any levels. This shows a clear lack of commitment, transparency and accountability to all concerned,” he said.
The supporters participated in the declaration and affirmed the decision to defect to PDP.
Mr. Shekarau had last week met with a former Sokoto Governor and founding members of the APC, Attahiru Bafarawa, last week. Mr. Bafarawa has since decamped to the PDP. Both men accuse the APC of giving the party’s structures in their states to their current state governors who last year decamped to the APC from the PDP.
(NAN)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)