APC Legal Action on Osun West Senatorial, A Failed Attempt-PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Osun State chapter has declared as efforts in futility, another misguided legal action purportedly instituted again today by the ruling party, APC, on the senatorial seat (Osun West) being occupied by Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke.

While speaking with journalists today, the state Chairman of the party, Hon. Olasoji Adagunodo said this latest action is not just a waste of time, but an abuse of court process .

According to Adagunodo, "two courts of competent jurisdiction and an Appelate Court have ruled on this same issue of eligibility in favour of Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke and this latest efforts can be described as "Forum Shopping and Abuse of Court process."

"I wish to put it to all those that are involved in this latest act of misdemeanor wherever they are to reflect and look back at their past efforts which have failed them. 

He further said, "they should remember that they have been on this since 2017 when Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke was nominated as PDP Senatorial candidate and they have failed on every occasion and they will continue to fail because they are fighting a Man that has been ordained to be Senator and Governor.

The Chairman, however,  assured Osun State people,  supporters of PDP and Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke home and abroad that the court process of today is an action of a defeated, opposition and failed political party.

According to  Hon. Adagunodo, "their desperation is just bringing out the fact that they have failed at the polls, at the various courts instituted by them  and they will continue to fail in all their attempts.

The state chairman also assured Osun people that the swearing in day of Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke is one day less today when all these persecutions will come to an end.

Adagunodo further urged all good people of Osun state  to continue to pray for the PDP and  Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke for success in the remaining courts processes.

Oyo Condoles With NBC, Family Over Zonal Director's Demise

The Oyo State Government on Friday condoled with the Director General, management and Staff of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over the demise of the Zonal Director of the commission in the South West, Mrs. Olajumoke Olatunde Oginni.

The State Government also commiserated with Mrs. Oginni’s family,  praying that God will grant them to the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. 

The State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun, who led the management team of the Ministry to the NBC South West Zonal Office in Ibadan on a condolence visit, described the death of Mrs. Oginni as a rude shock to the entire citizenry and the broadcast industry, saying that her experience and dedication to service will surely be missed.

Arulogun described the late Zonal Director as very hardworking, who during her life time was committed to the upliftment of  the standards of the organization and ensured that broadcasting ethics were highly adhered to in the South-West region, which she supervised.

He said Mrs. Olatunde Oginni, nee Coker, was a woman of substance who knew her onions in the broadcast industry, noting that her innovative ideas can be testified to by broadcast professionals in the State.

Arulogun said, “On behalf of the Government, Governor and the people of Oyo State, kindly accept our heartfelt condolence on the demise of Mrs. Jumoke Olatunde Oginni. Her death came as a rude shock, but we take consolation in her peaceful passage. May her soul rest in peace”.

While thanking the Commissioner, the Assistant Chief Monitoring Officer, NBC, Mrs. Sherifat Mohammed Koro appreciated Government’s condolence visit to the Commission at this trying period.

Oyo Congratulates Newly Elected NLC Exco, Opens Negotiations on Minimum Wage

The Oyo State Government has congratulated the newly elected officers of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state led by Comrade Titilola Sodo as Chairman in an election which held yesterday at Adamasingba Stadium.

The Government also said that it had opened its doors for negotiation on the minimum wage in response to an earlier letter from the labour union. I

According to a statement from the State’s Information Commissioner, Mr. Toye Arulogun, the Oyo State Government commended the union for a peaceful transition from one leadership to another on the same day Governor Abiola Ajimobi inaugurated a  first of its kind joint transition Committee to midwife the handing and taking over  the reins of government in the state.

Arulogun disclosed that the Government will be meeting labour on Monday to open up discussions on the modalities for implementing the new minimum wage as approved and signed by President Muhammad Buhari on April 18, 2019 for immediate implementation.

The commissioner commended the state chapter of the NLC for its cooperation with the government in the last eight years of the Abiola Ajimobi administration.

He said, “The Oyo State Government is impressed with the hitch free elections of the NLC and the peaceful leadership transition which is in tandem with the ideals of the Ajimobi administration on a day when the Governor of Oyo State, Sen. Abiola  Ajimobi inaugurated the joint transition committee comprising of top government officials and the nominees of the Governor – Elect.”

“We commend the immediate past executive of the union led by Comrade Waheed Olojede for the cooperation and support given to the Governor Ajimobi administration. They appreciated government efforts in deploying 100% of the state’s Federal Allocation to pay workers’ salary which has helped in the regular payment of salaries despite the economic downturn in the country.

 “We urge the new leadership of the union to replicate same understanding with the in-coming governor and his team as governance is a continuum. More importantly, it is significant that the Ajimobi administration has offset the seven months salaries backlog of state workers and will endeavour to pay May Salary before this administration leaves on May 28, 2019,”    

Oyo Congratulates Newly Elected NLC Exco, Opens Negotiations on Minimum Wage

The Oyo State Government has congratulated the newly elected officers of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state led by Comrade Titilola Sodo as Chairman in an election which held yesterday at Adamasingba Stadium.

The Government also said that it had opened its doors for negotiation on the minimum wage in response to an earlier letter from the labour union. I

According to a statement from the State’s Information Commissioner, Mr. Toye Arulogun, the Oyo State Government commended the union for a peaceful transition from one leadership to another on the same day Governor Abiola Ajimobi inaugurated a  first of its kind joint transition Committee to midwife the handing and taking over  the reins of government in the state.

Arulogun disclosed that the Government will be meeting labour on Monday to open up discussions on the modalities for implementing the new minimum wage as approved and signed by President Muhammad Buhari on April 18, 2019 for immediate implementation.

The commissioner commended the state chapter of the NLC for its cooperation with the government in the last eight years of the Abiola Ajimobi administration.

He said, “The Oyo State Government is impressed with the hitch free elections of the NLC and the peaceful leadership transition which is in tandem with the ideals of the Ajimobi administration on a day when the Governor of Oyo State, Sen. Abiola  Ajimobi inaugurated the joint transition committee comprising of top government officials and the nominees of the Governor – Elect.”

“We commend the immediate past executive of the union led by Comrade Waheed Olojede for the cooperation and support given to the Governor Ajimobi administration. They appreciated government efforts in deploying 100% of the state’s Federal Allocation to pay workers’ salary which has helped in the regular payment of salaries despite the economic downturn in the country.

 “We urge the new leadership of the union to replicate same understanding with the in-coming governor and his team as governance is a continuum. More importantly, it is significant that the Ajimobi administration has offset the seven months salaries backlog of state workers and will endeavour to pay May Salary before this administration leaves on May 28, 2019,”    

APC Panics Over Osun Appeal Court Outcome, Labels Opposition a Violent Party-PDP

Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said that APC in the state is presently in a panic mode over outcome of the Appeal Court outcome.

This was disclosed in a press statement signed by the party's Chairman, Hon. Olasoji Adagunodo and made available to journalists in the state on Thursday.

"Our attention has been drawn to the wrong allegations of inciting statements by the All Progressives Congress a statement credited to Mr. Kunle Oyatomi the spokesman of the ruling party and we wish to state categorically that the ruling party is jittery, confused and  afraid of the imminent loss of power in no distant future in the state.

For Oyatomi and  APC to have referred to the opposition political party as violent is a disgrace to  him and his party because VIOLENCE is the symbol of the APC right from inception.

It is unfortunate that a ruling political Party could be careless enough the the extent of threatening to descend on members of the opposition party who resorted to legal means and not violence to resolve the political logjam in the state. 

Rather than employing the constitutional means of making their defense in the court, APC has been boasting about, promising their scanty followers in Osun that  they would use the law enforcement agencies. Are these agencies under APC control? 

APC was the political party that disrupted the electoral process with violence but now turns around, accusing the victims of having penchant for violence even when perpetrators of the violence have been caught on camera in the Government House gloating over it? 

On the issue of protest it is on record that it was the civil society group that first raised the alarm, they came up with a position paper with the signature of conveners boldly written and published by many media houses.  More than four out of the five names mentioned in the civil society's petition tallied and now this has been twisted to become PDP matter by Oyatomi which further exposed their antics and tradition of living on lies.

We want to state unequivocally that it was based on this background information that the PDP decided to raise the alarm, which now appears well founded, when four (4) names of the Justices came up as a members of the Appeal Panel. 

One wonders if the judge in question is a member of the APC. If defending members of the Judiciary is the basis for Oyatomi's recent statement, one wonders why the APC sponsored and staged a week long protests against the judgement delivered by respected members of the same Judiciary. Or is there a nexus between the aborted surreptitious plan to bring the respected judge, whose name the APC now wants to drag in the mud and his planned installation as Osun State Chief Judge?

Osun State will not forget in a hurry, the violent entry of the candidate of the main opposition party, the Action Congress, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola into Osun State in 2005 under a brand name *ORANMIYAN* movement with his political party named Action Congress.

Throughout the three and a half years of the legal battle to reclaim his mandate, APC (ACN Then ) displayed total penchant for violence and departure from peaceful resolution of dispute. The full nature of violent tradition of the ACN and its candidate was unabated for eight years. 

I want to put it straight to Mr. Oyatomi that the peace being enjoyed in Osun State today is not unconnected with the peaceful tradition of the main opposition party, the PDP.

It should be noted that if the PDP or its candidate have the same culture of violence like APC, Osun State would have gone into flames on September 22nd 2018 when PDP was bracingly robbed by the state returning officer, Prof. Fuwape, who turned himself to emergency *presiding officer*, cancelling results arbitrarily, an action that was capable enough to ignite violence in the state but for the intervention of the top hierarchy of PDP led by the State Chairman, Hon. Olasoji Adagunodo and the candidate, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke once again took it upon themselves to ensure that peace reigned supreme by quickly organizing a press conference to calm down tension, assuring the citizens with soothing words that the stolen mandate would be restored peacefully through all available legal means.

Osun State PDP will not condone any act that is capable of inciting violence through reckless unguided and indiscriminate statements that are inimical to the peace that PDP has allowed Oyatomi and his political party's sojourners to enjoy in our dear state for eight unbroken years. 

By the grace of God, this is our time to head a government that will show the world once again a better way to govern Osun State with feelings for the ordinary citizens.

Oyatomi should not forget how violence was exhibited by APC during the so-called supplementary election of September 27, 2018.

Oyatomi should stop making inciting statements ahead of the declaration of the winner of September 22, 2018, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke at the Appeal and Supreme courts respectively because the Government of Osun State under PDP will curb the excesses of all trouble makers.

PDP is therefore using this medium to warn parents within Osun state and beyond to call their wards to order, by advising them not to allow themselves to be used as thugs because whoever that is caught in the crossfire of thuggery in Osun state will face the full wrath of the law.

On a final note, I will like to reiterate that in PDP we have absolute confidence in the ability of the judiciary to bring succour to the weak and helpless and I must let it be known to all that it is the APC that has been boasting about that they have the control of Appeal court judges in their kitty," the statement reads.

Ekiti Cultural Troupe Ready for African Drum Festival - Ojo Lanre

Director-General, Ekiti State Council of Arts and Culture, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, has disclosed that the Ekiti State Cultural Troupe would participate in the 2019 edition of the African Drum Festival, holding in Abeokuta.

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  The third edition of African Drum festival, a cultural event initiated by Ogun State government is scheduled to hold between May 25 and 27 in Abeokuta, is a global pot of cultural convergence of creative arts stakeholders with limitless opportunities.

  
  

  Speaking with journalists at the Cultural Centre, Ado Ekiti, Ojo-Lanre said that Governor Fayemi has mobilised the Council to ensure quality participation at the global cultural event.

  
  

  He revealed that the level of preparedness of the state cultural troupe is encouraging, pointing out that the troupe is ready to not only to participate but to coast home with honour and trophy.

  
  

  He said, "The troupe is oiling its rehearsals and toiling night and day to stage the best performance during the festival and I am sure its effort will translate into victory at the festival and another cultural event in the country".

  
  

  Ojo-Lanre also said " Part of my plans as the DG is to enhance the performance of this wonderful troupe, promote its activities and ensure its prominence in events within and outside shores of Nigeria."

  
  

  "The vision of our Governor Kayode Fayemi is to rejuvenate, showcase and promote the cultural values of Ekiti to the whole world and he has promised to give us necessary moral and financial empowerment to pursue and achieve this."

  
  

  The DG also disclosed the Council's readiness to construct an art village and gallery as well as create enabling an environment for the development of talents and creativity to thrive in the state.

  
  

  Ojo-Lanre, however, called on indigenes to support Ekiti state Council of Arts and Culture in promoting the rich and unique cultural values and heritage of Ekiti people and Nigeria at large.
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CITY PEOPLE PUBLISHER, DR SEYE KEHINDE CELEBRATES 54TH BIRTHDAY

Every 24th of April is always special for the family members of Dr Seye Kehindeas it marks the birthday of one of Nigeria’s topmost media practitioners.

SK, as he is fondly called by friends and colleagues, is the publisher/editor-in-chief of City People Magazine which he founded in 1996.

He has grown the magazine over the years from just a tabloid to having other sister platforms especially online.

Seye Kehinde, born April 24, 1965, to Civil Servants parents hails from Ishara in Ogun State.

He graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science.

He also has a post graduate Diploma in Journalism. After his Youth Service at Kwara Polytechnic in Ilorin in 1986, he wrote for Herald from 1987 to 1988.

He moved to Lagos worked with Insider Weekly,published by African Confidential. Between 1988 and 89. He was with ThisWeek, which is now ThisDay, African Concord, and Concord newspapers, in 1990.

SK has always admired human-interest publications like National Enquirer, Vintage People etc.

He took a sabbatical from TheNews Magazine to go try his hands on his idea of a soft sell magazine.

It paid off, and he has not looked back ever since.

His publications have grown to include City People Weeklyand City People Fashion and Style, City People TV, City People Instagram, Facebookand Twitter, www.citypeopleonline.com, www.citypeopleparties.com.

He is a Fellow, Centre for Foreign Journalist and Member, Nigerian Institute of Journalism. He has won several awards and recognition for his contributions to society.

The entire management and members of staff of the City People Group wish City People Magazine's Publisher Dr. Seye Kehinde happy birthday and pray for more prosperous years ahead!!
-Dare Salami

Fayemi Inaugurates First Hike Ekiti Mountains

EKITI State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has inaugurated the first ever Hike Ekiti Mountain, which was attended by hikers from within and outside the country.

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  Fayemi, represented by the state's Chief of Staff, Mr Biodun Omoleye, noted that Ekiti State has the largest number of mountains, which according to him are best for Mountain Safari.

  
  

  Hike Ekiti Mountains Safari is an initiative of Discover Ekiti Project, which is committed to projecting, showcasing and promoting astounding and astonishing potentials that Ekiti has which the world does not know about.

  
  

  The Governor also disclosed his plans to encourage private investors participation in the development of tourism in the state, saying "machinery has been set in motion to help in the design and implementation of the Ekiti Tourism Development Master Plan, which would propel the actualisation of my arts, culture and tourism visions for the state.

  
  

  "This is to position Ekiti State as foreigners' state in the country to own a Tourism Development Plan and attain leadership target in the global tourism market."

  
  

  Fayemi stressed the unwavering determination of his administration to translate the huge arts, culture and tourism endowments in the state to opportunities and benefits.

  
  

  The state Director-General, Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, in his address described the state as a bundle of arts, culture and tourism.

  
  

  Ojo-Lanre, who described Hike Ekiti Mountain an avenue to project Ekiti state, revealed Governor Fayemi's keen interest in amplifying the ideas of the youths in promoting the state and making her economy more viable.

  
  

  "Ekiti State is blessed with numerous arts, culture and tourists sites - waterfalls, hills, breath-taking valleys, vast tracks of unspoiled nature, wildlife reserves, unique natural-warm and cold therapeutic springs, which the Governor Fayemi-led administration is set to project to boost the economy of the state.

  
  

  "We are set to explore all these to turn Ekiti State to a best-desired tourism destination region and create wealth for the people of the state," Ojo-Lanre said.

  
  

  The Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Employment, Labour and Productivity, Mr Olanrewaju Ogunjobi, commended the Hike Ekiti Mountains initiative charged Ekiti youths to explore their talents, and come up with ideas capable of developing the society, creating employment and wealth.

  
  

  "Governor Fayemi-led administration is passionate about developing and empowering the youths in the state, thereby securing a brighter and buoyant future for the state," Ogunjobi said.

  
  

  A member of the team, Peculiar Michael, said: "Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari is envisioned to a periodic outdoor adventure that will help the project, showcase and promote Ekiti hills and mountains as a choice destination for mountaineering outdoor adventure in the world."

  
  

  Busuyi Ashaolu, an international hiker who has also hiked Kilimanjaro and other notable mountains in the world commended the state government and organiser for the Hike Ekiti Mountain project.

  
  

  He urged them not to relent on their efforts at showcasing and promoting tourism potentialities in Ekiti to the world.
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Baba Suwe's Death Rumour Debunked

Contrary to some reports making the rounds on social media, colleagues of the top comic actor, Babatunde Omidina aka 'Baba Suwe', have debunked his death rumour.

In their separate reactions, the duo of actor, Yomi Fabiyi and President, Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan popularly known as Mr. Latin, didn't not only denied the said report, but ascertained that Baba Suwe is hail and healthy.

Baba Suwe, it was gathered, left the shores of Nigeria last Saturday, to get exclusive medical attention in the United States of America, where he is said to be responding to treatment.

ADETUNJI ADELEKE THAT I KNOW: A FULL BLOWN DEMOCRAT, A REVOLUTIONARY CIVILIAN ICONOCLAST. (January 1955 – April 23, 2017)

The news of the demise of His Excellency, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke in early hours of April 23, 2017 was a shocking news to me till today. I found it difficult to believe that I have truly lost a friend, a brother and political teacher and leader.

What first came to my mind was his stiff opposition to hero worship and slavery that is called God fatherism. It still makes me feel like im in a dream. He was only 62 years. Senator Adeleke was the first civilian governor of Osun state elected on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the aborted Third Republic whose victory was devoid of the traditional rancour, violence and thuggery.  He was in office between January 1992 and November 1993 giving everybody around him equal opportunity irrespective of where you hail from.

Senator Adetunji Adeleke came from the blues throwing the polluted political culture of God fatherism into the dustbin of history by relying solely on his ability to bring like minds of the erstwhile disenfranchised multitude of youths across length and breadth of the old Oyo state together to rearrange the system of political engineering in the South West under the political tutelage of Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu who was embarrassed to the extent of issuing death threat to Adeleke if he continued the pursuant of his ambition.

Senator Adeleke was unperturbed by the threat of political leaders who felt threatened by his political tsunami that was sweeping away their established followers until Osun was created and Adeleke became the first Executive Governor of the Young State based on the  practice of full democratic process at the party primaries and general election.

Throughout the twenty months life span on that regime no single business of the government was taken without due process. This full democratic process earned Senator Adetunji Adeleke continuous acceptance as a politician without constituency boundary. What I mean by that is that you don't need to come from Osun West Senatorial District before Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke give you whatever you request from him, rather, your only qualification to be accorded respect and get dividends of democracy is to be a human being. He went into APC with this quality and this angered the leadership of his new party greatly. The fact remains today that if Senator Adetunji Adeleke didn't die APC believed he would have been elected as the sitting governor of Osun State today but God knows the best. 

We are celebrating his death today, Senator Adetunji Adeleke's spirit lives on in the minds of his admirers. He was a loved leader whose vacuum will be difficult to fill.

Signed.

Hon. Soji Adagunodo,

PDP Chairman, 

Osun State Chapter.

Easter Celebration: Osun PDP Sues For Peace, Assures Members of Claiming Mandate

Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, felicitates with Nigerians on the occasion of the celebration of Easter festival.

In its Easter message to the people of Osun State, which was made available to newsmen in Osogbo, the State Chairman of the party, Hon. Olasoji Adagunodo implores Osun indigenes in particular and  Nigerians in general to reflect on the teachings and tenets of Easter, which bothers on sacrifice, endurance and true love to humanity.

Hon. Olasoji Adagunodo also assures the people of the state to be resolute, remained focused and committed to the peaceful coexistence that is prevalent in the state  due to the willingness of members of the opposition party that believes in harmonious living among the State.

He reiterated that Jesus who was unblemished died for all sinners in the world without discrimination and irrespective of race, creed or colour  in order for them to receive forgiveness and grace from their creator, by taking our burden of iniquities upon himself despite that he was never found wanting of any sinful life style. 

Adagunodo said "if an unblemished man can pay such an utmost price which ordinarily is very difficult to pay for the generality of mankind there is no sacrifice that is too much for us to bear for the interest of our  fellow citizens, dear State  and  country," he stated.

He finally admonished the citizens to always be ready to show love to one another just as the death of Jesus Christ on the cross educates us , as the Party PDP is in process of retrieving  Sen Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke  Mandate through Legal action.  He added that we should be committed to the growth, progress and development of our dear state and the country as a whole.

    

Akpabio Remains A Politician To Reckon With In Akwa Ibom- Etekamba Umoren

Chief of Staff to the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State Senator Godswill Akpabio, Etekamba Umoren has described him as a politician who can't be wished away in the state's politics, and indeed the South-South region.

Umoren, who also had previously served as SSG under Governor Udom Emmanuel, disclosed this and many facts about Akpabio in a recent interview with the @nationewspaper.

When asked to talk about the person of Senator Akpabio and his politics, Umoren didn't only expanciate on Akpabio's goodwill and kind gesture, but also revealed many things people may not have heard about him as well as his influence in politics both in Akwa Ibom State and Federal levels and how it seemed the political table has turned against him lately.

"Godswill Akpabio is a very forgiving fellow; a very humane man, a man who loves his people, a man who gets hurt because he sees a fellow human being suffering. He feels the pain. Sometimes I read about what people write about him and I ask myself is it the same Godswill Akpabio that I know? I think if they are all sincere with themselves, over 99.99 percent of the things people write against him are untrue. He is a human being too and you must leave out the 1% because he errs; he is not an angel. Most of the write-ups you see against Godswill Akpabio are politically motivated. The authors of the writers of the falsehood against Akpabio are paid to cook up those stories. My joy is that within themselves they know what they are writing is false. When a man is rising, some people think the best way is to put him down. The question is: after putting him down, what do you stand to gain? Will you take over his position? No, this is because it wasn’t meant for you. I think we need to be a lot more careful with the things we write and always remember that there is posterity and that there is a tomorrow."

"He left the state and went up to the national level. The politics we play in the state is not the same politics played at the national. You will agree with me that when you are out there, you see things differently. He went there and saw things differently and moved over," Umoren saide.

On the notion that Akpabio is a ruthless political who plays god, Umoren had this to say, "it is a pity that human beings have such short memory. It is also unfortunate that our level of ingratitude has risen so high.

Sometimes, I ask God to forgive us for our ingratitude. If God were to judge us from the angle of ingratitude towards Godswill Akpabio, some people will go to bed and not wake up. Now, to answer your question directly; I have known Godswill Akpabio for not less than 20 years. I knew him from when he was appointed commissioner. The Godswill Akpabio I know does not and has never played god.

Going further, Umoren also shed more light on Akpabio's movement from PDP to APC and real issues he had with some stakeholders in the state, contrary to what it is been dispensed to the general public.

"What is so special about his moving from PDP to APC that will warrant all manner of hatred and negative venting of venom? Why would a so-called man of God invoke curses on a man who has not done anything wrong to him?

What was he consulting for? Did he consult you when he made you smile and live big or made you go to school? Those that are asking about consultation, did he consult them when he was made them commissioners, speaker, special assistants, senior special assistant on technical matters or Deputy governor? Let’s not allow sentiments to cloud our sense of judgment.

Some years back when I was his Chief of Staff, we attended a burial in Uruan. He was the Governor then, and Reverend Uma Ukpai was preaching.

He said: “Akpabio, don’t be bothered about what people say or write as long as you are doing the right thing. Its only the mango tree that bears ripe fruit that receives the largest number of stones” if a mango tree doesn’t bear fruit, no child, even a mad man will not throw stones at him. There must be something very positive about Akpabio that some people are trying to dim. In a nutshell, what Rev Uma Ukpai said is what I stand for. If Akpadio went to the National assembly and was sleeping or unproductive, no one will say a thing. So the issue now is why him?

Why him? That is exactly the question one should ask as Akpabio’s era as governor has been linked to killings and kidnappings thereby portraying him as a violent person, according to the interviewer.

How many people did Akpabio kill or kidnap that will make you say Akpabio is a violent person? For the period I worked with him as permanent secretary and Chief of Staff, I was not aware of any killings or kidnappings. How much was the ransom people paid that had to do with Akpabio? During Godswill’s era, things happened but were they done by him? There are things happening now, is it all the fault of the President?  Therefore, the killings have nothing to do with Akpabio. This is a case of calling a dog a bad name just because we want to hang it," Umoren responded.

Again, as highly placed as Akpabio in politics, why didn't he defect to APC with a larger part of his supporters? 

"It is often said that he who pays the pipe calls the tune. In all honesty and all truth, those who sat back did so for personal reasons. Ask them to their faces if they really believed in their staying back.

Are they sincere to the system or is it what they can get from the system that is uppermost to them? About the elections, we all participated in the elections and saw what happened; it was INEC versus Akpabio, the state government and PDP versus APC. Don’t allow anyone to deceive you. Igini did a yeoman job. I am sure his conscience will tell him he didn’t do well. We have done elections in this state but I have never seen such level of manipulation. It was the worst election in this state. Using Ikot Ekpene as an example, there are 10 local government areas that make up the senatorial district and you use the card reader for just a local government leaving out nine. It was just a plot to make sure Akpabio lose the election. If he was a violent person, the very day the returning officer absconded instead of reading the result would have been the day the violence would have been seen, because there would have been spontaneous reaction," he stated.

But even with the present situation of things in Akwa Ibon politics, Umoren is of the strong opinion that Akpabio can't be written off politically and so confident that he is going to win at the tribunal.

"He can’t be written off politically. He has not lost the election. The tribunal has not said anything. The returning officer was not supposed to announce the result in Uyo, but at the senatorial district headquarters. Rather, after collation of result, he disappeared for five hours.

But in all and at the end everything, i am confident that Akpab will win," Umoren affirmed.

"I Have Always Wanted To Serve"-Actress, Eniola Badmus Speaks On Her New Role As Member of Commerce & Industry Team In Ogun State

Plump actress, Eniola Badmus has spoken on her new appointment as a member of Commerce & Industry team of the Governor-elect in Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, describing the development as something she is been looking forward to.

Eniola, who couldn't hold back her joy over great supports and words of encouragement she has been getting from her teaming fans and general public since her name was announced, took to her Instagram page (@eniola_badmus), to appreciate the honour and privilege given to her to serve, and her preparedness.

"If there is anything I have always wanted in the journey of my life, it is to serve and impact value into the lives of people around me. There is no better time than this rare opportunity to serve in my state, Ogun State, as a member of committee for Commerce & Industry, under my able Governor-elect, His Excellency Prince (Dr) Dapo Abiodun MFR, along with my brother, Olamide Adedeji (@baddosneh), as we bring fresh perspective and creativity as it is inherent in our trade as entertainers. Looking forward to this exprienexp already," the message reads.

APC Accuses INEC Rec, Igini of Collusion With PDP To Flout Court Orders

The legal team of the All progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has accused the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Mr Mike Igini of colluding with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to deny the party access to electoral materials as ordered by the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal.

Chairman of The Election Petition Tribunal, Justice W.O. Akanbi had on April 2 granted the Petitioner and Applicant, Senator Godswill Akpabio and his agents and forensic experts to inspect and copy all electoral materials used for the conduct of the election into Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.

However, we learnt that on the instruction of Igini, Akwa Ibom INEC has consistently flouted the order and has refused the agents of Senator Akpabio and forensic experts access to the election material. INEC has been engaging in a hide-and-seek game.

 A letter from Barrister Patrick Umoh, a lawyer in the legal team of Senator Akpabio to Mr Igini reveals the frustration the team has faced in making INEC to obey the court order and allow them access to inspect the election materials.

“We also wish to inform you that we had earlier reported for the said inspection on Thursday, the 11thday of April, 2019, Friday, 12thApril, 2019 and Monday, 15thApril, 2019, but our efforts to have access to the materials and inspect same did not yield any positive result,” Barrister Umoh said.

It was gathered that the hide-and-seek by Igini may have been to tip off the PDP and give them sufficient time to oppose the move for the inspection of the election materials by forensic experts hired by Senator Akpabio.

In a curious twist however, INEC is said to have colluded with PDP and advised the party to file a motion on April 16thwhich they cited as the reason they couldn’t allow the inspection of the materials as ordered by the court. Analysts believe the hide-and-seek by INEC was to give the PDP enough time to file the motion.

A legal analyst, Comrade Frederick Bassey has argued that it was wrong for INEC to have waited for the PDP to file a motion on April 16 and cite this as the reason it could not obey a lawful order of court given since April 2. In any case, he said a mere filing of motion on notice was not sufficient to displace a subsisting court order which had been served on INEC. 

Comrade Bassey accused INEC REC of partisanship and collusion with the PDP. “Before the election when the APC accused Igini of partisanship and bias, I thought it was a case of wolf crying. But by his recent actions to the extent of disobeying court orders confirms the allegation that he may have been compromised,” he said.

Efforts to reach Mr Igini for his reaction proved abortive. At the Commission's office in Uyo, he was said to have travelled to Abuja when our reporter visited. He did not also respond to calls to his number. 

Why We Demolished AIT's Fence-Abuja Metropolitan Management Council

The Department of Development Control of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, has said that it demolished part of AIT's fence due to encroachment of the communication company on other people's lands.

According to  the development management council, "following illegal encroachment into plots of lands belonging to many Nigerians and the refusal by the Management of DAAR Communications to abide by the mutual agreement reached between it and the FCT Administration, officials from the Department of Development Control of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council led by the Director, today removed a portion of the fence around the premises of the Africa Independent Television (AIT) in the Asokoro District of Abuja.

It is important to let the public know that this removal was not intended to inflict any pain on the owners of the property but rather to enable other citizens have access to their legitimate properties.  It is also a culmination of series of meetings between the Management of DAAR Communications owners of AIT and the Federal Capital Territory administration to end many years of misunderstanding.

Specifically, in November last year, the Management of DAAR Communications led by High Chief Raymond Dokpesi paid a courtesy visit to the FCT Minister and they were received on his behalf by Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Bashir Mai-Borno who led the FCTA team made up of relevant directors and others in the discussions.

The purpose of the discussions was to resolve the protracted dispute regarding the actual size of land legally allocated to DAAR Communications as against the area covered by their perimeter fence. The whole idea was for both parties to mutually agree to reach a settlement that would bring about permanent solution and forge ahead for the development of the FCT and the nation at large.

After very fruitful deliberations on the areas of contention, each side expressed satisfaction over the new reconciliatory approach and the sincerity in reaching a logical and peaceful conclusion.

Thereafter, both parties agreed to visit the site for an on-the-spot investigation of the area were surveyors from both parties were able to identify the problematic areas on a satellite image map, leading to a common agreement on the necessity to remove the portions of the fence that has encroached into adjoining plots of land belonging to other Nigerians.

Indeed, at that meeting, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, expressed confidence in the ability of the current FCT Administration to end the matter satisfactorily and pledged to abide by its

outcome.

Unfortunately, while everybody is happy and pleased that the issues have been resolved and in line with the commitment of both parties, DAAR Communications has been evasive in doing its part by voluntarily removing the illegal fence and other structures causing obstruction to their neighbours.

The FCT Administration was therefore left with no other option than to do the needful by removing the illegal structures. With this removal, other allottees are now free to access their plots of land.

Thank you for listening.''

Umar Shuaibu

Coordinator

Abuja Metropolitan Management Council

"Keyamo Is A Disappointment To Legal Profession"-Osun PDP

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has come down heavily on the spokesperson of President Muhammadu Buhari 2019 presidential campaign team, Barr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, over what it called "deliberate falsehood and desperate attempt to discredit the position of the law" on the legal pronouncements on the qualification of the PDP Gubernatorial candidate in Osun State, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke by the Abuja Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal in Akure.

The chairman of the party, Hon. Olasoji Adagunodo, said for Keyamo to have pretended as if he didn't hear or know about several court pronouncements on the matter that has been rated as the most publicized case in the history of Nigeria speaks volumes on the personality of Festus Keyamo. 

This singular act is enough reason for Nigerians to probe into how Keyamo scaled through integrity questions and how he was awarded the prestigious title of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

The party declared as null and void and of no effect the statements credited to Keyamo on his tweeter that "Senator Nurudeen Adeleke forged his school certificate which" he presented to INEC during the September 22nd governorship election in Osun State.

Barrister Festus Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, has a record of perpetually committing misdemeanor, his defence of President Muhammadu Buhari's certificate scandal and deliberate negative allusion to the case of Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke is a confirmation that Keyamo speaks from the two sides of his mouth, making efforts to satisfy his *clients* according to the situation on hand. 

"You will not be surprised that the same Keyamo was on Channels TV shortly before the recently concluded presidential election with Senator Dino Melaye, trying to defend jungle justice and extra judicial killing called by President Muhammadu Buhari on ballot box snatchers. 

When President Muhammadu Buhari was taken to court over certificate scandal, APC employed 100 Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, they made sure that the case was not attended to up till today, if they are not hiding anything why did they block the case from seeing the lights of the day. How Nigerians would have wish our President act like Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke who went through the rigours of Legal proceedings in the court of Law to prove his innocence. They think everybody is a criminal like them.

For those who don't know the history of Keyamo, his utterances may be a surprise but for some of us who have details of his escapades  both Legal and Political,  it is meaningless.

Records have it that Festus Keyamo conned innocent Damola Adebayo, a.k.a. Frayo into making recorded statement which Keyamo edited and gave to the world as a press conference purportedly tagged "confession of the principal suspect in the murder of Chief Ajibola Ige" and that singular act led innocent persons, including the Deputy Governor of Osun State under Chief Bisi Akande into undeserved incarceration. Keyamo  came out of that game millions richer only for Chief Bisi Akande to openly confess last year that those prosecuted for the Bola Ige murder were innocent of the allegations against them but Keyamo was used to orchestrate that propaganda.

Unfortunately, it is appalling that our self styled Mr. Clean allowed a personality like Keyamo to be the spokesperson of his campaign organization means we are into a government of fraudsters.

"Keyamo should be treated as a liar that he presented himself to be." Adagunodo concluded.

Akwa Ibom Group Passes Vote of Confidence on Akpabio

A PRESS CONFERENCE TO PASS VOTE OF THANKS AND CONFIDENCE ON HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR (DR.) GODSWILL OBOT AKPABIO, CON, SENATOR REPRESENTING AKWA IBOM NORTH-WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT. ORGANIZED BY IBOM FUTURE LEADERS FORUM (IFLF). TODAY FRIDAY 12TH APRIL 2019 IN ABUJA.

PROTOCOL!

The good deeds of His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District are ringing bell even unto Heaven, and can never be forgotten in our generation and generations yet unborn.

It is worthy to pass this vote of thanks and confidence on His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON in appreciation of his immense and outstanding contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom State in particular and Nigeria in general.

Therefore, the Ibom Future Leaders Forum (IFLF), an organization consisting of all diligent youths of Akwa Ibom State has today, risen to extend its continued and unalloyed loyalty, solidarity and support to Senator (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON to continue his good works for the people of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large due to the following reasons;

Leadership and Human Capital Development: 

In the history of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio has been the only passionate leader who sees potentials in young people, thereby grooming, mentoring and developing them to be useful in the society, in which many have become good leaders today. Some of them are; (a) His Excellency, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State who had not been involved in politics before, but Senator Godswill Akpabio was able to groom and mentor him to an extent of becoming a great leader today in Akwa Ibom State. (b) Senator Bassey Albert Akpan who was a career banker, but through Distinguished Senator Akpabio, he is a leader where people can look up to. (c) Hon. (Barr.) Onofiok Luke, the current Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Member-elect, Federal House of Representative who was raised by Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio from the University level till he became a leader. (d) Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem who was a University Lecturer, but was imparted with leadership skills and empowered by Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio to become a leader and current National Legal Adviser of the people's Democratic Party (PDP) (e) Mr. Aniekan Umanah who was a media personnel, today he is a leader and member-elect of the Federal House of Representatives.Others include; Hon. Paul Ekpo, Mr. Ini Emem-obong, Mr. Ime Uwah (Eni Stores), Enobong Uwah, Hon. Ekerette Ekpenyong, Rt. Hon. Tony Akan, Mr. Monday Uko, Mr. Prince Ukpong Akpabio, Mr. Moses Ekpo, Barr. Denis Akpan, Mr. Emmanuel Ekpenyong (Iraq), Mr. Frank Achibong, Rt. Hon. Sam Ikon, Rt. Hon. Nse Ntuen, Engr. Etido Inyang, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong,  Hon. Michael Enyong, too numerous to mention. 

It may interest the world to know that about 90 percent of Leaders in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria today were groomed and developed by the Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabion, CON. With this sustainable man power development, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio deserves more than a ‘Thank You’ Press conference for raising over 90 percent of leaders in Akwa Ibom and make them who they are today, thereby, charging them to take leadership responsibilities in bringing about sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria in general just like him.

Effort in realizing ‘Next Level’ of Mr. President: 

We humbly wish to commend His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON for his commitment and unalloyed support in ensuring victory for Mr. President in the just concluded Presidential election. As the National Coordinator of Presidential Support Groups, and South-South Coordinator of Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Akpabio has been a true and sincere supporter of Mr. President, and we see him as one of the pillars for the realization of Mr. President’s Next Level Agenda for Nigerians. The faith of Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio towards the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari would definitely bring about sustainable peace; development and economic growth. As a matter of fact, Nigeria needs more of Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio as key drivers in the realization of Next Level for Nigerians in a shortest period of time.

Constituency Projects:  

Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio is one leader who takes the interest of his constituents as a paramount concerned. Since he assumed office as Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, he has repositioning the Senatorial district for ICT; Agricultural, industrial and human capital developments. The people of his constituency and beyond have benefited from his scholarship and empowerment scheme. He brought many water and other projects across Akwa Ibom State, and that is why people call him Akwa Ibom Senator, his transparency and accountability in leadership has bestowed confidence of his people on him. He is the most performing, proactive and outstanding Senator ever produced in Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District. Therefore, the Senator deserves more support from Akwa Ibom People to continue his good works against all odd.

Performance in the Senate: 

Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio remains one of the most confident, diligent, charismatic and pragmatic Senators in the Nigerian Senate. His varied experiences have brought about changes and significant achievements in the senate. Senator Akpabio has sponsored several bills and motions in the senate which include; (.) Bill for the establishment of federal polytechnic in Ukana. (2) A bill for an act to establish a federal polytechnic, Ukana, Akwa Ibom State to provide full-time courses in technology, applied science management and other field of studies and to make provisions for the general ministration of such polytechnic and for other matters connected therewith. (3.) Motion on the continued voters registration exercise; matter arising by Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio. (4.) Motion on crisis arising from non-delineation of Nigerian internal boundaries which resulted in boundary disputes which have made Nigerians to become internally displaced persons. We are proud to say that the nation is blessed to have an exemplary leader like him as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and we urge the emerging leaders to follow his footsteps.

Leadership Attitude and Conduct: 

Senator Akpabio’s aura of leadership, attitude and conduct have motivated Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora, which makes them realize the importance of taking responsibility as citizens towards nation building. Senator Akpabio is one leader who has never denied his responsibility as a leader. His motivational attitude, support and passion for humanity have made many to aspire as leaders. The uncommon senator is always ready to lead and represent the people effectively as well as ensuring accountability and transparency in leadership, and we are ever ready to give him the needed support and loyalty.

Personality: 

It is a culture in Akwa Ibom to respect personalities like Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio who has put smile in peoples’ faces, families, communities, churches and many organizations for years. Senator Akpabios’s personality doesn’t deserve abuses in any form, rather it should be a mark of respect, the image and voice of our people. Senator Akpabio’s personality serves as economic empowerment to his immediate constituents, Akwa Ibom people and beyond. We hereby condemn, debunk and counter any form of condemnation or report, assault, attack and intimidation from any individual or group of people on the personality of His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON.

We finally use this press conference to advice those who have in their habits launching attack against the personality of Senator Godswill Akpabio to retrace their steps for posterity sake. This is a man, a leader whom God used to showcase many who had no hope to the nation and the world at large. He deserves some level of respect and loyalty not betrayal and assault. 

We cannot hesitate to thank His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR for his confidence on Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON. We are assuring Mr. President of the continued loyalty and support of our Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio to achieve his Next Level Agenda. 

To this end, we call on those who deliberately create a communication gap between the Uncommon Senator and his good people to have a rethink, as such may cause enmity between the senator and his people and supporters. 

God bless Akwa Ibom State and Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Comrade Emmanuel Johnny

National President

Oyo OMPAN Congratulates Wale Ojo-Lanre On His New Appointment

The Oyo State Chapter of Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN) has congratulated Mr. Wale Ojo Lanre on his appointment as the Director General, Council of Arts and Culture by the Ekiti state Governmenor,  Dr Kayode Fayemi

The Association also commended the governor for considering more journalists including Mr Samuel Oluwalana of Daily Independent and others for appointment into his cabinet. 

According to a press statement jointly signed by the association's Chairman, Remi Oladoye and  Public Relations Officer, Dare Adeniran,they described Ojo Lanre's appointment as putting a round peg in a round hole,  

"Wale Ojo Lanre is a journalist with special interest  in the promotion of culture and tourism, a task that has taken him to many countries of the world"

While expressing optimism in Ojo Lanre's  ability to influence a positive turnaround in the culture and tourism sector in the state, OMPAN also urged Ojo Lanre to maintain the diligence, and outstanding display of love for the culture and tourism sector that have been his hallmark over the years. 

The association also urged the newly appointed Director-General to take creative decisions that will move the Council forward and ensure that Ekiti retains its place of pride as far as arts and culture are concerned.

Akpabio Distances Self From Force Claim of Having Control Over Judiciary

The Senator representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Senator Godswill Akpabio's has described as false and malicious, a purported claims credited to him. Where he was falsely quoted to have said that "he, Akpabio's will win at Appeal if tribunal judges refuse to perform, and that the Appeal Court President is in his palms.

All the malicious claims have, however, been debunked and issues therein addressed accordingly in a Press Release signed by Senator Akpabio's Special Assistant on meiam, Anietie Ekong.

"The attention of the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District,  Senator Godswill Akpabio has been drawn to a malicious piece of fake news titled: "I will win at Appeal if tribunal judges refuse to perform - Akpabio," with an equally malicious rider, "says Appeal Court President in his palms."

We want to state categorically that Distinguished Senator Akpabio never at any forum or private discussion uttered any of these words mischievously ascribed to him. The article is political propaganda manufactured from the pit of hell.

The obvious objective of this ill-advised article is to intimidate and blackmail the members of the Akwa Ibom State election tribunal and sway them from the course of justice.

Our suspicion is that having accessed the quantum of unassailable evidence at the disposal of the election petition tribunal of how Senator Akpabio was robbed of his victory in the February 23, National Assembly election, these devious characters have resorted to underhand tactics to overawe the Judges from dispensing justice without fear and intimidation. 

We are of the belief that the sickening brazenness and impunity with which the election of Senator Akpabio as Senatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) was rigged cannot be left unchallenged. It is not just about Senator Godswill Akpabio. The right of the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District to freely chose their leader cannot be mortgaged on any account. 

This is why Senator Akpabio has chosen the path of due process by challenging the electoral heist of February 23. Such daylight robbery cannot stand. The election petition tribunal will have no inhibition upturning the shambolic election. This is why his opponents are in panic. The Senator has implicit confidence in the judiciary to dispense justice without fear or intimidation.  

What the authors of this fake news seek to do is the desecration of the judiciary on the altar of propaganda. Treating an arm of government with such disdain must be condemned by well meaning Nigerians and lovers of democracy. Once again we are confident that justice will be done as no Judge worth his onion will bow to childish propaganda."

Anietie Ekong 

Special Assistant on Media to

Senator Godswill Akpabio 

April 3, 2019