•ON ONDO POLL: Some APC govs supporting PDP guber candidate
Dr Adekunle Akindele is a leader of Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP, in Ondo State, and the immediate past Chairman of the party in Osun State. He is currently the Special Adviser to Osun State governor on Public Health. In this interview, he speaks on contentious issues in the party, saying he is confident of victory in next month’s election in Ondo State.
How prepared is PDP in Ondo State for November 16 governorship election?
My party is fully prepared for the election, and we are putting all machinery in place to ensure that the Peoples Democratic Party wins the governorship election in Ondo State. We know that for sometime we have been out of government in the state, and don’t forget the fact that PDP is one party that has internal cohesion.
We are very determined this time around, despite the fact that we had some issues in the past, which have been completely resolved. We are very much prepared to win the election.
You mentioned the party had some issues. How do you see the manner the party leadership is handling them?
I can tell you that everything has been resolved. We are united, unlike before, and we have all agreed that we need to bury the hatchet, and come together to win the election for our people.
As a leader of the opposition party, how do you assess governance in the state right now?
As I speak to you, I am in my village in Ondo State, I can tell you that governance has taken flight. There is no governance in the state. Everything is at low ebb and the people are down. Look at the roads. If you drive from Ore to Okitipupa, and down to Ilutitun where I hail from, the roads are death traps. Unfortunately, these are the roads leading to the town of the current governor. It shows you that they are bereft of ideas. It goes to confirm the fact that he came here by accident. He was not prepared and his ascension to office was a misnomer. He has no clear vision of what to do in government.
It is the same story everywhere. When I came to Akure last week, I came through Oyaregbulem, and there was this overhead bridge they have been trying to construct for the last four years. If you compare that with what is happening in Osun, and examine what we have done in two years, you will agree with me that governance has gone to sleep here in Ondo State, and we cannot continue like this. We cant wait to kick him out of Alagbaka House.
What level of confidence do you have in your governorship candidate ?
I can describe our candidate, His Excellency, Agboola Ajayi, as a politician who has seen it all in terms of governance. If you look at his trajectory, he started as a councilor; he later became a local government chairman, a member of the House of Representatives, and of course, Deputy Governor of our state. He has the credential. And one thing that he has going for him is that he is a grassroots politician. This is a man who has never for once lived outside Ondo State, except when he was in Abuja to represent his constituency at the Green Chamber. So I’m very confident that he will do well, because when you live among the people, you understand them, you know their worries and you know what it takes to resolve it.
Unlike the APC that brought in Lucky Ayedatiwa, he is an alien. Until now, I never heard about him until he became Deputy Governor of the state. So these are people that do not really have any relationship with our people. And I see them as aliens, and of course, you will agree with me that all their actions and inactions will be geared towards doing the will of their pay masters. Agboola Ajayi is a man who is after the heart of the people, and a man who the people are waiting for to make the fortunes of Ondo people better.
Governance is no rocket science. If somebody has gone through those stages of governance, you should know that this is a man that is tested and well prepared to ensure that this hardship in the land, this poverty that they are all going through is at least reduced to an extent.
Apart from the roads that are bad, I don’t want to go to the health sector in the state where there are few doctors. Infrastructures are dead. For example, the General Hospital in Okitipupa, doesn’t even have light at night, the doctors can barely work. These are issues that a very responsible and responsive governor should attend to, but he is busy appointing needless and countless numbers of Special Advisers and Personal Assistants. His own agenda for the people are quite different. His coming to power is an aberration and we are hoping that by November 16, we will send him out of the Government House.
Now , how has the PDP risen to its role as the leader of the opposition parties?
We have been providing leadership and opposition. You will agree with me that all is not entirely well with the party at the national level. But the National Working Committee has done the needful by setting up a reconciliation committee that will ensure that all those issues militating against cohesion in the party are resolved. As far as the PDP is concerned, we are sure that we are providing a very robust opposition.
You see, most of the problems we are facing in this country, like in the run off to the general elections, we of course, have analysed it, and we have a clear cut agenda, to solve most of these problems, unfortunately, the APC, through there abracadabra and shenanigangs were able to manipulate the last elections. For now, that is history, but going forward, we are determined and come the next election, we should be able to kick them out of power.
But how do you see the argument that there are some fifth columnists within the party, that even the Acting National Chairman is former Governor Wike’s stooge, and how do you see Wike’s threat to put fire in any state that intervenes in the Rivers State imbroglio?
Wike does not have the ability to cause fire in the party. He is no God. He is a former governor, and now we have a governor in place and he should give them their space and respect.
I won’t rule out the possibility of Fifth Columnist in the party but we have what it takes to tackle that. The National Chairman is doing so much. He is a democrat and a party man to the core. I think he won’t allow the party to disintegrate during his tenure. He is doing so much to resolve the problems in the party.
To what extent would you say Agboola has the support of PDP governors as he prepares for the election?
They are giving him fantastic support. All the PDP governors are solidly behind him. At one of their last meetings in Abuja, he was there to speak with the PDP governors, so we have no doubt about that. It has even gone beyond PDP governors.
I can tell you for free that even some APC governors are supporting him. I don’t want to mention names. Don’t forget that he has been in the Green Chambers, in Abuja and he has friends among the APC governors, because they know that he is a better person in terms of experience, service delivery and experience.
Now to Osun State, to what extent would you say the governor has imparted on the lives of the people?
Governor Adeleke, in the last two years, to me is the most impactful and successful governor of the state. If you look at the massive infrastructural renewal going on in the state, in terms of roads, in terms of hospitals, in terms of agricultural development and ICT and even civil service reforms. Those things make me happy and I am proud to work with him and for him.
In the runoff to his election, I was the party chairman there, and he has not disappointed anybody a bit, and I will describe him as a star God has used to bless Osun people. Even in security, Osun is the most secure state in the South-West and I call tell you everybody is happy. Salaries are paid as at when due, and debts incurred by the previous government are being taken care of. His performance is unprecedented, and he is loved by the people.
Even his brother governors have been asking ‘how have you been doing it?’ so his superlative, supersonic performance is impressive. We thank God for our governor. I will tell you that more is still coming. By the time we will be rounding up after our four years in office, Osun State will be well-transformed.
[Vanguard]
Dikko Radda, the governor of Katsina, has approved over N340 million to restore electricity at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University (UMYUK).
NAN reports that Abdullahi Aliyu-Yar’adua, the press director at the office of the secretary to the state government (SSG), spoke on Saturday.
Aliyu-Yar’adua said the governor has approved the immediate release of the fund for two separate electricity projects in the university.
“Firstly, the replacement of a 33KVA indoor control panel and other accessories which supply power to the school at the cost of over N260 million, and also the installation of solar security lights awarded at the cost of over N98 million,” he said.
Aliyu-Yar’adua said the decision by the state government aims to address incidents of vandalism and insecurity in the university.
He said Abdullahi Faskari, the SSG who made the announcement, disclosed that the approval was a swift response by the governor to restore conducive atmosphere of learning and other activities in the institution.
Aliyu-Yar’adua quoted the SSG as saying: “Gov. Radda is concerned about the recent report of power outage which affected the university, hence, the directives to fix it with immediate effect.
“Radda appreciated the various efforts of the management and the understanding exhibited by the staff and students of the university while trying to restore the power supply.”
Earlier, the UMYUK had extended its mid-semester break following issues associated with electricity supply to the university.
“The university’s senate has, at its special meeting, reviewed the progress made on the repairs of electricity supply to the university, which apparently shows that the earlier date given for resumption, Monday, Sept. 16, is not tenable,” it had said.
“In view of the above reality and as state government is working to address the fault, the university senate finds it expedient to suspend the resumption until the electricity supply is fully restored.”
[TheCable]
Rivers United clinched their first victory of the season with an impressive 3-1 win over Heartland at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt earlier today, September 14.
This victory leaves coach Finidi George‘s team unbeaten in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Recall that they recorded a 0-0 draw in their league opener against Bendel Insurance on September 8.
On the other hand, Heartland, managed by former Super Eagles winger Emmanuel Amuneke, have faced a tough start to the season, suffering defeats in their first two matches. Recall that they recorded a 1-3 defeat at the hands of Enyimba in their league opener on September 8.
Unfortunately for Amuneke, who was contending for the Super Eagles of Nigeria coaching job, his club recorded the exact scoreline against Rivers United, who are managed by Finidi, a former coach of the national team.
Rivers United’s new signing, Taofeek Otaniyi, made an immediate impact, opening the scoring with a goal from Aniekeme Okon’s assist just three minutes into the game.
Despite this setback, Heartland fought back and managed to equalize just before halftime through Christian Molokwu.
However, the second half belonged to the hosts as Kabir Abdullahi scored twice to secure the victory for Rivers United.
The team’s performance demonstrated their attacking prowess and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, ultimately securing them a well-deserved 3-1 win over the newly registered NPFL side.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen registered as assist on his debut for Galatasaray in their 5-0 thrashing of Rizespor in the Turkish Super Lig, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen was thrown right into the fire upon his arrival at Galatasaray as he was named in the starting eleven for their Super Lig game against Rizespor at Rams Park.
The stadium was packed to the brim as Galatasaray fans turned up in numbers to see their latest star acquisition.
Galatasaray were the overwhelming favourites to win the fixture, and they got into the business of the day quickly, as Davinson Sanchez gave them the lead just three minutes in.
Even after scoring, the Super Lig champions kept on piling the pressure. And in the 15th minute, they almost got their second. Osimhen showcased his prowess in the air, latching onto a cross from the wing and planting a header amid pressure from Rizespor defenders. Unfortunately for him, his effort just dragged wide.
After their constant pressing, Galatasaray got their second goal of the game. A cross was swung in from a set piece, and Osimhen met the ball with a fine header. The ball looked like it was destined for the net, but a Galatasaray player Abdulkerim Bardakci got his foot to it just before it entered the net. As such, Osimhen was credited with the assist, while Bardakci was credited with the goal.
Nonetheless, all the Galatasaray players celebrated with Osimhen after the goal.
The home side continued dominate play after their second goal. Osimhen got another chance to score just before halftime, but it was clear that the Rizespor players were keen on keeping him out as they threw themselves at his strike from inside the box.
In the second half, Galatasaray did not stop pushing for goals, and they got their third just three minutes in, courtesy of Gabriel Sara. Then in the 61st minute, Dries Mertens added one more to make it 4-0 for the Super Lig champions.
Osimhen got another good opportunity in the 78th minute as he struck a ball at goal from inside the box. But Ivo Grbic made a great save to deny him. Nonetheless, Galatasaray wrapped up the scoring with a goal from Kaan Ayhan in the 80th minute. It eventually ended 5-0 in Galatasaray’s favour.
Osimhen had seven attempts on goal goal, but he failed to convert any of them. Despite the disappointment, he will be looking to get his first goal in their next game against Gaziantep.
Media
Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye has reacted to his suspension by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Recall that Melaye was suspended by the PDP Excos in Ayetoro Gbede, Ward.
The PDP chieftain was suspended for anti-party activities, alleged misconducts and failing to honour a summon.
The resolution to suspend the former Kogi West senator was taken by the Ward party executive committee during a meeting in Aiyetoro/Luagba Ward 1 on Friday.
The resolution was signed by the Ward Chairman, Abayomi Osamika and Ward Yodson Dayo, Secretary.
This was after a review of the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate alleged anti-party activities against Melaye
However, speaking via his X account Melaye said, “You can’t suspend breeze, Damagun is the source of PDP problems. His belly is his God.”
Dino Melaye Is Part Of The Problem In PDP – Damagum
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Iliya Damagum, has claimed that Melaye is responsible for some of the crisis plaguing the party.
He raised concerns about internal party loyalty, citing Melaye’s actions during the recent Kogi gubernatorial election.
Speaking during an interview with Daily Trust, Damagum addressed remarks made by Melaye, who had referred to the PDP as a “once upon a time party.
The PDP Chairman went on to question Melaye’s role in allegedly harming the party’s image, stating that anyone given the party’s platform has a responsibility to uplift its fortunes.
“Let me remind you about that statement credited to Dino. He’s part of the problem. Why? Because he ran for governor in Kogi State and didn’t even vote for himself. Put that on record: he didn’t go out to vote in his own election.
“Even as the candidate. So, I’ll leave it to you to judge based on that. Who’s really damaging the party? If the party is generous enough to give you its platform to run, you have a duty to improve its fortunes. Yes, you can win or lose, but at least lose credibly if you must,” Damagum said.
In a reaction to the notion that “sex-for-roles” syndrome exists only in Nollywood, actress Chioma Ivoke, in an interview with Potpourri says nothing is farther from the truth as she maintains that sex is a weapon being used as a means to an end everywhere there are human interactions.
She stated, “Sex for roles in all ramifications is messy to not just the girls but the guys as well. However, sex has become a trade for a lot of things in diverse firms and fields, not just confined to Nollywood or the entertainment industry. This is a condemnable act that should be curtailed or eradicated if possible.”
On maintaining her privacy despite her public profile, Ivoke explained, “The thing one must understand is that social media is a marketplace where everyone across the globe might meet and as such, one must be disciplined enough to keep what is meant to be private private no matter the social media pressure.”
When asked about balancing decency with flaunting her sex appeal, she said, “Well, I am a decent woman, who dresses and carries herself with profound poise.”
Ivoke emphasized that the only pressure she faces is self-imposed. “The only pressure I face is the one I give myself—pressure to grow and do better, pressure to take decisive measures that enhance my growth in all corners, and pressure to be a great example to the younger ones who look up to me. Those are the kinds of pressures I entertain, not the unreal social media pressure.”
OPERATIVES of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Akwa Ibom Command said it has arrested one Ndifreke Sunday (38) and wife Mrs Victory Sunday (28) of Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area for subjecting their daughter to inhumane treatment for two years.
The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, who disclosed this to newsmen in Uyo on Saturday, said the suspects were arrested on Tuesday, September 10 following a complaint received from the Ministry of Justice.
Eluwade noted that upon arrest Ndifreke Sunday admitted locking up and torturing her 12-year-old -daughter, Bright Sunday because she had confessed to be a witch, adding that the operatives also rescued the victim
He explained that the arrest for child deprivation and abuse was in line with Section 10 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020.
“The arrest was made on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at Ikot Ukporo Idoro Village in Ibiono Ibom LGA of Akwa Ibom State, following a complaint received from the Ministry of Justice about the suspecte subjecting his daughter to inhumane treatment.
“The suspects admitted to locking up the child, because she confessed to be a witch and responsible for his afflictions,” the commandant said.
The NSCDC commandant condemned the act of subjecting young children to inhumane treatment, describing it as barbaric, callous and heinous.
He warned parents to desist from such acts, under whatever excuse or guise as the agency of government would not relent in apprehending offenders.
The commandant noted that the girl, has been handed over to Gender Based Violence Shelter Home for care and rehabilitation, while the suspects would be handed over to appropriate prosecuting agency for necessary action.
He added that while narrating her ordeal, the victim, Bright noted that she was kept locked up in a dilapidated room, denied food, bathing and subjected to constant beating from her step mother, Mrs Victory Sunday.
She also noted that she was fed once in two days, allowed to bath only two times in a month and denied education.
…warns: Constituency projects funds must be fully made public
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on Nigerians to monitor and report uncompleted constituency projects in their areas, pledging to prosecute those found culpable.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made the call at a stakeholders’ meeting in Kano, emphasizing the need for community-driven anti-corruption efforts to ensure effective project delivery.
According to the EFCC, corruption has hindered development and eroded public trust in government, particularly in the implementation of constituency projects meant to benefit local communities.
The commission stressed that constituency project funds must be fully disclosed to the public, with details of contractors, timelines, and budgets made available for community scrutiny.
Olukoyede said, “Corruption undermines development, erodes public trust, and stifles the very projects designed to uplift communities. Across the country, many Nigerians have voiced concerns about constituency projects that are meant to bring direct benefits to local communities through infrastructure, education, healthcare, and more. Unfortunately, the impact of corruption has, in some cases, hindered the full potential of these initiatives.
“We must recognize that true and lasting change comes when communities are empowered to hold their leaders accountable, particularly in the monitoring of constituency projects. There must be deliberate efforts to involve communities in the identification of their priority projects. This ensures that projects are aligned with actual needs rather than being imposed or politically motivated.
“Constituency project funds must be fully disclosed to the public and the details of the contractors, timelines, and budgets should be made available for community scrutiny. This will not only promote transparency but also give communities the tools to monitor progress effectively.
“When communities report discrepancies or suspected cases of corruption, these reports must be promptly investigated. By working together, we can build a feedback loop that ensures prompt action is taken against any corrupt practice.
“As we continue the fight against corruption, we are mindful that this is not just a challenge for institutions but for every Nigerian, every community, and every sector of society. While the battle against corruption is often associated with anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies like the EFCC, it is crucial to remember that it cannot be won by these bodies alone.
“For anyone to be an anti-corruption fighter, a certain level of integrity must be attained.”
A senior official of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has reacted to reports that the Dangote Refinery will sell petrol at ₦766 per litre to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, highlighted that while the base price of ₦766 per litre is set by the refinery, marketers will need to factor in additional costs such as transportation, levies, and other operational margins.
This reaction comes amid emerging reports that the Dangote Refinery is gearing up to commence the sale of petrol at this price, following the arrival of at least 300 trucks from NNPC at the refinery.
The trucks are scheduled to begin loading petrol on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
According to the official, marketers may sell at ₦790 in Lagos and ₦820 per litre in far north, amidst high price purchase of petrol across the country.
Naija News understands that marketers are currently selling petrol for buyer at the rate of ₦1,005 per litre in some states in the country.
The official in his take said, “Give and take, we can sell at ₦790 in Lagos. In the far north, it may be ₦820 per litre because of the distance.”
The National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Association of Nigeria, Gillis-Harry, however, said his group was not aware of the price of fuel from the Dangote refinery.
“Well, it will be acceptable because now we are paying NNPC ₦870 for a litre, so if we see it at ₦766, it is cheaper and we will prefer to buy that.
“I cannot determine how much we will sell to Nigerians; we will work out the retail price. It is not one individual or one organisation’s prerogative to put a price, we will work it out and we will argue out our point.
“We are ready to support Dangote, but they are not talking to us. We are the people they need; I have over 6,000 retail outlets under my management, but Dangote is not talking to us”, he added.
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Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has issued a caution regarding any efforts to manipulate the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
Naija News reports that next Saturday, September 21, Edo State residents are expected to troop out en mass to vote for their next governor.
Atiku, who was in the state today alongside other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains to support the party’s candidate, emphasized that Edo is not like Lagos, where, as he claims, the All Progressives Congress (APC) can orchestrate electoral fraud.
The 2023 presidential candidate for the PDP made these remarks in the Ekenwan area of Edo State during the concluding event of the party’s campaign rally for the governorship election.
Atiku also encouraged the citizens of Edo to safeguard their votes to prevent any potential rigging.
He said: “If you remember, four years ago, they threatened us, didn’t they do that? They said they won’t allow us to win in Edo State.
“But what did we show them, ‘we showed them that Edo State no be Lagos,’ didn’t we do it?
“So this time again, we are going to show them that ‘Edo no be Lagos.’ They can’t steal votes here, therefore, protect, defend, escort your votes.
“Make sure your votes are entered, make sure your results are announced, of you do that no Jupiter will come and change your votes.
“You are winning next week, do you agree? ‘Edo no be Lagos.”
Next Saturday, residents of Edo State will head to the polls to elect their next governor.
The major candidates in the gubernatorial election include Asue Ighodalo from the PDP, Monday Okpebholo representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).
Popular Afrobeats superstar, Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, has urged Nigerian leaders to implement effective measures to address the hardship in the country.
He asserted that temporary relief would not assuage the suffering of the people.
The singer encouraged Nigerian leaders to establish sustainable platforms to consistently provide for the masses.
He shared his thoughts during an appearance on The Breakfast Club.
Rema also stated that he has been advising Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on some of his policies whenever they meet.
He said, “It’s not about giving rice. Do you know if some kids have an allergy to rice? What about tomorrow? What are they going to eat tomorrow?
“It’s better to create a platform that would consistently provide. Create a platform that would consistently educate. Create a platform that would consistently clothe. Create a platform that would consistently shelter the hungry people.”
Mother Of Three Reveals How Breastfeeding Her Husband Made Him Healthy And Brought Them Closer
AFOLABIA woman from the United States, Rachel Bailey, 30, has revealed that she breastfeeds her husband.
According to Bailey, the practice has made them closer and also improved her husband, Alexander, health.
The couple started the act in 2017 and have not look back since then.
According to Daily Mail, Bailey’s husband initially began drinking Rachel’s breastmilk to help her when she was over-lactating while nursing their children.
The couple insist that it’s ‘not a kink for them’ and that they aren’t embarrassed by it because ‘nothing bad has come from it all’.
Bailey said, “It’s a bit of a taboo subject, but we wanted to share it because we don’t think it’s bad and we aren’t ashamed.
“When my middle child, Aria, now six, was breastfeeding, I went away on a cruise with Alexander.
“However, I forgot my breast pump and was badly engorged for two days.
“I was in so much pain and I was scared about getting an infection, so we decided that my husband was going to try drinking the milk to relieve me.
“We were nervous about the idea of him breastfeeding from me but as soon as we did it, we realized it was perfectly fine.”
Rachel said it was ‘an instant relief when Alexander latched on’.
“On top of that, it has also created a more special bond between us which we never would have had if we didn’t start this,” she added.
When she was producing the most milk shortly after giving birth, he was drinking her milk ‘three to four times a day’.
The Kano State High Court, under the leadership of Chief Judge Justice Dije Aboki, has issued an order restraining the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from proceeding with renovations at the Nassarawa mini palace.
The court granted the injunction following a motion exparte filed by the plaintiffs/applicants, which include the Kano State government, the Attorney General of Kano State, and the Kano State Emirate Council.
The plaintiffs were represented by Rilwanu Umar Esq. and three other legal counsels.
In the court order, Justice Aboki directed all parties involved to maintain the status quo regarding the structural and architectural design of the palace until the motion on notice is heard and determined.
Reports had previously indicated that Emir Bayero began a facelift of the mini palace, showcasing a prototype of the planned renovations.
This development follows Bayero’s dethronement by Governor Abba Yusuf while he was away from the state, which led to the reinstatement of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who subsequently moved into the Kofar-Kudu palace.
Upon his return, Bayero was relocated to the Nassarawa mini palace, where he has continued to conduct court activities despite the ongoing legal battle over the palace renovations.
However, the court order reads, “That an order of Interim injunction is hereby made restraining the Defendant, his agents, privies, or anyone acting under the instruction and command of the Defendant in whatever manner from further demolishing, renovating, repairing, reconstructing and refurbishing the property known as Gidan Sarki Nassarawa situated along State Road, Kano pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice before this court.
“That an order is made directing parties to this suit to maintain status quo in respect of the structural and architectural design of the Res pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed before this Honourable Court.
“Plaintiffs/Applicants to serve the Originating Process, Motion on Notice and other subsequent processes in this suit on the Defendant via substituted means to wit, by Pasting and or leaving same at the frontage of the Property Gidan Sarki Nassarawa or give the said Originating Process and other subsequent processes to any Adult aide of the Defendant in the property known as Gidan Sarki Nassarawa situate along State Road, Kano.
“That the case is adjourned to 2/10/2024 for hearing of the motion on notice@