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Comrade Elliot Afiyo is the National President of the Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF), the umbrella Organisation of 42 Northern youth groups founded in 1994 by the Northern Traditional, Military, Political and Religious leaders to propagate and protect the northern political and economic interest within the national interest.

Comrade (Dr) Elliot Afiyo is also the Secretary – General of the Association of West African Monarchs (AWAM), the umbrella body of Traditional Rulers in West Africa. In this interview with Journalists in Abeokuta, Comrade Afiyo bares his mind on the 2023 general elections.

Questions;

Comrade sir, since 1999, your Forum secured victories for Candidates you endorsed and supported at all levels since 1999. But in the last presidential elections, former vice president Atiku lost in spite of all your support and endorsement. What went wrong Sir?

Comrade Afiyo;

Thank you very much. I want to tell you categorically that Atiku did not lose the 2023 presidential election because there wasn’t any candidate that meets up with the constitutional requirements to be declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election. It was a conspiracy in dietriabe to declaring Tinubu as the winner of that election for fear of a rerun. 2023 presidential election was full of betrayals, conspiracies and deceptions

Questions;

But your Forum couldn’t make the difference like the previous elections since 1999.

Comrade Afiyo;

Our Forum performed the best ever since 1999. For the first time, our Forum faced the toughest and most challenging election and came out with good results especially in the North- East and North- West geopolitical zones.

Questions;

How tough was the election sir?

Comrade Afiyo;

You see, I held a press conference in Kano two weeks to the elections and drew the attention of our presidential candidate of an organised deception and betrayals. All the APC governors that promised to work for Atiku changed their minds three days to the elections because of the senseless and leucitic statement made by one of the Atiku’s campaign spokesmen that Atiku will investigate and jail them.

Secondly, the statement made by Atiku that he was going to restructure the country even at the detriment of his life, made the Fulani elites to work against him.

Thirdly, 85% of the people Atiku made as PCC members also betrayed him because the dollars given to them for logistics and mobilization, was only shared amongst and between them. They had erroneous and lithifying confidence that with or without mobilization, Atiku will win.

Fourthly, the people that were sincerely and honestly working for Atiku were side lined, barricaded, excluded and isolated. Thanks to some our patrons who saw all these things and decided to mobilise us and also gotten some assistance from international Organisations. These mobilisations coupled with our determination and commitments made the difference in the voting outcome.

We saw ourselves fighting against the collective decision of the Northern Governors, Fulani Elites and the Religious leaders from both the Islamic and Christian religions.

The Imams were heavily mobilised with millions of dollars while the statement made by Governor El-Rufai about the northern Christians population also encouraged and gingered the Christian clerics to mobilise Christians to waste their votes for Obi so as to prove El-Rufai wrong and teaches him and his cohorts a protogenetic and dangerous lesson. The ethnic angle was also given priority in some States like Kogi, Kwara and Niger. You can now see the forces NYLF faced and still ensured that Atiku won in the North.

Question;

Why Niger State?

Comrade Afiyo:

Whether you believe IT or not, Asiwaju has a link with the Nupes.

Question

Are you saying Tinubu did not win the 2023 Presidential election?

Comrade Afiyo;

I am telling you without fear of contradiction that Tinubu did not win the election that meets up with the constitutional requirements even after results were doctored. Prof Yakubu knew it and he made up his mind to announce a rerun. Thirty minutes to the announcement, he was summoned and the decision was changed. Alterations and doctoring of results were made, that is why he reluctantly staged a podiatric coup against democracy and Nigerians, by going ahead and announced Tinubu as the winner at about 4:am

Questions;

Sir, are you saying that Prof Yakubu staged a coup?

Comrade Afiyo;

Prof. Yakubu is a learn tic Coupist by every reasoning. Coups are normally announced at early hours of the day and that what was he did. I will not be surprised if Prof Yakubu is arrested and tried for treasonable felony in the nearest future.

Question;

But the Northern Elders Forum and the Arewa Consultative Forum supported Atiku?

Comrade Afiyo;

All these pressure groups are constituted for political relevance and financial patronage. They are far from translating to political victories. Unfortunately, the Aspirants and the Candidates patronize them at the detriment of the Youth groups. Some of these Individuals are not known in their localities. And if they are known, they cannot command political fellowship and followership which will translate to political voting and by extension, political victories.

Questions;

Sir, so you agree with Governor El-Rufai that they don’t control votes?

Comrade Afiyo;

I totally agree with him because he said nothing but the truth. How many of these Elders will secure a political victory for their Councillors not to talk of President? The Governors and the Youth Leaders control and determine the direction of voting in the North. The clerics are far politically better than these Elders.

The only aspect that I disagree with EL-Rufai is denigration and localisation of the elders by calling them ‘so called elders’ and his statement on the Northern Christians which has caused major division among the Northerners. If care is not taken or more awareness created, it will be very difficult for a Northerner to win presidential election in the nearest future in a free and fair elections unless that Northerner is a Muslim and must come from one of the minority tribes.

Question;

President Buhari said that Atiku lost the election because of over confidence and complacency

Comrade Afiyo;

That’s very true, over confidence in the sense that PCC members were doing what they feel like. Even the presidential Candidate and his running Mate were deliberately ignoring some stakeholders. The support groups were ignored and downgraded. The G5 Governors were termed and considered inconsequential. The Governor of Bauchi who is very popular and influential in the country especially the Northern Youth, was isolated not until I decided to take an action that maybe so devastating, before he was visited and invited for negotiation.

Let me tell you the truth, most of the key members of PCC of the PDP worked against Atiku because they have interest in 2027 and Atiku winning this election will block them. This is more reason why they pocketed the dollars, thereby frustrating the genuine efforts of Atiku’s supporters.

Another factor that causes complacency was the appointment of his spokesmen who were caucus members of the APC. These were people verily known with Tinubu, whatever they said were not given any serious consideration.

You can see Senator Dino saying ALLAH YA ISA to PDP in 2015. The same Dino saying ALLAH YA ISA to APC in 2019 and 2023. Spiritually, any Candidate that Dino becomes his or her Spokesman under PDP or APC, will never wins the election because he has used the same tongue to curse the Parties.

Question;

Sir, we read in some National Dailies prior to the elections that some Emirs threatened to assassinate you if Atiku wins the election in their States. How true is this statement?

Comrade Afiyo;

Absolutely true, two of them told our Co-ordinators that they will assassinate me if Atiku wins in their States. I personally called them to confirm the story and they affirmed it. These threats made me to relocate to one of the States and informed the Emir that I was in the State to ensure that Atiku wins in all the States. I called some of our Patrons who mobilised funds for us. When Atiku won in the State, I placed a call to the Emir who later invited me for a dinner in his palace. After the Dinner, he looked at me said “shege Batta jo”, and I smiled and said mi yeti barkama walla aibe”. And that was all.

Question;

Sir, we were also told that Tinubu’s camp is making overtures for you to join the team.

Comrade Afiyo;

For now, I will not join them until the final pronouncement by the Supreme court. In fact, the Northern Youth will never recognize Tinubu as President of Nigeria even after the swearing – in until the final pronouncement by the Supreme Court.

Question;

Are you saying that the inauguration ceremony should be stopped?

Comrade Afiyo:

Under common sense or literal reasoning, the inauguration should have been done after final pronouncement by the Court. But in a situation like this, one should not expect that to happened. Seriously, it is a major set- back to our Country. But I am quite sure that God’s will would prevail very soon.

Question

There was a story in one of the daily newspapers that you led a Team of investigation from UN and EU to visit the six geo- political zones and the Team was sponsored by one of your patrons.

Comrade Afiyo;

The Team was a fact-finding Team. I was just privileged to guide them.

Question;

What do we expect from you and your Forum from now?

Comrade Afiyo;

For now, let us allow the will of God to prevail. This is our only country that we can call our home. Enough of crisis and shedding of innocent blood. Let us all be law abiding and give maximum support to the security agencies. Sooner or later, Nigerians will definitely rejoice.

*Says its time to focus proactive legislative duties

Honourable Blessing Onuh, has enjoined politicians to resist the culture of filing frivolous petitions that could distract public office holders from delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

The Lawmaker representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), gave the charge at a world press conference in Abuja yesterday,   pointing out that elections are over and is time for political stakeholders to begin to work together irrespective of political leanings.

Onuh, while acknowledging that elections petitions was an essential part of our democratic process, however warned that culture of filing frivolous petitions against political opponents was a distraction.

The Federal Lawmaker was reacting to the recent withdrawal of the suit instituted by Hon Alex Enokela Ogbe, against her victory in the February 25th National Assembly election.

Recall that Hon. Ogbe had on Friday, May 19th 2023, announced his decision to withdraw the case instituted against Hon. Lady Blessing Onuh, the APC and INEC in the 2023 election petition tribunal.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement personally signed himself, stated that the difficult decision was for the general interest of Otukpo Ohimini people.

Ogbe, while congratulating Lady Blessing Onuh, vow to offer his support and assistance to her where needed for the betterment of the people.

“We are using this medium to make known our intention to withdraw the case instituted against Hon. Lady Blessing Onuh of the APC, the APC and INEC in the 2023 election petition tribunal. 

“We have taken this difficult decision for the general interest of Otukpo Ohimini people who we seek to serve.

“We will offer support and assistance to the house of representatives member elect Otukpo Ohimini where needed for the betterment of the people of Otukpo Ohimini.

“We pray God gives her the strength to meet the desires of the people of Otukpo Ohimini for which she represent,” he stated.

Onuh while applauding Mr. Ogbe’s decision to withdraw his petition, described his action as political maturity which speaks volume about the unity in Benue South.

The lawmaker who however, maintained that she won the February 2023 election conducted in a free and fair contest, enjoined him to work together with her and all Idoma progressives in the progress, unity and development of Otukpo/Ohimini Federal constituency.

In her words, “I acknowledge the withdrawal of the suit instituted against my victory by Mr Ogbe. However, I must state categorically that I won the February 2023 election conducted in a free and fair contest.

“I view the decision of Mr Ogbe as an act of political maturity which speaks volume about the unity in Benue South. I urge politicians to avoid frivolous petitions which is a distraction.

“I feel honoured by the humble demonstration of his sportsmanship and enjoin him to work together with me and all Idoma progressives in the progress, unity and development of Otukpo/Ohimini Federal constituency.

“Elections have come and gone, I want to emphasize that I represent the entire constituency irrespective of political leanings,” she stated.

A Group Known as Professional for good governancen(PGG) has said With May 29, 2023 a few days away, and the inauguration of brand new State Executive Governors in 28 States of the Federation, they are concerned about the quality of leadership and the prospects before Nigerians.

Engr. Ogbonna Nwaiwu spokes person of the group while wishing the incoming Chief Executives the best and said It is trite to state that the group keenly followed the entire electoral process leading to the February 25th Presidential and National Assembly elections, and the March 18th Governorship and State Assembly elections and x-rayed the manifestos of the candidates and assessed their preparedness to improve the lot of the people, and to make their States better.

Engr Nwaiwu further stated that one of the candidates exuded an uncommon preparedness and clear-headedness throughout the period of Campaign, and has continued to inspire great hope even after the election.

He said the Governor Elect of Enugu State Barrister Peter Mbah comes to the Party with a bag full of ideas. And wished him well.

Part of the statement reads. ” Indeed, his extraordinary disposition to the task ahead was manifest from the start, from his campaign manifesto to the grasp of the issues and the challenges facing Enugu State; from his commitment to berthing a New Enugu State to the passion that saw him through the electoral process; and from his promise to light up Enugu, and provide Pipe borne within the first 180days of his stewardship, Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah offers renewed hope to Ndi’Enugu.”

“There is a fervency in the land that calls for responsible and responsive watchmen at different leadership strata, it is that fervency that inspires our group to search out and align with Leaders who are ready to lead right. We are committed to supporting the prepared to do justice to the letters of their manifesto, whilst challenging those who apparently may not be very prepared to take a cue from those who like Barrister Peter Mbah shows the readiness to hit the ground running from the moment he takes the Oath of Office.”

“Clearly Ndi’Enugu are set for a new dawn, a new deal and a new day in leadership. It is palpable, we feel it, and we can see so much happening even before the Swearing-In of the incoming Governor of Enugu State Barrister Peter Mbah.”

“Are you aware that at his personal cost, facilities and materials necessary for the lighting up of strategic areas in the State, and materials relevant for the Pipe borne water he promised within his first 180 days are being assembled?”

“Are you aware that he has assembled a Team of Experts, Technocrats, Eggs heads, Professionals and Ideologues to give life and proactive strategic input to the details of his manifesto, a document he respects as proof his social contract with Ndi’Enugu?”

“Are you aware that Barrister Peter Mbah is not just a Technocrat in Politics, but a Lawyer, an accomplished Businessman and one who has the requisite governmental experience necessary to take Enugu State to a new pedestal. Are you aware that he is Competent, that he has the Capacity, that he is Credible, that he is Compassionate and that he has the Commitment necessary and relevant to build an Enugu State that works for all?”

“As the Peter Ndubuisi Mbah era beckons we wish Ndi’Enugu the best, and pray that the Almighty grant the incoming Governor the candour and the composure to deliver, and to make real the elaborate promises and projections he has on paper.”

“We wish Ndi’Enugu the best, and pray that across the States of the Federation leaders become responsible and responsive to the people.”

“As Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah takes over as the Governor of Enugu State on the 29th of May, 2023, we wish him well. And say Congratulations to Ndi’Enugu.”

Mr Nkem Asogwa Spokes Person for Concern Enugu Citizens (CEC) has said the Friday 19th of May, 2023 Arise TV outing by the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brigadier General Yushau’u Dogara Ahmed despite a 20b naira Legal Suit filed by Attorneys to the Enugu State Governor Elect Barrister Peter Mbah against the Agency and it’s Director of Corps Certification Ibrahim Muhammad smacks not only of contempt of Court and flagrant disrespect for the Rule of Law, BUT shows that the Agency is being tele-guided by political forces for political end.

Asogwa Spokes in a press statement said the NYSC must raise its operations beyond the manipulation of political interests and partisan demagogues. The NYSC and the DG in charge must understand that Nigeria and Nigerians crave a new deal in governance where the best hands are allowed to serve.

Asogwa further said the service must therefore remove from allowing manipulative forces deploy it into settling political conflicts and power debacles. The time to shield our politics from the devious control of subversive forces is now. And we must urge those who superintend Parrastatals and Agencies of Government to be above board.

Part of the statement reads “The question about the Authenticity of the NYSC discharge Certificate of Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Governor-Elect of Enugu State is before the Courts, and has become the subject of litigation, therefore the action of the DG of the NYSC is not only reprehensible but lampoon-able.”

“We are aware that sufficient investigation regarding the details of the said NYSC Certificate of Barrister Peter Mbah shows that the said certificate was validly issued by the NYSC, to have a DG who resumed office recently and has not grappled with the full details of the matter speak on National TV on a matter which is albeit sub- judice is worrisome and troubling.”

“We the forum of CONCERNED ENUGU CITIZENS hereby implore the National Youth Service Corps NYSC, her DG and the Management to stay off partisan waters and allow the Rule of Law take its course.”

“We also must state without equivocation that our Governor Elect is a law abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and that his commitment to building a vibrant, prosperous and great Enugu State is unassailable.”

“Peter Mbah cannot and will not be pulled down or dragged into the ignoble list of those that have been destroyed by Politicians using the instrumentality of the NYSC as a witch-hunt.”

“The NYSC must stay true to its pristine responsibility of serving the cause of National Integration, Orientation, Brotherhood and Oneness, and must rise above the partisan debacles of devious politicians.”

“Finally, if the meddlesome-ness of the NYSC management in a matter presently before the Court does not abate, we shall be compelled to petition the Agency as well as prevail on the Courts to take serious steps to forbid the Service from further actions that border on contempt of Court.”

*Atiku’s lawyer gets thunderous applause

The Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) yesterday in Abuja, told Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, lead counsel to Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he was citing old laws against the request by the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Abubakar Atiku for live coverage of proceedings of the court.

Chairman of the court, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani drew the attention of Olanipekun to a portion of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers being wrongfully cited to justify Tinubu’s opposition to live coverage of proceedings in Atiku’s petition.

At yesterday’s proceedings, Tinubu, APC and INEC had separately kicked against the request by Atiku for live coverage of proceedings of the Court to engender public trust and confidence in the court.

Atiku through his lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche SAN had cited the monumental importance of the petition nationally and internationally to back up his demand for live telecast of the proceedings.

But in his bid to justify his vehement opposition, Olanipekun had cited paragraph 4.6 of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers which he claimed prohibited Judicial Officers from broadcasting, televising proceedings during court session

He cited the disputed law following the submissions by Chief Chris Uche SAN, that there was no law or statute barring live telecast of court proceedings.

As Olanipekun was about to read the portion of the law, Justice Tsammani cut in and told the legal luminary that he was citing a wrong law.

Justice Tsammani told Olanipekun SAN that the portion he was citing to justify his arguments against live coverage had been amended and the portion being cited had been deleted completely.

The Chairman of the Court maintained that the portion being claimed by Chief Olanipekun SAN was no longer in the new Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers and as such, not applicable.

While making a case for live broadcast of Atiku’s petition, Uche SAN had drawn the attention of the Court to Justice Oputa Panel of Inquiry that was telecast live and hailed all round in the country.

The Senior lawyer said that non of the respondents would be prejudiced if the petition is broadcast live.

Specifically, he said that there was no single law or statute against live broadcast of court proceedings adding that the fact that it has never been done before should not be misconstrued to mean that it cannot be done this time.

The submissions of Uche SAN had drawn thunderous applause from the crowd who for some minutes clapped before the court announced that clapping was not allowed in Courts.

Atiku had approached the Court hearing his case against the outcome of the February 25 presidential polls, for an order allowing live broadcast of the day to day proceedings regarding his petition because of its monumental importance.

Atiku and the PDP in the application specifically prayed the tribunal for “An order Directing the Court’s Registry and the parties on modalities for admission of Media Practitioners and their Equipment into the courtroom.”

The application filed on their behalf by their team of lawyers led by Chief Chris Uche, SAN, is predicated amongst other grounds that: The matter before the Honourable Court is a dispute over the outcome of the Presidential Election held on 25th February 2023, a matter of national concern and public interest, involving citizens and voters in the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, who voted and participated in the said election; and the International Community as regards the workings of Nigeria’s Electoral Process”.

They contended that being a unique electoral dispute with a peculiar constitutional dimension, it is a matter of public interest whereof millions of Nigerian citizens and voters are stakeholders with a constitutional right to receive.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress APC in response kicked against the request of the former Vice President
for live telecast of his petition challenging the declaration of Tinubu as winner of the 2023 presidential election.

In their separate objections, the trio insisted that solemn nature of the court would be put in jeopardy if granted.

Tinubu in his vehement objections raised by Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN on his behalf said that Atiku’s request was not only surprising but dangerous as it was capable of prejudicing the Court itself.

Olanipekun said that the request for live coverage is capable of turning the Court to a football stadium, a crusade ground a theatre or film grounds where all manners of telecast could be permitted.

The Senior lawyer said that the Court should not grant an order that cannot be enforced or supervised, adding that the present moment is not the best time for such a request to be granted.

Lateef Fagbemi SAN who opposed on behalf of APC faulted the request, adding that the facility and policy documents are not there for the application to be granted.

Fagbemi insisted that Atiku did not deserve to be granted the request

The electoral body in its own objections by its counsel, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud SAN said that Court room is for serious business and not a market place where anything goes adding that the request for live coverage is unnecessary and uncalled for and should not be granted.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Court, Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani has reserved ruling on the motion for a later date.

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has urged the international community to disassociate themselves and also steer clear of the proposed inauguration of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Frank who described such event as illegal, specifically called on the United State of America, United Kingdom, European Union, African Union and ECOWAS among others, “to as a matter of integrity steer clear from any form of preparations or attendance of the planned inauguration.”

In a statement released Monday in Abuja, Timi Frank said it will be in the best interest of the International Community to properly ascertain the mood of the country and allow for all litigations and closure on the outcome of the electoral cases in court before lending support to whomsoever is declared as the authentic winner of the recently conducted elections in Nigeria.

According to the Bayelsa born political activist, save for the voice of reason, the aftermath of the declaration of the Presidential results would have turned sour, but for the timely appeal by the various opposition leaders to their supporters in seeking redress at the courts as the only constitutional recognized means in challenging an illegality.

He said: “As last minute preparations for the inauguration of an illegality continues to dominate the political and social space in Nigeria, we are poised to advise all intending invitees especially the international community to steer clear from any of such events, as more Nigerians continue to disassociate themselves from being a part of this grand conspiracy foisted on the Nigerian people by dubious state actors, using instruments of coercion and manipulation in subverting the will of the people.

“Never have we witnessed such brazen criminality perpetrated by an electoral umpire and the ruling party in disenfranchising the majority of the people by conniving with other agencies of government to ensure victory by all means to a particular candidate.

“The hasty announcement of the Presidential results by the electoral umpire, who is also a major accomplice in this regard, came as a shock to many, when the electoral body itself failed to use its own stipulated guidelines in the declaration of results.

“By blatantly refusing to follow its own procedure in the final declarations of results as announced earlier to all Nigerians by the INEC chief, it will be safe to conclude that the last minute change of plans was the final icing on the cake in ensuring that the will of the people is subverted and truncated by any means necessary.

“In the light of the aforementioned, I would like to call on all members of the international community, especially the US, UK, EU, AU, ECOWAS and others to as a matter of integrity steer clear from any form of preparations or attendance of the planned inauguration.

“Accepting to be present for this all time charade, which is already subjudice will subsequently give credence to this illegality by the various governments which you represent. It will be in your best interest to properly ascertain the mood of the country and allow for all litigations and closure on this matter before you lend your support to whomsoever is declared as the authentic winner of the elections.

“Furthermore, the support for constitutional democracy as practiced by the US, UK and the EU states cannot be overemphasized. Therefore, the international community must disassociate itself forthwith from plans to attend any inauguration, until the will of the people is expressly determined by the judiciary.”

Frank, Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, said any form of congratulatory messages or acceptability demonstrated by representatives of various countries in Nigeria “will further suggest that indeed your governments are accomplices in disenfranchising the good people of Nigeria of a functional democracy as practiced and preached by your various governments.

“It will be foolhardy and catastrophic to join in endorsing an illegitimate process leading to the forming of a government, which is clearly not in tandem with your values.

“I will like to therefore, seek your understanding in boycotting any of such invitations aimed at undermining our hard earned democracy. Let your voices be made clear once and for all in ensuring that the proper process leading to the declaration of a winner is followed and accepted by all Nigerians in this regard.”

Santo Luka

…A Yoruba socio -political group, ‘Oduwa Frontiers’ has called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to follow the path of honour and justice by reversing the unsolicited, unpopular zoning proposal and allow democracy and its tenets to thrive.

The group called on the President-elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to interrogate this skewed arrangement and give direction that reflects our collective commitment to equality, fairness, and inclusivity as a basis for participatory democracy.National President, of the group, Kolawale Adediji Kazeem, made the call in a statement made available to journalist in Abuja, on Saturday.

“We join the Southern Governors Forum and other concerned Nigerians in calling on the National Working Committee of the APC to follow the path of justice.”

According to him, “As stakeholders in the affairs of the South-west and Nigeria generally, we hereby corroborate the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum’s views and adopt all the issues raised which are very sensitive, not only to the president-elect and the APC, but also to the corporate existence of the country.

“We warn the President-elect not to wave aside the views of the Southern Governors Forum and majority of his genuine lovers in other regions, in order to avoid falling into the traps laid to set him up against other sections of the country and damage the image of his administration even before it takes off.“

“We hereby state our strong position that the manner in which the party leadership directly meddled in the affairs of the legislative arm of government, which is an independent body, amounts to an infringement on the constitutionally guaranteed legislative independence and autonomy.

“We warn that the APC cannot afford to make the mistake of allowing the repeat of what transpired in the eighth Assembly when Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara emerged Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives,

” he said .Kazeem also enjoined the APC to replay its exemplary leadership of allowing open contest and level ground for the party primaries that paved the way for the emergence of the Asiwaju as its Presidential Candidate.

“It is therefore expedient for the APC to allow open contests for all interested candidates irrespective of region or geopolitical zone and allow the members of the National Assembly to vote for their leaders.”

Speaking further ,he noted that this calculated design to give the incoming administration of Asiwaju a bad name even before it takes off, is without a doubt, part of the disturbances that have been created since the emergence of a South Western presidency.In particular, the despotic move to zone the National Assembly leadership positions to suit certain vested interests with false love for the President-elect only aims to set a dangerous foundation of distrust and suspicion as traps to undermine the coming.

“Everyone knows the democratic antecedents of the Asiwaju and his unbending commitment to democratic principles of fair-play and the right of choice.“It would therefore be misplaced to believe that a man with such high commitment to democratic processes would be involved in such unconstitutional actions.”

The much anticipated prestigious National Daily Awards will hold on Friday May 12, 2023, at the Grand BallRoom of Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, with former President, Olusegun Obasanjo as Special Guest of Honour and keynote Speaker, under the chairmanship of Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi.

The National Daily Awards is a celebration of excellence in various sectors of the Nigerian economy and life. 

“We will be honoring outstanding achievers in public and private sectors, as well as presenting Lifetime Achievement Awards to exceptional individuals in business, politics, sports and entertainment”, reads a statement signed by Sylvester Ebhodaghe, Editor-in-Chief of National Daily Newspapers. 

The statement further said that the IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, will receive the National Daily’s Man of the Year Award at the event, alongside other eminent professional individuals and organisations.

The statement reads: “Other award recipients include Prince Nduka Obaigbena CON of ARISE News/THISDAY Newspaper, to be conferred with African Media Entrepreneur Icon of the Decade Award; Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, Governor of The Year; Governor Olusola Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Innovation and Infrastructure Governor of the Year; Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, Lifetime Achievement. 

“Leo Stan Eke, Development Icon of the Decade (ICT); Alhaji Aliko Dangote, African Business Personality of the Decade; Umaru Dambatta, Public Sector Personality of the Decade; Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN, Hero of Human Rights Defence; Sen Ifeanyi Ubah, Lawmaker of the Year (Senate); Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro of Delta State, Outstanding Peace Builder of the Year; NYSC, Most Strategic Government Establishment of the Decade; LSSTF, Most Strategic Government Support Initiative of the Year (State); Allen Onyema, Hero’s Award; including 10 Outstanding NYSC Members, among others that have distinguished themselves in their trade in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria. The award would remain one of the memorable events of the year”.

The great Confluence State of Kogi is on the March again, seeking a worthy and an inclusive Governor as the Alhaji Yahaya Bello era winds down in a few months. This time the challenge before the people of Kogi State is the call for a broad-based Kogi where Christians are given a sense of belonging as well as Muslims and people of other religious bent.

Our Dear State is a Multi-ethnic, Multi-lingual and a Multi-religious one. It is the melting-pot of all that defines the Nigerian State. It is the first political capital of Nigeria, and by Jove should set the pace for genuine inclusiveness in governance.

We have witnessed a plethora of debate ranging from how many Igala people have governed Kogi to how many Ebira people or Okun people have governed Kogi. Sadly this debate has left unaddressed the major issues of Faith and Religion.

Yes the Okun people have a valid call for a shot at the Governorship, but even more compelling and challenging is the fact that no Christian has ever been elected Governor of Kogi State.

Kogi as a Multi-religious State must now live true to what it says on paper. It is time for Kogi to give to her Christians a true sense of belonging, and it is time for Kogi stakeholders and the political class to give to the Christian population a hand of fellowship.

Our call is not only about religious inclusiveness, it is about sustaining the present trajectory of Youths in governance, and above all about competency, capacity and commitment to the common good.

To the great people of Kogi we present an effective and efficient Igala son, an erudite Lawyer, and very importantly one who has the competency, the capacity, the compassion and the requisite commitment necessary to turn Kogi State around for good.

Barrister Okeme Adejo is the choice of the broadest class of the Kogi demography, the Youths, he connects with Muslims, Christians and Traditionalists being the scion of one of the most effective Women Leader in the history of Kogi State. Okeme combines a great strength of character with a deep sense of humility and respect for Elders.

Okeme holds the Labour Party Governorship Ticket, he is a foremost Obidient and a Leader in every sense of the word. Barrister Adejo Okeme is not only an Igala, he is an illustrious son of Kogi committed to building a Kogi State where all ethnicities have a true sense of brotherhood and belonging. He is a devout Christian with huge commitment to building a great Kogi where the freedom of worship is sustained and members of various faiths given the opportunity to reach their fullest potentials.

Okeme is the question-mark on the conscience of a State that must do right. He is the olive-branch ready to truly unite a State replete with people of variegated tendencies. He comes with an uncommon cord of brotherhood and love, and he will create a great Kogi where inclusiveness is of primacy. To all well-meaning and progressive minded Kogites we present Barrister Okeme Adejo.

We shall in due course present to our Dear people of Kogi State the laudable agenda and Manifesto of Barrister Okeme.

We hereby call on the high and the mighty, the low and the struggling, the women and our mothers, the Young and the old to join hands with us as we accelerate the call for the next Governor of Kogi to be a Christian of Igala descent, and above all one with great competency, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to the common good.

To Kogi State and a nation in dire need of Justice, Inclusiveness and oneness, we present Barrister Okeme Adejo.

Abubakar Haruna
Concerned Citizens For Justice And Inclusion In Kogi.

*Says 80% of corrupt politicians will be beneficiaries of Asiwaju’s presidency

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank, has faulted Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s claim that he will make corruption unattractive, especially in the Judiciary.

Frank, who described such statement as a lie, noted that the former Lagos state governor do not possess the capacity and ability to fight corruption in the Judiciary.

Tinubu, while speaking in Port Harcourt, during the inauguration of a Magistrate Courts Complex built by the Governor Nyesom Wike administration, reportedly promised to make corruption unattractive.

Responding in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, Timi Frank said Tinubu’s track record on corruption fights is abysmal.

According to Frank, It is an insult to the sensibility of majority of Nigerians, that Tinubu who has been linked to several corrupt practices, including the famous bullion van episode, will suddenly become the anti corruption czar.

He said: “A man who’s unable to answer questions on the activities of the Alpha Beta company and several other properties linked to him, obviously do not posses the prerequisites to fight corruption.

“It is however ironic that Tinubu, whose political career is peppered with allegations of corruption, would try to position himself as a champion of anti-corruption, only aimed at fooling the gullible.

“Of utmost importance is the caliber of persons currently hobnobbing around the president elect for one favor or another. These individuals who are busy outwitting one another, all in a bid to grab juicy government portfolios with statutory immunity, may all have a case or more to answer with the anti graft agencies. These characters who are currently vying for leadership positions in all arms of government, including the Executive, Legislature, and the Judiciary will most likely be cleared for public service, thereby joepadizing the fight against corruption ab initio.

The Bayelsa born political activist believed that the incoming administration, if confirmed by the judiciary, will habour many politicians of questionable characters giving them a safe haven to operate.

“A closer look at these individuals reveals that they are made of high net worth personalities who may have previously been convicted of crimes, or currently facing investigations or prosecution by the EFCC and other sister anti graft agencies.

“The jostle for the position of the Senate President by one of the leading contenders is a clear testimony to the fact. It is therefore pertinent to ascertain whether Tinubu’s potential administration will be comprised by these glaring associations.

“Consequently, the statement credited to the former Lagos state governor in Port Harcourt is laughable, given that the facts prove otherwise as clearly evident by the current realities.

“It’s worthy to note that Tinubu, whose ruling party campaigned on an anti-corruption mantra will suddenly drive an anti-corruption fight when even the incumbent President, who has no known history of corruption is unable to tackle the menace, rather the corruption index has risen exponentially under this administration.”

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, furthermore added that it will be difficult to take Tinubu’s words on fighting corruption seriously.

He said: “Evidence of corruption linked to his interests continues to surface, as even the recently concluded general elections were grossly compromised. Tinubu should note that he’s yet to be sworn in and should focus his attention on the pending cases challenging the legitimacy of his victory at the polls rather than making any such promises on an illegality pending before the tribunal.

“Lastly as a nation seeking a change, we must demand accountability from our leaders, regardless of their party affiliation. We cannot afford to remain silent whilst corruption continues to plague our democracy. Those who seek to lead us, must henceforth show by their actions that they are committed to a corrupt-free Nigeria.”