Oluwasegun Adesuyi, Author at SocietyGazette.com

Seyi Makinde Reveals Why Alaafin And Olubadan Were Unable To Gain Entrance ‘At Lekan Salami Stadium

Two prominent traditional rulers in Oyo State, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji were surprisingly unable to gain entrance during the commissioning of the renovated Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba in Ibadan.

It was reported that security agents on duty during the event which took place on Wednesday in Oyo State, prevented the traditional rulers from entering the event venue despite the Very Important Personality (VIP) Invitation Cards with them.

The traditional rulers later left the venue without attending the event following the incident with the security operatives.

The media aides of the two monarchs confirmed the development as earlier reported by Naija News.

But reacting to the incident, the Oyo State government on Thursday in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Taiwo Adisa said the traditional rulers were duly invited and expected at the event.

On why they were however unable to gain entry, the statement explained that the royal fathers were unable to access the designated VVIP Drop Off zone due to the surging crowd that turned out for the event.

It added that the security operatives told them to make use of another gate and noted that the state government holds the two traditional rulers in the highest esteem.

The statement reads in part: “What happened was that security operatives advised that the drivers of the revered monarchs make their way through another gate, since their convoys were unable to access the VVIP Drop Off Zone from the gate they entered through.

“From the VVIP Drop Off Zone, it would be easy for the monarchs to access the VVIP box without meandering through the stairs, as that would have unduly stressed them given their age,” he said.

“His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde wishes to categorically state that the Alaafin and the Olubadan were well-expected at the event and that their seats were reserved.”

It added that the convoys of the monarchs were well treated and cautioned those spreading lies about what transpired on Wednesday to desist from such acts.

“The government frowns on reports indicating that the convoys of the revered monarchs were not treated accordingly and would take appropriate steps to correct any untoward indication,” the statement added.

2023: Atiku will Only waste your Presidential Ticket – Group Warns PDP

A group known as the PDP Action 2023, has appealed to the party not to give its 2023 Presidential ticket to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement on Wednesday titled; “Atiku Should Not Waste PDP Ticket Again,” signed by the National Chairman of the Dr. Rufus Omeire, Atiku would ‘waste’ the ticket as he had no chances of winning the electoral exercise.

“The PDP Action 2023 warns once again, that to give Atiku Abubakar another chance as PDP Presidential Candidate is to ensure a clear defeat for PDP in 2023, and admonishes the former Vice-President of Nigeria not to deceive PDP members a second time.”

“In our last Press Statement, we frowned at Atiku for abandoning PDP members by running away to live in Dubai, after the elections, shielding himself from PDP members, only for him to resurface now that the Presidential primaries are at hand.”

“In his response, we are surprised Atiku claimed that his absence from Nigeria for so long was to acquire a Degree from Cambridge University.”

“On the contrary, the entire country is aware that he relocated to Dubai, where he even had his highly advertised COVID Vaccination even before the vaccine was available to ordinary Nigerians.”

“It is disingenuous for Atiku to claim that he was in school in Cambridge, London when he actually lived in Dubai. If he enrolled in University of Cambridge, for a part time course, he could have as well done the programme from Nigeria.”

Former Ogun Governor Amosun Visits Tinubu In London

A former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has joined the array of politicians who have visited the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu in London.
Naija News reports that the Senator representing Ogun Central District in the National Assembly paid a visit to Tinubu in London on Wednesday.

The former Lagos governor has been receiving prominent politicians over the last few weeks in the UK where he is currently residing.

Some of those who have visited the APC leader include President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.

Others are former Borno Governor Kashim Shettima, former APC National Legal Adviser, Dr. Muiz Banire, members of the Lagos state House of Assembly led by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Hon, James Faleke and Hon. Usman Zanna.

This news platform reports that the former Lagos State Governor was said to have undergone a series of surgery on his knee.

There were claims that Tinubu had undergone another knee surgery at the John Hopkins University Hospital in Maryland, the United States.

It was gathered that the APC chieftain returned to London in the United Kingdom on crutches after undergoing the successful surgery.

Power minister Saleh Mamman collapses, hospitalised after Buhari sacked him

Saleh Mamman collapsed in Abuja and landed at the hospital yesterday after being told by President Muhammadu Buhari that he had been relieved of his job.

Mr Mamman served as power minister since 2019 until he was fired on Wednesday as Mr Buhari conducted a minor redeployment of his cabinet members. He was fired alongside agric minister Sabo Nanono.

“He collapsed yesterday and was immediately hospitalised,” a family source told The Gazette under anonymity. “He wasn’t expecting to be fired so soon.” The nature of Mr Mamman’s ailment was not immediately clarified to The Gazette, and his spokesman did not return a request seeking comments.

The source said Mr Mamman has been quietly receiving treatment at a hospital in Abuja, and The Gazette has withheld the name of the hospital to respect the former minister’s privacy.

Mr Mamman, 63, was said to have been living at Transcorp Hilton in Abuja for more than three weeks on the bills of some powerful interests in the power sector, who were hoping he would still be in the office to be able to award lucrative contracts.

“He has been living permanently at Transcorp Hilton since early August,” our sources said. “His bills were being covered by elements in the power sector who were looking forward to more lucrative contracts before the bad news of his dismissal struck yesterday.”

He also reportedly has plans to run for governor in Taraba by 2023, a claim The Gazette has not been able to independently corroborate.

Award Winning Singer, Iyanya Gets Political Appointment

The Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, has appointed award-winning singer, Iyanya as the Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Entertainment.
The development was revealed by the singer in a post on his Instagram account on Wednesday.

Iyanya appreciated the state Governor for finding him worthy to handle such a position.

He wrote, “It’s forward ever and backwards never. I have been appointed the Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Entertainment to the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade.

“I thank God who made this possible and also my Governor for finding me worthy to handle this position.”

In another development, the Gulder Ultimate Search reality tv show has returned to the television screen after seven years break.

There had been calls for the reality show to return to the screen due to morality.

Gulder Ultimate which started in 2004 borders on the survival instincts of its contestants.

Buhari Finally Reveals Type Of ‘Change’ He Promised Nigerians In 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday expressed optimism that Nigerians will feel the impact of programmes and projects executed by his government when he would have left office in 2023.

The President, who spoke while inaugurating the new board of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), disclosed that his “government operates on the agenda for long term change which we all agree is inevitable. Change happens whether you are ready for it or not”.

It will be recalled the Change was the campaign slogan of then Candidate Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress in the build-up to the 2015 presidential election. For the 2019 polls, the ‘Change’ agenda of the President and his party gave way to ‘Next Level’.

Going by the above comment of the President, the section of Nigerians who feel betrayed or disappointed for not experiencing the promised Change will now understand that the “Change” they voted for in 2015 was meant to be a long-term phenomenon.

Buhari disclosed that both the public and private sectors in Nigeria have partnered with the NSIA on strategic projects within the past four years.

According to him, “On the public sector partnership, we are working with the NSIA on strategic infrastructure projects such as the Second Niger Bridge, the Lagos – Ibadan Express Way and the Abuja – Kano Road, to mention a few.

“On the private sector collaborations, we have projects such as the Presidential Fertiliser Initiative, the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative and the NSIA Healthcare Development and Investment Company amongst many.

“Although these projects and programmes have immediately created jobs from a development standpoint, the wider impact on society will only be felt in years to come.”

Buhari, at the brief inauguration ceremony held at the State House, Abuja, tasked the board to make more investments that support economic diversification, as global oil prices were projected to drop to around $40 per barrel by 2030.

He restated his administration’s commitment to implementing long term projects and programmes that create jobs for Nigerians, adding that the appointment of the nine-man board was a call to duty, action and performance.

“As representatives of the Federation, you are required to continue to drive the performance of the Authority to deliver benefits to all Nigerians.

“You must bear in mind that the National Economic Council, your Governing Council and Nigerians as a whole will hold you accountable for this mandate.

“Periodically, you will be required to provide evidence of your stewardship at the Governing Council Meetings where your performance will be assessed.

“The bar before you is very high and all of us are counting on you to deliver. If you do, I assure you that Government and indeed all Nigerians will be unflinching in their support for you,’’ the President said.

The President recounted that NSIA, which is one of Nigeria’s premier economic institutions, was conceived to be a store of wealth that may be drawn upon at times of economic challenges thereby encouraging external investors and lenders.

He expressed delight that so far the institution has discharged its mandate dutifully, stating that, “this is why we prioritized the appointment of a new Board to ensure that the Authority does not lose steam and can continue to benefit from the oversight it needs to deliver on its mandate.

“The new Board we assembled has a crop of seasoned, eminently qualified, and experienced professionals.

“We expect these individuals to bring their wealth of experience to bear, in the next phase of NSIA’s journey,” he said.

The President also used the occasion to thank the last Board of Directors whose tenure ended in May 2021.

While acknowledging their commitment, dedication and contributions to the implementation of the objectives of the Authority, Buhari said: “This distinguished group of patriotic Nigerians heeded the call to serve and deployed the best of their abilities to oversee the affairs of the Authority on behalf of the nation over the last four years“.

Police Confirm Abduction Of 73 Students In Maradun, Matawalle’s Hometown

The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 73 Students of Government Day Secondary school, Kaya in Maradun LGA.
Police confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday by its spokesperson, SP Mohammed Shehu.

According to Shehu, the State Commissioner of Police, Ayuba N Elkanah, has ordered the deployment of search and rescue team that was mandated to work in synergy with the military to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted students

Elkanah appealed to the general Public especially parents and relatives of the abducted students to exercise patience and continue to pray for the success of the ongoing rescue operation.

Security has also been beefed up at Kaya Village and environ to forestall further attack on the communities.

Recall that this newspaper had earlier reported that gunmen suspected to be bandit terrorists on Wednesday morning abducted students.

The gunmen who came on motorcycles stormed the school shooting sporadically.

“There was an abduction of students just now in Kaya town, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara state. The gunmen who were in large number came to Kaya Junior Secondary School and abduct large number of students,” a source had said.

A teacher in the school told the BBC Hausa that he and others managed to escape by running away under the cover of farms near the school.

He disclosed that the bandits stormed the school in the hours of 11 am and 12 pm.

JUST IN: Fresh Trouble As PDP Finally Suspends Secondus

Prince Uche Secondus has been suspended by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward 5 in Ikuru town, Andoni LGA of Rivers State.
Secondus who hails from Andoni was a former Chairman of the PDP in Rivers and a former National Organising Secretary of the party.

Secondus suspension was announced on Wednesday by the Ward Chairman of the Party, George Christopher, during the extraordinary meeting at the party’s Secretariat at Ikuru town, Andoni.

According to Christopher, eleven out of the 17 executive members endorsed Secondus suspension from the party.

He stated, “The Ward executive of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ward 5, Ikuru town, and the leaders met on the 31st of August, 2021 issues that affect the party.

“Suspension of Prince Uche Secondus was done by the Ward executive after a duly constituted Ward meeting called by the Secretary on the instructions of the Chairman, according to the Constitution of our great party.”

Also speaking, former chairman of Andoni LGA and chairman, Disciplinary Committee in the Ward, Benson Alpheous, said Secondus was suspended for disobeying the party’s decision for him to step down as national chairman.

“Until further notice, our brother, Prince Uche Secondus remains suspended. I want to thank you for coming and again, reaffirm the suspension of Uche Secundus.

“For now, until you hear from us again, Prince Uche Secondus remain suspended,” he added.

Breaking: President Buhari Mourns As Aisha loses Son

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed condolences to Hajiya Aisha Abubakar, the former Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment following the death of her son, Aliyu Abubakar.

In a message to the father of the deceased, Alhaji Kabiru Mukhtar and the former Minister, which was delivered by his personal aides, President Buhari described the death of the young Aliyu as extremely sad.

The President prayed for quick recovery for two brothers and sister of the deceased, who are currently on admission in hospital following a road accident that claimed the life of the deceased.

He urged doctors, nurses and other health workers to do their best for other victims of the accident under their care.

President Buhari also prayed to Allah to repose the soul of the deceased and grant fortitude to the family and the friends of the deceased to bear the loss.

Aides who delivered the message from the President are Ya’u Darazo, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Special Duties, Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity and Ambassador Lawal Kazaure, State Chief of Protocol.

The Minister thanked the President for sending the delegation and expressed appreciation of the family for his demonstration of love and care for them.

Real Reason Why Buhari Sacked Two Of His Ministers

President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed why he relieved two of his Ministers of their duties on Wednesday.
It was earlier reported that President Buhari on Wednesday sacked the Minister of Agriculture, Mohammed Sabo Nanono, and the Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman.

The President, however, directed the Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abubakar, to take over the Ministry of Agriculture while the Minister of State for Works, Abubakar Aliyu, has been deployed to the Ministry of Power.

A statement on Wednesday signed by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, said the two ministers were sacked due to the independent and critical review of their ministries.

According to Adesina, the review of the two ministries was done through sector reporting during cabinet meetings and at retreats.

He revealed that the review had helped to identify and strengthen weak areas, close gaps, build cohesion and synergy in governance, manage the economy and improve the delivery of public good to Nigerians.

The Presidential spokesman added that the continuous rejig of the cabinet should be expected until the desired objective is met.

He said: “The changes were sequel to the tradition of subjecting our projects and programmes implementation to independent and critical self-review.

“These significant review steps have helped to identify and strengthen weak areas, close gaps, build cohesion and synergy in governance, manage the economy and improve the delivery of public good to Nigerians.”