Oluwasegun Adesuyi, Author at SocietyGazette.com

Oyetola, Adeleke Trade Words Over Allegation Of Violence, Vote-Buying Ahead Of Osun Poll

Osun State governor, Adegboyega Oyetola and the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ademola Adeleke, have engaged in accusations and counter accusations over the forthcoming governorship election holding in the state on July 16.

The Chairman, Legal Committee, Senator Ademola Adeleke Campaign, Niyi Owolade, and Chairman, Media And Strategy Committee, Diran Odeyemi, accused the APC of having three evil agenda whose implementation it said had started, going by recent sad developments in the state.

They alleged that the evil agendas include direct violence on PDP leaders and supporters, appointment of a compromised State Returning Officer in person of the Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, and deployment of ill-gotten wealth to buy votes and compromise the electoral process.

They said, “It is regrettable that the Amotekun security outfit established for the purpose of strengthening regional security of boundaries to curb the activities of bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, etc. has now become a tool of oppression and attack in the hands of some desperate politicians of the ruling Party in Osun State, the APC.

“They are launching offensive weapons and dangerous ammunition to intimidate, oppress and harass members of the PDP in Osun State so as to desperately have their way in the coming Osun Governorship election in less than 30 days from now,” the PDP said in the press conference.

“As much as we have confidence that adherence to the spirit and letters of the Electoral Act will guarantee free and fair election, we reject the appointment of Prof Adebowale as State Returning Officer for the July 16th election on account of partisanship and affiliation with the All Progressive Congress as a party, through the party’s former national Chairman, Chief John Odigie Oyegun (the chairman of the governing council and pro chancellor of University of Ibadan), the Governor-elect of Ekiti state, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and his membership of alumni association of Ayedaade Grammar School, Ikire, of which Osun State deputy governor is a member.

The Osun PDP further accused the APC of collating Permanent Voter Card details of public servants, teachers and pensioners in the state for the purpose of vote-buying.

However, reacting to the allegation, Governor Oyetola through his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Sunday Akere, refuted the allegations, saying PDP is accusing others of what it is presently doing.

Akere said, “They are been hunted by their shadow. We are aware of their evil plans to sabotage the electoral process but we keep quiet. Keeping quiet doesn’t mean that we don’t know what they are plotting. We just don’t want to be dragged to their mess.

“Governor Oyetola has done so well in the state since he was sworn into office, so we don’t need to buy anybody’s conscience before they would vote for him for the second term.

“It is the PDP that is involved in vote-buying, they are engaging in fire-for-fire politics. We urge the security operatives in the state to watch them closely to prevent their evil plots in the state.”

Evangelist Begs For Forgiveness As She Welcomes Child Outside Wedlock

A Nigerian Facebook evangelist, Patience Otene have apologized to her followers after welcoming a child outside marriage.
Taking to her Facebook account, the evangelist revealed that she welcomed a child one month ago.

She however condemned her decision on having a child outside marriage, insisting that it is against God’s word.

She encouraged her followers not to lose faith in God because of the step she had taken and asked for prayers as she is going through a tough time.

She wrote: “I HAVE A BABY. Yes you read it right and my baby is a month old today. Am I now married? NO.

“Does GOD approve of what I have done? Definitely NO, (God’s word on this is very clear and can not be changed)

“Does the Bible approve of this? Definitely NO. Would I advise another person to do as I have done? Definitely NO. Did I plan it to happen this way, Definitely NO

“I have gone through the toughest of times in the past months and I’ll tell you for sure that staying in GOD’S will is the best

“To those who will feel discouraged considering the fact that I am someone who put up godly contents of what one should do and not do, I am truly sorry,

“Please do not lose your faith in GOD because of me or what has happened instead let your faith in GOD be strengthened as GOD’S way is the only and best way to do it,

“While I am struggling with my spiritual life at the moment, I ask you pray for me in this season as it’s all I really need in this season. Thank you.”

Scores Injured As Bomb Rocks Imo Market

There was confusion yesterday in Imo State after gunmen reportedly bombed the popular Izombe market in Oguta Local Government Area of the state.

It was alleged that the heinous act was carried out by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who were enforcing a sit-at-home order in the area.

Naija News learnt that at least two vehicles were set ablaze by the terror group. The incident according to a resident who spoke with Daily Sun, made traders and customers in the market scamper for safety.

The source told the news platform that the gunmen had earlier visited the market to warn the traders of the implications of coming out on a Monday for their business transaction.

Moments later, the gunmen reportedly resurfaced, light up two vehicles in flames inside the market, which caused serious pandemonium before bombing the market.

Many people according to the report were injured while trying to escape the danger.

“They came and threw a local bomb inside the market and everybody started running for safety; they poured fuel on two vehicles and everywhere went up in flame,” the source narrated.

Meanwhile, the police command in Taraba State last Thursday paraded a suspected bomber of Nukkai and the military 6 Brigade, both in Jalingo Taraba state.

The command Commissioner, CP Abimbola Sokoya while addressing newsmen at the police headquarters said that his men got rid of the suspect (Bala Usman), a 37 years old man from Kebbi when he attempted to kill one Usman Yaki of Gunduma village in Gassol local government area of Taraba state.

The CP said the suspect had confessed been a member of the terror Boko-haram and a Kidnapper operating in Niger, Kogi and Taraba states.

According to the CP, the suspect had also confessed been behind the two bomb attack on Jalingo recently.

Correspondent reports that the suspect, Bala Usman, also confessed to newsmen that, one Abubakar Lawa who is from Kano state and Abdullahi Garba are his team leaders while, Yusuf, Sale and Kabiru are team members both at large.

BREAKING: Sanwoolu reacts to Attack on Tinubu’s Convoy, reveals next line of Action

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered an investigation into Sunday’s attack on a bus conveying journalists amidst the convoy of Ex-Lagos Governor and 2023 APC Presidential Candidate, Bola Ahmed TInubu

The incident occurred between Ebute-Ero and Adeniji, Iga-Iduganran, during APC presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s visit to the palace of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.

Governor Sanwo-Olu has directed also that those involved must be fished out and made to face the law. Besides. the government will pick up the hospital bills of those injured in the incident.

He said: “Lagos State Government condemns the incident. We hold the media in high esteem and the government has always ensured that they have a conducive environment to perform their duties.”

“Nobody or group will be allowed to destroy our cordial relationship with the media. Lagos has no room for hooligans.”

Tinubu was welcomed into Lagos on Sunday amidst a huge Convoy and cheers from supporters.

Peter Obi Reacts To Father Mbaka’s Stinginess Accusation

Labour party presidential candidate, Peter Obi has reacted to the embattled Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka’s accusation of him being stingy.

The former governor of Anambra state during an interview with Rufai Oseni revealed that he bore no grudges toward the clergyman.

Recall that Mbaka during an outburst in a midweek service in his church stated that Peter Obi was too stingy to become the president of Nigeria and insisted it was better to have an old man as president instead of a stingy one.

This statement was followed by a lot of backlashes which led to a ban stopping all catholic faithful from attending Mbaka’s parish.

However, Obi has stated that despite Mbaka’s angst towards him, he listens to the clergyman when he speaks and described him as a father.

Mbaka Distances Self From Protest, Urges Faithful To Respect Bishop

The spiritual director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria, Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka, Monday, distanced himself from Sunday’s protest organized by the presumed members of the ministry.

The protest followed suspension of religious activities of the ministry by the Catholic bishop of Enugu, Bishop Calistus Onaga, over Fr Mbaka’s utterances on his alleged stinginess of Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections.

THE WHISTLER reports that thousands of Adoration members yesterday protested at Emene, the suburb of the ministry, over the action of the bishop. Some of them were calling for the removal of the bishop.

Mbaka distanced himself from the protest in a statement he personally signed. According to him, “My attention has been drawn to activities that took place in the Adoration ground on Sunday. I am not in any way involved in such activity.

“We received with obedience the directive issued by my Bishop, His Excellency, Most Rev CVV Onaga, on June 17, 2022. May I therefore appeal to the faithful, in particular members of Adoration Ministry Enugu, Nigeria, to remain calm and united with the body of Christ in the Diocese and also refrain from any measure of violence either in action or by abusive utterances.

“Those who take to attacking or insulting my dear bishop should desist from such. The bishop is the Shepherd of the church in the diocese, and we remain his flock who in every way and at all times are expected to be respectful, obedient and willing to respond favourably to his apostolic directives.

“May I also remind you that all Adoration activities have been suspended till further notice. Adoration Ministry is ever submissive to the mother church. I enjoin all adorers to know this and remain constantly in prayers for the manifestation of the will of God in the life of the ministry.”

Insecurity: Gani Adams Reports Nigeria To UN, EU, AU, Others

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams has called on international organizations including the United Nations to take steps about the insecurity in Nigeria.

The chief warrior of Yoruba land lamented in his open letter to the international organizations that no part of Nigeria is safe again.

He accused the leaders of the country of encouraging terrorists and their activities, adding that the criminals are now moving from the northern part of the country to the southern parts.

The letter, addressed to the UN Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, also had copies sent to the European Union, African Union, United States State Departments, the International Association for Religious Freedom in the United Kingdom, Council on Foreign Relations and other international organizations.

According to Adams in the letter, if the insecurity plaguing Nigeria is not arrested before it escalates further, the entire country may be consumed.

He, therefore, called on the relevant international bodies to take urgent action before the situation escalates further.

“Pitiably, terrorists moving from northern Nigeria to the South are being embraced, encouraged and empowered by powers that be in Nigeria.

“I am raising this alarm now because the effect of this dangerous trend may ultimately balkanise Nigeria and affect sub-Sahara Africa.

“Similar alarm was raised in defunct Yugoslavia and sadly, nobody put in check the pogromists whose actions led to the massacre in that geographical location,” the letter titled “Avoiding a replica of the Bosnian War in Nigeria,” reads in part.

He lamented in the letter released last week that the government seems unconcerned by the killings, kidnapping and other cases of insecurity troubling the country while their attention has been captured by the 2023 general elections.

“It is generally believed that those in authority are helpless, complicit or both. Now, Nigeria is at the point of no return, showing all signs of a failed nation.

“Instead of tackling these atrocities by Fulani terrorists, government officials are busy planning and strategising for the 2023 general elections. Something urgent must be done to avoid a final collapse of the country,” Adams said.

He said the United Nations must take action now before Nigeria is overrun by the criminals while the government looks on helplessly.

“The repercussion of leaving them to continue to maim Nigerians, especially Yoruba, is better imagined. No part of Nigeria is safe again.

“The time for the United Nations to escalate this danger to a global concern is now,” he said.

Omokri Reacts As Bandits Kidnap 50 Wedding Guests In Sokoto

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has reacted to the murder of three Congregants in Rubu village under Kajuru local government area, Kaduna.

Recall that Naija News earlier reported that gunmen attacked another catholic church barely 48hrs after the mass burial of the Owo massacre which occurred two weeks ago

Confirming the attack, Kaduna State Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, stated that two churches were attacked and three of congregants were killed.

Aside the churches, the assailants also attacked locals at Ungwan Turawa and Ungwan Makama within the same area, the commissioner noted.

Among those killed in the Kaduna attack on Sunday are the ward head of Ungwan Fada, Peter Madaki, a resident identified as Elisha Ezekiel and Ali Zamani the Youth leader of Rubu village.

Reacting to the incident via a tweet, Reno called on Christian worshippers to arm themselves.

He wrote: “I strongly condemn the killing of worshippers at the St Moses Catholic Church, Robuh, Kaduna.

“This renewed assault on Christians, and especially the Catholic Church must not stand. Churches must arm themselves in self defence, because the FG either will not or cannot defend them.”

Unknown Gunmen Attack Kaduna Catholic Church, Kill Three, Abduct Many

Unknown gunmen, on Sunday, attacked worshippers at St. Moses Catholic Church in Robuh, Unguwan Aku, Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State while winding down their first mass.

It gathered that the gunmen came to the church in large numbers and started shooting sporadically at the worshippers.

In the course of the attack on the church, three worshippers were killed, some kidnapped while others sustained varying degree of injuries

One of the victims of the attack, according to reports was brought to St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, Kaduna for medical attention.

BREAKING: Heavy Protest in Enugu over Closure of Mbaka’s Adoration Ground

Members of Adoration Ministries, Enugu are currently protesting the closure of the church presided over by Father Ejike Camillus Mbaka.

Mbaka’s Church was shut down following the massive outcry that followed his condemnation of the Presidential Candidate of the Labour party and Former Anambra Governor, Peter Obi. Mbaka got into hot water after branding obi a ‘cursed’ and ‘Stingy’ man.

Catholic faithful were barred from attending services at the church by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Callistus Onaga.

Onaga, in a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA wrote; “in the light of the happenings in the Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy Enugu; capable of undermining the Catholic faith and teachings; and after several fraternal corrections and admonitions to Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka, the Chaplain of the Ministry; and after having given him pastoral directives and guidelines for the Ministry Chaplaincy, which he persistently violated; and in fulfilment of my pastoral duties as the Chief Shepherd with the obligation to promote and safeguard the Catholic faith and morals in Enugu Diocese, I hereby prohibit all Catholics (clergy, religious and lay faithful) henceforth from attending all religious and liturgical activities of the Catholic Adoration Ministry until the due canonical process initiated by the Diocese is concluded.”

“My decision is based on the fact that some of the teachings and utterances of Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka at the Catholic Adoration Ministry are not consistent with the teachings and faith of the Catholic Church.”

However, in defiance of the Prohibition, hundreds of Mbaka’s admirers thronged the Adoration ground in protest against the bishop’s directive.”

Most of the followers who were with green leaves matched round the Adoration ground. They could be heard calling for the removal of Bishop Onaga.

One of them said, “It is Bishop Onaga that should be suspended and not Fr Ejike Mbaka.”