Supporters and stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress were treated to a hilarious session when the Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, officially referred to Governor Dapo Abiodun as the ‘Eleyi of Ogun State.’
This was even as the party’s presidential flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, labelled Oyebanji as the ‘Emi Lokan of Ekiti’ who would perform beyond the expectation of his people.
The banter took place at a political rally where the Ekiti governorship candidate of the APC, Biodun Olabanji, was unveiled to the electorate ahead of the June 18 election.
After Fayemi’s hilarious jab, a blushing Abiodun was seen giggling as party leaders patted him on the back in a jovial manner.
Tinubu had on June 3 set the social media on fire when he vented his frustration during a presidential campaign in Abeokuta, saying it was through his efforts that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), made it to Aso Rock after failing thrice.
He also pointed at Abiodun whom he described as ‘Eleyi’ absentmindedly as one of the products of his political hard work.
“Look at this one (Eleyi) seated behind me, Dapo, he wouldn’t have become governor without my support,” Tinubu had stated.
Tinubu made the statement while addressing the APC delegates in Ogun State.
His outburst evoked mixed feelings from Nigerians, with many loyalists of the party including the National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, saying the remarks were meant to slight the president and Ogun State governor.
24 hours after the drama, the Bola Tinubu Media Campaign Team dismissed insinuations that the presidential candidate disrespected the Ogun State governor.
The Director of the BAT campaign team, Bayo Onanuga, said that the comment was “mischievously interpreted.”
The Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina has accused the General Overseer of the Living Faith Church, David Oyedepo of harbouring hatred for the president.
Recall that the cleric had stated that the Buhari government deceived Nigerians with talks of fighting corruption but was not making the country better in any way.
He added that the government claims to be fighting corruption, yet its officials are also corrupt.
Oyedepo shared his disappointment with the Buhari-led administration during a church programme, Special Prayer for The Nation, on Monday.
Adesina while reacting to Oyedepo’s statement said the cleric doesn’t understand the difference between the Accountant General and the Auditor General of the Federation.
He further stated that Oyedepo can’t even get his facts right.
The spokesman in a post on his Twitter account wrote, “The bishop at Ota can’t even get his facts right. Blinded by hatred for PMB, he says Auditor General stole N80bn.
“Pity! He doesn’t know the difference between Accountant General (only alleged) and Auditor General. Like OBJ said long ago, we should begin to ordain our bishops.”
Nigerian publisher, Omoyele Sowore has thrown a jab at the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
In a video shared on his social media page, Sowore said the Labour party has become an orphanage for homeless politicians, stating that it didn’t take long for Peter Obi to join the party.
Sowore said the Labour Party should not have someone like Peter Obi in its company recalling how the former Anambra State Governor managed workers’ strike for 13 months.
According to the publisher, Peter Obi left the opposition Peoples Democratic Party because they outplayed him with transactional politicking.
He said: “I said the Labour party has become an orphanage for politicians that are homeless, it didn’t take long, for Peter to run there when he became homeless. Labour should not have such a man in its company, somebody who managed 13 months of strike, workers strike in Anambra state, the reason Peter Obi left PDP was because they outplayed him with transactional politicking.
“Where is the structure of Labour party? You should ask yourself, in 2019, the Labour Party presidential candidate got 5000 votes, I was allocated 33,000 votes so even if you are going to look at the structure, the structure that delivered 33,000 votes is probably better and bigger than that of 5000 votes.
“You said you were governor, did you build any school or university? Hospital or quality roads. We are not here to do any religious politics but for the liberation of the people.”
The camp of the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu have narrowed down on the former governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima as the Vice Presidential candidate for the party.
While the camp of the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar have narrowed down on the governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa for Vice President.
Much attention has been paid to the choice of the vice-presidential candidate since the major political parties held their presidential primary.
It is believed that the choice of the vice-presidential candidate would have a major say in the victory of political parties in the 2023 general election.
Naija News had earlier reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission fixed June 17, as the deadline for candidates to submit the names of their running mates.
Sources that spoke with Daily Trust on the pressing issue disclosed that Shettima who played a key role in the campaign of Tinubu has been penned down.
The source said, “Asiwaju is comfortable with Senator Shettima, not only because of his contribution towards his emergence but he feels the former Borno governor is acceptable to all in the country because he has built bridges across all the divides in the country when he was governor and also when he went to the National Assembly as a senator.”
Another source in the presidency disclosed that Shettima has the support of three Governors in the ruling party in the North East.
It is believed that he supported President Muhammadu Buhari’s programmes and policies while he was governor of Borno.
The source said, “Buhari is not averse to the candidature of Shettima.
“The former Borno governor has been one of the frontline supporters of the president. He brought serious votes in 2015 and 2019 for the success of the president not only in Borno but in other North-East states. Also, the three governors in the North East (Babagana Zulum of Borno, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe and Muhammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe) are all sympathetic to Shettima’s candidature.
“Specifically, Zulum has said he is not interested in becoming the running mate. When Tinubu visited Maiduguri last month, Zulum pleaded that Shettima is considered as the running mate.”
According to him, if considered, Shettima will make the “Tinubu presidential ticket inclusive, demographically sensitive and politically correct.
“Shettima ensured the reign of religious harmony in Borno State and spent more than a billion naira to rebuild churches destroyed by the Boko Haram terrorists and singlehandedly sponsored more Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem than Christian Benue, Plateau and Taraba.”
There are, however, speculations that three governors from the North-West geopolitical zone, the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu and the Governor of Jigawa State, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar are also eyeing the seat.
The source added, “But the fact is that the APC is looking at the direction of the North East to produce the running mate to deplete the chances of PDP candidate Atiku.”
However, some elements of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) are planning to meet President Buhari to recommend the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami or the minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika as Tinubu’s running mate.
The source said, “The CPC elements are planning to approach President Buhari to seek for his intercession to endorse either Abubakar Malami or Hadi Sirika as the running mate.
“But there is the high probability that the president will repeat what he did ahead of the APC special convention; he will listen to all but he will most likely allow the candidate to have a say in who he wants to work with…They would collectively work in producing the right candidate who will bring votes and acceptability because the ultimate goal is for the APC to retain power.”
It is believed that Tinubu would meet with President Buhari tomorrow on the issue of running mate is among the issues to be discussed.
A further report revealed that the running mate to late MKO Abiola on June 12, 1993, presidential election, Babagana Kingibe has forwarded three names to Tinubu.
The names forwarded are Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum; the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed and a liaison officer to the National Assembly during Olusegun Obasanjo’s first tenure, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam.
A source close to the presidential candidate said they were shocked when Kingibe forwarded the names through Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu.
The source said, “It is true that three names have been forwarded by Ambassador Babagana Kingibe to Governor Atiku Bagudu for onward delivery to Asiwaju for consideration for the office of the vice president.”
Another source said they are still trying to find out on what grounds Kingibe was nominating anyone.
The source said, “Even though he is reportedly part of the cabal, what is in the open is that they have a different candidate for the presidency who did not win…We are therefore appalled that he has nominated some people to Asiwaju considering that he is not holding any position. We suspect that he is not alone in the move.”
On the part of the presidential candidate of PDP, Atiku is expected to nominate the Governor of Delta State, Okowa for the position of vice president.
It was gathered that a committee constituted to assist Atiku in searching for a suitable running mate, chaired by General Aliyu Gusau, a former National Security Adviser (NSA), has submitted its report.
It is believed that the committee has recommended Okowa as well as two others, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel for consideration.
The source, however, said the former vice president is more comfortable with the Delta State governor given the role he played during the party’s presidential primary.
The source disclosed, “Okowa mobilised resources for us during the primary. He is the preferred contender even though others are making case for Wike and Udom.”
The running mate to late MKO Abiola in the 1993 presidential election, Babagana Kingibe, has revealed why he served in the Sani Abacha government.
In a chat with reporters in Maiduguri on Sunday, Kingibe said his decision to serve in Abacha’s government was due to his love for national interest and not personal gain.
He stated that he jettisoned his own personal interest to serve in the regime of the late dictator, adding that his decision was in line with the teachings of the Islamic faith.
He said: “When we think of the collective good there are times when we have to sacrifice personal interest and join hands in rebuilding society and bringing peace and harmony to our people: I have addressed this issue of why did I join Abacha’s government and so on.
“I know we won the elections on June 12, 1993, I know that injustice was done when those elections were annulled but there is always one guiding principle in my public life which is that the national interest supersedes any other consideration and all my actions have been informed by this consciousness of what is best in the national interest.”
Kingibe commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State for the June 12 celebration in the state to mark the new Democracy Day.
He said the celebration signifies love and solidarity towards him as a son of the soil and a key player in the events of that year.
He said, “I don’t think the celebration on the actual 12th of June 1993 was any greater than the celebration of the first democracy day on June 12; And for that I have to thank the Governor who gave the leadership, thank the people of Borno not only for celebrating June 12 as democracy day per se, but I know that they also had in mind that one of their own, their own son was also a critical player, I appreciate the confidence and love.”
Three military officers who were participating in the Democracy Day Parade, on Monday, slumped at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
It gathered that the gallant officers have stood for hours on one spot under the scorching sun, they were believed to have succumbed to exhaustion.
According to ThePunch, the unfortunate incident caused a bit of confusion as some security and medical personnel rushed to the parade ground with stretchers and whisked the collapsed colleagues to the medical shed on the left side of the State Box where the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), was seated.
However, no casualties were recorded as they were successfully treated and soon regained consciousness.
The ceremony featured performances by the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Police.
The Nigerian Army Female Corps also performed a combat display followed by traditional dance performance from various ethnic groups.
The President, who was the Special Guest of Honour, inspected the guards, and was followed by a military/police march past in slow and quick time.
To round up the ceremony, there was a combined silent drill display by the Armed Forces and Police, and a playlet performance before the advancing of the parade in review order.
In attendance were former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, Service Chiefs, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Youth Corps Members and former Cabinet Member under President Yar’Adua, Babagana Kingibe.
Notably, Kingibe who was the running mate of the winner of the 1993 presidential election, M.K.O. Abiola, was introduced as former Vice President and invited to join in a group photograph with President Buhari, Jonathan, Senate President Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Chief Justice of the Federation, Ibrahim Tanko, and the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Adamu.
The Lekki Adult Literacy And Vocational Centre has held its inaugural graduation ceremony and matriculated about 60 learners.
This was done in an event held on Saturday, 11th of June, 2022 to celebrate the learners and to also kick off the ‘Kick Illiteracy Out Of Lagos’ campaign, an initiative of the conveners of LALVC focused on repairing the faulty foundation of the hopeless by giving them education.
The event had the representative of the Lagos state government, Honourable Tokunbo Wahab, the special adviser to the LASG on education well represented by Mrs Seriki Olayemi, the chairman of Ibeju-Lekki local government, Hon Abdullahi Sesan, a former minister of trade and investment, among a host of many others.
According to coordinator, Deacon Joe Mbulu, the program has a multiplier effect because it will help kick illiteracy out of Lagos. He noted that the program is a 9-month program certified by the Lagos state Educational board while explaining that in the year 2021/2022, over 60 learners had their matriculation and only 25 people were able to pass the examination set by the Lagos state government, he also made it known that over 60 are getting matriculating for the 2022/2023 session.
Mrs Seriki Olayemi, the representative of the Lagos state government lauded the initiative while stating that LALVC is collaborating with the government in pushing illiteracy out of Lagos state. She revealed that the Lagos state government launched the ‘Kick Illiteracy Out Of Lagos’ campaign in 2016 and RCCG through CSR has been able to support the government in that aspect.
‘’This is a very good programme and in most cases, it gives opportunity to those who didn’t have opportunities to go to school when they were young. Lagos state on its own part is really trying, all we need is collaborating so by establishing this kind of Centre, they are collaborating with the Lagos state government and in turn, we give learning materials and pay two facilitators.’’
‘’We launched kick illiteracy out of Lagos in 2016, we visited all the local governments and we have 723 centres in Lagos state and we are doing a lot of things to ensure we keep illiteracy out of Lagos state. We also encourage them more so learners can participate in some of our programmes like quiz competition.’’
Also, the chairman of Ibeju-Lekki local government, Hon Abdullahi Sesan applauded the initiative, stating that he was excited seeing that hope has been restored for some who didn’t have the opportunity to have a formal education while growing up.
He advised the graduating students to continue pushing and not look back while calling on organizations to also embrace the need to kick illiteracy out of their communities.
‘’We must congratulate those that have benefited from this initiative and I want to commend the people behind this, they have taken a major step to kick illiteracy out of the community and of course, those that benefited will see a better future. We can see the excitement in their faces, I was happy myself because being in government makes us see the damage illiteracy has done to our community.’’
‘’I advise those graduating not to look back because the foundation has been laid, they have been empowered with knowledge. I call on Lagosians, organizations, and religious organisations to support the government in fighting illiteracy in the state.’’
One of the matriculating students, Gerrard Abiodun made it known that when he joined the programme, many criticized him because he was a bit educated but kept at it because he wants to be a better person that he is presently.
‘’To me, this programme is very good, when I first joined, they told me how they were, they were not able to read but at this moment, they can write and spell on their own, RCCG needs reward for this.If there is anything I want to tell the organizers is that God will continue to bless them, this is the kind of thing we need in the state.’’
‘’This programme isn’t something you should be ashamed of, I’m a teacher and I have been educated but I have never been a graduate. I have seen people criticizing me for coming here but when they see the end result, I know they will celebrate with me.’’
Another matriculating student, Williams revealed that the initiative is a privilege for him in order to repair his faulty condition. He explained that if illiteracy is kicked out of Nigeria, insecurity will not be an issue meaning RCCG CTL province 20 has taken a bold step to end insecurity in Nigeria.
‘’It’s a privilege for us to have this Centre to repair our faulty condition, some of us didn’t have the opportunity earlier but with this programme, we have gotten an enabling environment where we can improve ourselves. I expect to become a better person, have a better education and the same way I have received it, I should replicate and give back to the society.’’
‘’Nigeria is suffering a lot because of illiteracy and many issues we are having is lack of education like banditry, insecurities but by educating myself, I have the opportunity to return what I have received to the society and make Nigeria a better place to be.’’
‘’I want to say a big thank you to RCCG LP 20, it’s a big project but God on our sides, we are able to overcome and move forward.’’
The Lekki Adult Literacy Centre And Vocational Centre launched its kick illiteracy out of Lagos state campaign in a way to empower and restore hope to Lagosians who are interested in learning in order to be valuable to their societies.
The movement, which is one of the Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God (RCCG) LP 20 started in 2020 out of the need to bridge the gap between the elites and ordinary populace who are disadvantaged for lack of education.
Nigeria’s national electricity grid has collapsed again, leaving several cities including the federal capital Abuja in darkness.
Electricity companies announced Sunday night that the collapse happened just before 7pm.
It is the sixth reported collapse in 2022.
The government blames the collapse on poor management and low gas supply.
The Jos Electricity Distribution Plc informed its customers through its Facebook page on Sunday about the interruption in Electricity supply.
“The Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Company Plc wishes to inform the general public that the current outage being witnessed is a result of system collapse,” the head of Corporate Communication, Friday Elijah, said.
“We hope to restore supply as soon as supply is restored,” he added.
The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc based in Enugu said, “EEDC wishes to inform her esteemed customers of a system collapse which occurred at 6.49pm this evening, Sunday, 12th June, 2022.”
More Trouble For Nigerians As National Grid Collapses For Second Time In Two Days
Mar 15, 2022
The statement signed by spokesperson Emeka Ezeh said as a result of the development, all outgoing feeders were out and this has affected supply to its customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.
“We are on standby, awaiting further information on restoration of supply from the National Control Centre (NCC),” he added.
Also the Eko Electricity Distribution Company said, “Dear Esteemed Customer, we regret to inform you of the system collapse from the National grid. This has affected our entire network and impacted our ability to deliver optimum service.”
“Please bear with us as we are working with the Transmission Company of Nigeria partners on a swift resolution. Power Outage In Our Franchise Due To Grid Collapse,” it concluded.
The spokesperson of the Kaduna electricity distribution company, Abdulazeez Abdullahi also said
“We regret to inform you that the power outage being experienced in our franchise states is due to System Collapse of the National Grid. The collapse occurred at about 18:47 pm this evening hence the loss of supply on all our outgoing feeders,” the notice said.
The company promised consumers that power will be restored as soon as the National Grid is powered back.
“Please be informed that the current power outage is due to a system failure from the National Grid. The system collapsed at about 6.49pm today 12th June, 2022, causing the outage currently being experienced,” the management of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company posted on Facebook.
“We appeal for your understanding as all stakeholders are working hard to restore normal supply,” it said.
The campaign organization of the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu has debunked the manifesto currently circulating online.
A statement signed by his Director of Media and Communications, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the manifesto making rounds on the internet is a merely drafted proposal and suggestion on programs Tinubu would implement when elected in February 2023.
Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu and APC are currently working on an all-embracing manifesto that will inspire the confidence of Nigerians and it would be presented to the public before the official campaign begins in September.
The statement added that the viral manifesto is an unofficial document and Tinubu can not be held accountable for any of the issues raised in the document
The statement read: “The document is currently being circulated via social media platforms in his name, despite the TCO informing editors that it is merely a draft proposal and suggestions on the programme he should implement, when elected in February 2023. A manifesto is a more serious document.”
“The TCO hereby formally dissociates Asiwaju Tinubu from the document”
“Asiwaju Tinubu, in consultation with the party, experts in various fields and a broad section of the populace, through an empirical and evidence-based approach, is working on an all-embracing manifesto that will be presented to Nigerians when it is ready before the official campaign begins in September”.
“I want to place it on record that the manifesto being circulated via social media platforms and already published by a section of the mainstream media is not the official Manifesto of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and All Progressives Congress for 2023 general election.”
“While our presidential candidate appreciates the spirit and efforts of his associates that produced the document being passed around mostly on WhatsApp, we want to clearly state that the document is an unofficial document and Tinubu can not be held accountable on any of the issues raised in the document.”
“The Presidential candidate and APC are currently working on an all-embracing manifesto that will inspire the confidence of Nigerians. When the official policy document of Tinubu is ready it will be formally presented to Nigerians and our candidate will be in a position to defend every word that will be contained therein.”
“We appreciate the interest and enthusiasm of Nigerians to know about the programmes and policy options Asiwaju Tinubu will pursue in government when elected. He is a tested and experienced leader who will bring his knowledge and expertise to run a government that will meet the aspiration and yearnings of our people across every sector”
Popular actress-turned-singer, Angela Okorie has stunned her fans after showing off a newly acquired pistol loaded with bullets a week after dozens of Christian worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Ondo State were brutally murdered by gunmen.
Naija News reports that the actress and mother of one showed off her pistol on her verified Instagram page on Sunday, June 12, a week after gunmen invaded a Catholic church, throwing explosives and shooting many worshippers dead on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
In the video shared on social media, Angela was captured cocking her gun whilst asking her fans how their Sunday service went. The mother of one had gone to church all knitted and prepared.
Sharing the video, she captioned it; ‘” HAPPY SUNDAY Fam. How was church today? #legitqueen”
Recall, that perpetrators who attacked the Christian worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, were said to have fled the scene immediately after they carried out the killing, leaving many people dead.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that 11 children and 30 adults were admitted to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo’s emergency wards.
The occurrence sparked a national outcry and was widely condemned in Nigeria and the international community.
