PRESS STATEMENT 17/07/2021

THE COWARDICE IN LAWMAKERS’ BID TO SUBVERT POLITICAL WILL OF NIGERIANS!!!

It has become apparent that the hope for egalitarian and saner society is impossible, going by the action of the larger percentage of the National Assembly members (especially the Senators), who kicked against electronic transmission of electoral results in the forthcoming elections in Nigeria.

The cowardice of the unpopular personalities and representation of people’s mandate in the Senators are clearly pronounced to the amazement of electorates and all Nigerians, in all walks of life, across the globe.

Clearly, the political will of the people is being exchanged with unimaginable blows of non-challance, egocentrism, failure and retrogressive mindset of the uncelebrated lawmakers, who became so shameless to perpetuate their unwanted stay in the corridor of power.

Afraid of free, fair and credible polls, no doubt, most of them have thrown caution and decency to the wind, to deliberately jettison the path of truth, the voice of their people and an outstanding factor of rapid advancement in Nigeria’s political system.

Definitely, if electronic voting can be allowed in the Electoral Act amendment, why and how is electronic transmission of results become defective?. The scenario is simply an affirmation of the lawmakers’ inability to live up to the expectations of their electorates, as to true representation.

Certainly, most Nigerian lawmakers could not withstand the possibility of reduction in electoral frauds which, in the first instance, helped them into their current position, that the electronic transmission of results intends to achieve. And they also considered it a strong stumbling block to their returns into their respective Chambers in the next political dispensation.

Without mincing words, it is an act of cowardice, indolence and shame, that the lawmakers rejected the passage of that specific clause in the Electoral Act, despite the loud clamour of the masses to effect a positive change, at least once, for the sake of history and posterity.

However, sooner than later, Nigerians are fully prepared to free themselves from the shackles of maladministration and misrepresentation of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to a government with listening ears and human face, come 2023.

Signed:
Reverend ‘Bunmi Jenyo (JP)
PDP lla Local Government,
Osun State,
Nigeria.

ALLEGED FORGERY: RIGHTS GROUP DEMANDS RESIGNATION OF FCC CHAIRMAN

A human rights group, LYGEL Youths and Leadership Initiative has demanded the immediate resignation of the chairman, Federal Character Commission (FCC), Dr Muheeba Farida Dankanka over alleged forgery of her academic certificates.

The group alleged that the FCC chairman forged some of the academic certificates she presented to the senate during her screening and therefore called on the National Assembly to scrutinize her academic certificates again.

The Director, Legal and Compliance of the group, Mr Olalekan Oladapo in a statement alleged that the FCC chairman presented the fake documents in order to hoodwink the senate and the general public.

He said “Dr Muheeba Farida Dankanka is the official name by which the present chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) goes. However, a critical and systematic review of the Certified True Copies of the credentials she submitted to the Senate for her screening revealed that this name by which she goes is at variance with the names on all the documents she presented which are different and unreconcilable with each other.

“For instance, the name on her Master’s degree certificate obtained from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria reads Muuibat Adenike Salawu. This is different from her official name which is Dr Muheeba Farida Dankanka.”

“Also, the name on her West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) school certificate she obtained in 1978 reads Salawu Muuibat Adenike. This is also different from her official name.

“We have also found out that the title of Doctor which she bears and signs on all official documents happens to be an honourary doctorate degree conferred on her by an unregistered institution which has been declared illegal by relevant authorities,” he alleged.

Oladapo faulted claim by the FCC chairman that the changes in her name was as a result of marriage, alleging that from the group’s findings there was no avidavit to back the claim.

While threatening to institute a legal action against the FCC chairman, the group gave an ultimatum of seven days for her to resign or face litigation.

“We had before now written to the FCC under the FOI Act to furnish us with information concerning the issues of waivers, recruitments, contract awards and balancing index but no response. We shall therefore not hesitate to drag the FCC chairman to court if she fails to resign from office honourably.”

IFELODUN NORTH LCDA BOSS, OLANIYAN PROMISES ALL-INCLUSIVE GOVERNMENT, APPRECIATES OYETOLA, OTHERS

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

The newly sworn-in caretaker chairman for Ifelodun North Local Council Development Area in Ikinrun, Prince Adeniyi Olaniyan has assured the people of the council area of running all-inclusive government, just as he said, his intention was to build a local government that will all be proud of.

Prince Olaniyan gave the assurance at the council secretariat, Eweta, Ikinrun during the swearing in ceremony of other caretaker members of the local council.

According to him, “it is important to emphasis the importance of Local government, not only because it is the third tier of government in our dear country, but due to the fact that it is the closest to the people, hence, it plays a very strategic and pivotal role in the implementation of programmes and policies that are relevant to the socioeconomic and political development of our people”

He implored the party leaders, members of APC and people of Ifelodun North L.C.D.A. to let the ingenuity of their hands, the sweat of their labor and the compassion that resides in the hearts be committed to the common goal of building a formidable and united party structure that is capable of delivering peoples mandate, for Governor Adegboyegba Oyetola for second term.

The council boss also enjoined all the caretaker members to work as a team in delivering divideds of democracy to the people of the council area.

“I say to you all let us explore how we can best established harmony of interests and avoid growing tendency to focus on those things that differentiate and divide us”. He said

Olaniyan however expressed gratitude to the governor of the state, His Excellency, governor Isiaka Adegboyegba Oyetola, for counting him and his members worthy of steering the ship of the local government, adding that, he and other members of the caretaker committee will never take such confidence and trust for granted as they intend to be partners in progress in the quest to make the State of Osun an envy of other states.

ACTION ALLIANCE PASSES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON OMOAJE

… SAYS OMOAJE REMAINS ONLY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

The Action Alliance (AA) has passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of its national chairman, Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and also reiterated its support for him.

Rising from the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party, the AA declared that the party has no faction at any level.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the AA declared that Omoaje is the only national chairman of the party.

Besides, the party declared both Kenneth Udeze and James Vernibe as personanongrata and warned all its members and the entire public not to relate with them in the name of the party.

The communique signed by the national publicity secretary of the party, Mr Olu Omotoso indicates that only Omoaje is the recognized national chairman of the party and called on security agencies to arrest any other person who claims to be the national chairman of the party aside Omoaje.

Also, the AA expressed confidence in the ability of its governorship candidate in the Anambra State gubernatorial election, Mrs Ifeoma Maduka-Arisa to win the election.

The party also reiterated its belief in the masses and promised to remain committed to the course of the masses.

ACTION ALLIANCE DISCLAIM UDEZE, VERNIMBE

The Action Alliance (AA) has formerly disclaimed Mr Kenneth Udeze and James Vernibe, describing the two of them as impostors.

The party in a statement signed by its National Chairman, National Secretary and National Publicity Secretary, Messes Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, Suleiman Abdulrasheed and Olu Omotoso respectively warned members of the party not to deal with the two persons and their associates.

Also, the party cautioned members of the public against dealing with both Udeze and Vernimbe in the name of Action Alliance.

According to the statement “the two persons disclaimed had earlier been expelled from the party and have nothing to do with our party any longer. The two of them are not known to the Action Alliance and anyone who deals with them on behalf of the party does so at his or her own peril.”

The party noted the various anti party and criminal activities of the duo and condemned all the havocs they have done to the party since their expulsion.

Also, the party noted with dismay the criminal cases both Udeze and Vernimbe are currently facing in different Courts in the country.

Besides, the leadership of the AA expressed concern on the damages done to the party by both Udeze and Vernimbe at the last governorship primary election of the party in Anambra State where Mrs Doreen Ifeoma Maduka-Arisa emerged the governorship candidate of the party.

It recalled that Udeze and Vernimbe held a parallel and illegal primary election which was boycotted by security agencies and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Also, the AA charged the Police and the judiciary to ensure proper prosecution of both Udeze and Vernimbe in all the charges preferred against them.

RUMPUS IN BORIPE OVER LOCAL GOVERNMENT CARETAKER COMMITTEE NOMINATION LIST

There is a palpable tension within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 05, Aagba in Boripe Local Government area of Osun State as the ward leaders reject the councillorship nominee, Akinyemi John Ayodeji from the announced list.

Nigerian Platform reliably gathered that protests are ongoing in the area, by the party members to resist the “illegal hand-picking” of Akinyemi as Caretaker Committee’s member from the Ward.

According to a letter addressed to the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, which was obtained by Nigerian Platform on Thursday, “the authentic Councillorship Nominee in (Ward 05) Aagba is Ayodeji Yinka Kayode”.

“This is against the nomination letter sent to the party and another letter sent to Mr. Governor in which the name of the said Akinyemi Ayodeji never reflected, having been disqualified for lack of voter’s card and has never voted in Ward 05”, the letter read in part.

Councillorship slot is a position that could only be occupied with a person that can vote or be voted for (registered voter) in that particular area of interest.

The letter also described the “secret smuggling of Akinyemi Ayodeji’s name into the list as anti-party, against the intention and decision of the party in Aagbaland”.

Also in a letter to Osun State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, one Mr. Ayodeji Yinka Kayode who was the party’s Youth Leader in the Ward, since the period of gubernatorial election was the generally accepted candidate for the post.

Meanwhile, the Nominee, Akinyemi John Ayodeji is allegedly the younger brother of the immediate past Councillor of the Ward and he is still a student of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho.

Nigerian Platform also gathered that some influential cabinet members (Names withheld) of the Governor were allegedly responsible for the replacement of Ayodeji to that of Akinyemi in the Caretaker Committee’s list, already pronounced by the State House of Assembly.

All efforts to reach the Nominee, Mr. Akinyemi Ayodeji as at press time proved abortive as he neither picked his phone call nor respond to text messages sent to him.

Feelers however call on Governor Oyetola to use his power as the overall leader of the party to upturn the nomination of Akinyemi and correct the anomaly once and for all, to forestall the “collapse’ of the party in the area.

ANAMBRA GUBER: MADUKA-ARINSA IS OUR ONLY CANDIDATE- ACTION ALLIANCE

The leadership of the Action Alliance (AA) has reiterated that Mrs Ifeoma Maduka-Arinsa is the only governorship candidate of the party for the November governorship election in Anambra State.

The National Chairman of the party, Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje who spoke against the backdrop of polarization in the party, maintained that Mrs Maduka-Arinsa emerged through due process at a primary election conducted by the national secretariat of the party and supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with security agencies represented.

He dispelled rumours making the round that the party has two governorship candidates, saying those peddling the rumours are not known to the party.

Specifically, Omoaje castigated one Mr Alex who reportedly said in a statement that AA has two governorship candidates.

He warned Alex not to misinform the public, especially electorate in Anambra State, stressing that the AA is prepared to take over the reins of government in the state.

According to Omoaje, the party’s governorship candidate emerged through transparent system and due process was followed by the party in the conduct of the primary election that produced her.

He urged the people to discountenance the rumours that the party has two candidates as being peddled by rumour mongers and a section of the media, saying “the aim of those behind the rumour was to discredit the party ahead of the gubernatorial poll.”

ANAMBRA 2021: ACTION ALLIANCE PRESENTS NAMES OF GUBER CANDIDATE, RUNNING-MATE TO INEC

The Action Alliance (AA) on Friday submitted the name of its governorship candidate for the November governorship election in Anambra State, Mrs Ifeoma Maduka-Arinsa to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mrs Maduka had emerged the party’s flag bearer at the primary election of the party held in Awka on Thursday.

In a letter signed by the National Chairman and Secretary of the party, Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and Ambassador Suleiman Abdulrasheed respectively addressed to the INEC Chairman, Prof.Mamud Yakubu, copy of which was made available to newsmen, the party hailed INEC on its developmental strides.

Also presented to INEC was the name of the deputy governorship candidate of the AA, Chidube Sunday Nnameka.

The party’s National Chairman, Hon Omoaje who confirmed the submission of both the hard and soft copies of the names, commended INEC for creating an enabling environment for all political parties to strive.

He said INEC gave proper recognition to the authentic leadership of the party to present the best candidate for the election.

He also hailed the transparency and objectivity displayed by INEC in the discharge of its responsibilities.

Omoaje said the AA was a party to beat in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State and called on well-meaning people of the state to support the party ahead of the gubernatorial poll.

ANAMBRA GUBER : MADUKWA EMERGES ACTION ALLIANCE CANDIDATE

A lawyer, Ifeoma Madukwa has emgerged the governorship candidate of the Action Alliance in Anambra State.

The party’s primary election held in Akwa under the supervision of the National Chairman of the party, Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje was supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

National Chairman of the party, Hon Omoaje who announced the results, said the party is at the verge of winning the governorship poll in the state.

The AA gubernatorial candidate who is the younger sister of a governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Godswin Madukwa said she’s prepared to take over the rein of government in the state.

Meanwhile, speculations are rife that the PDP governorship aspirant, Dr Madukwa may work for the AA in the next governorship election in Anambra State.

This, it was learnt was because of the emergence of his younger sister as the gubernatorial candidate of the AA.

Unconfirmed sources said the elder Madukwa may also pitch his tent with the AA and openly campaign for the party.

TRIBUTE TO ERELU OLUSOLA AGBEJA OBADA @70

By Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye

It gladens my heart to join millions of your admirers in celebrating with a woman of substance, a queen of Ijesa land, mother of politics and an astute politician, Erelu Olusola Agbeja Obada as she clocks 70 years on earth today.

You are a mother of all mothers, a woman of inestimable value, woman with large and good heart, your words of encouragement and leadership styles In politics is second to none.

To say you’re a jewel is an understatement, to say you’re wonderfully made isn’t enough to describe an embodiment of love, care, dedication, commitment and passion, not just for your children but to humanity in general.

I drawn from your wealth of knowledge while in office as Deputy Governor of the state when I served as the chairman for Ede North then, you are a rare gem and mother to all.

History has also adjudged and attested to the unparalleled level of dedication and loyalty with which you served under President Goodluck Jonathan, as the Minister of the Federal Republic.

Erelu of our time, as you’re stepping into the senior citizen’s club, I, on behalf of my family and entire people of Ede North congratulate you on this new milestone of yours, I sincerely thank God for your life and fervently pray that, you will have a course to be joyful throughout your sourjorn on Earth, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA, WISHING YOU LONG LIFE AND PROSPERITY

Signed :

Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye,
Former Chairman, Ede North Local Government.