Chairman, Nigerian Aviation Company, Suleiman Yahyah, Resigns

October 8, 2016

The Chairman of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC (NAHCO aviance), Mallam Suleiman Yahyah, has resigned from the board.

A statement from the organization said that Yahyah is being replaced by his second in command, Mr. Denis Hasdenteufel, who would take over the leadership of the Board in an acting capacity.

The statement said that Yahyah who was appointed a director of the Company in November 2006 and Chairman in July 2012, had in recent months, came under mounting pressures from his family to step down to enable him undergo a proper medicare.

Credited with the strategic reorganization of the Company to its current modern status, Yahyah had been battling with an undisclosed health issue for a couple of years now.

During his tenure, the Company witnessed unprecedented turnover which grew from 6.92 Billion when he took over leadership of the board to 8.5Billion at Year End 2015. This is in addition to increase in number of employees from about 1,100 to an all – time high of 1,980.

During this period, the asset base also grew from 9Billion to 15Billion.

The hallmark of Yahyah’s tenure at NAHCO was the modernization of Company’s equipment to align with world’s standards in modern ground handling service. He was credited with equipping NAHCO with state-of-the-art equipment that made the Company the great force that it is today in groundhanding service in sub-sahara Africa.

The diversification of the Company which the board under his tenure embarked upon led to the establishment of NAHCO FTZ with the granting of a licence for same by the Federal Government. The Mainland Cargo Options also joined the growing list of companies in the group.

Yahyah also promoted a harmonious Company – labour relations which ensure minimal disruption in company’s business operations.

His welfare – oriented policies include the introduction of performance based pay (PMP) to employees and profit – sharing for workers.

He introduced a management succession programme into the Company that ensured a smooth transition from one CEO to another.

Under his leadership, NAHCO became the most successful privatization story in the history of privatization programme in Nigeria.

His letter of resignation has been communicated to the regulators. [myad]

Nigeria Crashes Out Of Women U17 World Cup

Greenbarge Reporters

October 8, 2016

Nigeria’s Flamingoes has been sent packing from the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup with a three goal to nothing goal defeat against Korea DPR today, Saturday.
Ri Hae Yon scored a hat-trick as Korea DPR finished top of Group C and progresses to the quarter-final stage unbeaten.
Hot-shot Ri bagged a first-half double before notching her third on 83 minutes, bringing her tally to four goals in two games, as Korea DPR capped off a commanding victory at the Amman International Stadium.
Nigeria started brightly with Rasheedat Ajibade, a menace throughout the opening 45 minutes with her blistering pace, forcing Ok Kum Ju to make a number of early stops.
Despite early pressure from Nigeria, it was Korea DPR who took the lead on the half-hour mark.
Ko Kyong Hui made a tackle on the halfway line and sent a long pass over the Nigeria defence, where Ri got onto the end of the bouncing ball and fired past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Korea DPR then doubled their advantage shortly before the break through Ri’s second of the day, who capped off a well-worked team move by slotting home from close range.
Ri then completed her hat-trick on 83 minutes after receiving Kim Jong Sim’s free-kick in the area and slotting a side-footed effort past Nnadozie.
The Bala Nikiyu girls ended their campaign at the competition without scoring a goal.
They drew one and lost two games to finish fourth behind Korea DPR, England, Brazil. [myad]

Kogi Governor Accuses Past Leaders Of Stealing State’s Funds, Moves To Retrieve Them

Greenbarge Reporters

October 8, 2016

The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has accused past leaders of the state for stealing the funds belonging to the people of the state, even as he inaugurated a seven-man Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe, investigate and recover misappropriated public funds, lost or diverted government properties, failed contracts and the existence of ghost workers by previous administrations in the state.

A statement by the Secretary to the Kogi State Government, Dr. Ayode Folashade Arike said that the decision to set up the Commission was in fulfilment of his promise to “clampdown on corruption and bring perpetrators to book”.
The statement said that the setting up of the Commission is in exercise of the powers conferred on the governor by Section 2 of the Commission of Inquiry Law Cap 25 of the Laws of Northern Nigeria 1963 (as applicable to Kogi State), and other relevant laws enabling thereto.
Members of the Commission are Justice Wada Umar Rano (Chairman), Dr. Mohammed Aboki, Barrister Ameh Franklin Adejoh, Prof. Angela O. Okatahi, Chief J.O. Ajewole, Major General H.G. Aminu (rtd), and Fatima Ojochenemi Audu.
The statement also confirmed the appointment of Barrister Ajinomoh Pemida as the Secretary to the Commission, while J. B. Dauda will serve as Counsel to the Commission.
The Commission’s terms of reference include: Collating a comprehensive and updated list of contracts awarded by previous administrations in Kogi State between the period under review; The names of companies of all companies and business names involved in the above specified contracts awarded and their company directors and/or proprietors and owners; The personal names of companies of all contractors, either local or expatriates, involved in all contracts awarded by previous administrations between the period under review and their business addresses both within Nigeria and abroad; Determine whether contracts awarded by Kogi State Government between the period under review to individuals or corporate organizations were in accordance with due process, and/or were in accordance with contract agreement; the contract sum of each project, the amount actually paid to the contractor, and the percentage of work done; and identify where contracts were executed contrary to agreement as a result of which government lost money, recover such money and make appropriate recommendations for such case.
The Commission, which is expected to restrict itself to between May 29, 2003 to January 27, 2016 has 12 weeks to complete its assignment.
In his speech at the inauguration, Governor Bello charged the Commission to be fair and incorruptible.
He asked the members to maintain their integrity and fearlessness throughout the assignment.
The Governor compared Kogi State’s history and development to Dubai’s, concluding that the state has been underserved.
He said: “Kogi State was created on 27th August, 1991 – a little over 25 years ago. 25 years ago, Dubai was a desert settlement in the middle of nowhere. Today, Dubai is a global megalopolis hosting some of the most advanced man-made technology and infrastructure on Planet Earth. Kogi State, on the other hand, still ranks low on the global development map, along with the rest of Nigeria.
“Dubai did not start out with significantly more resources than Kogi State, except perhaps the honesty and patriotism of their human resources. While the leaders of Dubai got creative about changing their society for good, ours became exponentially proficient in short-changing their people in the worst ways possible.
“In this time and age, it is unbelievable that we are still grappling with lack of every conceivable public infrastructure, unpaid salaries, benefits, pensions, gratuities, unpaid contractors, unfunded projects, inability to meet counterpart funding obligations to Development and other partners, to mention but a few.
“That conclusion would be a total fallacy, for the simple reason that our previous leaders did not account properly for the money that we did get. While I am not saying that our state has made or received all the money she needs, I make bold to insist that our problem is not the LACK of money, but the THEFT of money. If what we did make or receive were used better this past 13 years, we would not have the current socioeconomic disaster on our hands.
“We too must put our dirty linen out in the public, albeit in a controlled environment like the scrutiny of a Commission such as this one, subject it to cycles of cleansing in the washing machine of truth and bring out the stronger fabrics and brighter colors of a thriving society.
“I pray for wisdom, knowledge and understanding from Almighty God to rest on the Chairman, My Lord, Honorable Justice Wada Umar Rano (rtd) and on each member of this Commission of Inquiry and to make them both fearless and forthright in the performance of their duties.” [myad]

Presidential Salute For Ben Lawrence As He Turns 80

Greenbarge Reporters

October 8, 2016

A veteran journalist, poet and author, Ben Lawrence, has received a Presidential salute from President Muhammadu Buhari as he turns 80 tomorrow, October 9.

In a congratulatory message, President Buhari said that Lawrence’s vision of a pragmatic, responsive and agenda-setting media for the country should be upheld and pursued with vigour by all media professionals, who should always observe the irreplaceable tenets of accuracy, balance, fairness and proper attribution.

Describing Lawrence as a renowned and fearless columnist, whose commitment to telling the truth through the pen, passion for promoting development communication and upholding the standards of journalism had earned him recognition and several awards.

President Buhari commended the Journalist, who was Managing Editor of the Daily Times and Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors for always striking a delicate balance between his profession and the need to contribute to nation building, and providing mentorship to others.

The President advised younger writers, especially citizen journalists and media entrepreneurs in the emerging cyber space, to borrow a leaf from veterans like Lawrence whose patriotism is unmistakable, and resolve remains unshakable, in ensuring that democracy and development work for every Nigerian.

He prayed to God to grant the veteran journalist good health, longer life and strength to keep writing. [myad]

Tension Mounts In Edo As PDP Lost Election

Greenbarge Reporters

October 7, 2016

Supporters of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 28 governorship election, Pastor Ize-Iyamu, took to the street in Benin, the capital of Edo state today, Friday, protesting the declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Godwin Obaseki as the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). [myad]

Oyegun Lectures Tinubu, Other Leaders On How To Channel Grievances

Greenbarge Reporters

October 7, 2016

The National Chairman of the ruling All progressives Congress (APC), John Odigie-Oyegun has lectured the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other leaders of the party on how to channel whatever grievance they may have.
Oyegun, who officially reacted to Tinubu’s earlier call on him to resign over allegation of manipulation of Ondo state governorship primary election of the party, insisted that Leaders, including Tinubu should always explore internal dispute resolution mechanisms in addressing their perceived grievances instead of resorting to the media to vent their spleen.
“Going forward, I appeal very passionately to leaders and members of the Party at all levels to explore internal dispute resolution mechanisms in addressing their perceived grievances instead of resorting to the media to vent their spleen.
There are enormous challenges in delivering on the Party’s 2015 election promises to Nigerians. “On the immediate horizon is the task of winning the governorship election in Ondo state. We cannot afford to be distracted by the present contentions.
“I wish to assure Party members that despite the media attention that has been generated by the disagreements in the aftermath of the 2016 Ondo State Governorship Primary Election, the Party is focused on the task ahead and we urge our Party leaders and teeming supporters to also remain calm. The Party has already commenced wide consultations with stakeholders with a view to resolving the political differences that still exist. Hurling brickbats cannot help the cause of the party in any way.
“The APC national leadership remains united and solidly committed to the task of winning the Ondo state governorship election to save the people of the state from the misrule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”
Full text of Oyegun’s statement reacting to Tinubu’s earlier statement goes thus:
THE FACTS – 2016 ONDO STATE APC GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION PRIMARIES
The outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2016 Ondo State Governorship Primary Election has led to disagreements among some Party stakeholders in the state and at the national level. The ripples from the controversy over the election have unfortunately dragged our great party on to the front pages of newspapers for the wrong reasons.
Recently, the media office of Bola Tinubu falsely and recklessly accused me of corruption, rigging the outcome of the 2016 Ondo State APC governorship election primaries and overruling the Party’s National Working Committee (NWC) “vote” on the 2016 Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election Appeal Committee Report.
In view of the misinformation and false reports that have been fed to the media and that have pervaded the public space, there is need to set the records straight. Below are factual responses to the salient points and allegations made by the media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its statement.
ALLEGATION
The media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its statement alleged that I overruled the NWC’s vote of “six against five” in favour of cancelling the primary election results and conducting another primary.
FACT
According to the minutes of the 18th emergency meeting of the APC NWC held from Monday 19th September 2016 to Thursday 22nd September, 2016 at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, there was absolutely no meeting which I chaired that voted in the manner alleged. Clearly, the report on which the media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu acted was a figment of someone’s wild imagination.
On Thursday 22nd September, 2016 being the final day for submission of candidate by Political Parties, the NWC discussed the possibility of voting having finished deliberation on the2016 Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election Appeal Committee Report because members in support of cancelling the Primary results were still strident in their position.
A member of the NWC however drew the attention of the meeting to its previous decision in which the report of the Primary Election Committee was adopted while the Appeal Committee was set aside. The implication of this decision he reasoned was that a decision to submit the name of the winner of the primary election was already taken unless the NWC will now wish to reconsider its earlier decision.
I agreed with this and ruled that the previous decision of the NWC be upheld.
ALLEGATION
The media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its statement also alleged that the names of “over 150 valid delegates were excised to make room for an equal number of impostors”.
FACT
The Ondo State approved delegates list was compiled in strict compliance with the Party’s constitution. Only qualified delegates were included in the list. Moreso, none of the aspirants or the Appeal Committee has submitted to NWC a list of delegates who were not qualified to be included in the delegates list but were listed as delegates or presumed qualified delegates who were not included in the delegates list used for the Primary.
ALLEGATION
The media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its statement alleged that I used a “prayer interlude” which I initiated to “secretly excuse” myself from the NWC meeting to submit the name of Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the candidate of the Party.
FACT
The allegation is high fiction and an insult to the intelligence and sensibility of the respected NWC members present at the meeting. We do not and have never engaged in prayer interludes/sessions outside the usual opening and closing prayers. The prayer that is being referred to must be the closing prayer for the meeting.
ALLEGATION
The media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its statement accused me of bribery and corruption over the outcome of the Ondo State APC governorship election primaries.“Oyegun has dealt a heavy blow to the very party he professes to lead. It is an awful parent who suffocates his own child for the sake of a few naira.” The statement issued by media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu read.
FACT
This reckless and baseless corruption allegation levelled against me is unfortunate and an insult to my person and my hard-earned reputation which I have strongly maintained. Nobody has the kind of money that can buy my conscience or make me do injury to an innocent man. In all the primaries conducted under my watch as National Chairman, I have strived to ensure a free, fair, transparent and credible process. The 2016 Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election was not an exception. There must be internal democracy in the Party and our constitution must be respected by all.
APPEAL COMMITTEE REPORT
The Party’s NWC decision to reject the 2016 Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election Appeal Committee Report was taken on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 in executive session after careful and exhaustive deliberations. The minutes and rejection were confirmed by the NWC on Thursday, September 22, 2016.
The NWC in its four-point resolution rejected the Appeal Committee’s recommendation on the grounds that the report was fundamentally and fatally flawed. The NWC observed that the Appeal Committee contradicted itself when it admitted in its report, “In making the above recommendations one is not unmindful of the fact that there may have been substantial compliance in the conduct of the exercise.” but still proceeded to recommend the nullification of the Primary election.
The NWC in its four-point resolution faulted the failure of the Appeal Committee to invite the National Secretariat as the custodian, to authenticate or otherwise the source of the disputed delegates list. Also, the Appeal Committee did not invite the Chairman or members of the Ondo State Governorship Primary Election Committee to clarify issues relating to the allegation of manipulation of the accreditation process. The Appeal Committee rather relied totally on unsubstantiated evidence(s) in the petitions it received to recommend the nullification of the Primary. This is against the principle of natural justice and fair hearing.
The NWC equally observed a serious contradiction in the Appeal Committee’s report in respect of the number of the accredited delegates. Whereas the Primary Election Committee’s report indicated that 2,774 delegates were accredited, the Appeal Committee’s report erroneously recorded it as those who voted in the election, thereby acting under the false impression that there was over voting in the exercise. The actual total number of votes cast was 2,754, as clearly recorded in the Primary Election Committee’s report.
The issue of fresh primaries did not arise as NWC had already rejected the Appeal Committee’s report in view of the stated flaws and upheld the election. In any case, any fresh primary was already time barred. By the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all governorship primaries and issues related ended on September 19, 2016.
Also, voting on the issue became unnecessary and never took place in view of the NWC’s rejection of the Appeal Committee’s report.
The foregoing are facts backed by the minutes approved by all NWC members that attended the meetings held in respect of 2016 Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election Appeal Committee Report.
It needs to be stated categorically that the NWC is confident that the Chairman of the Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election Committee, Abubakar Badaru, Executive Governor of Jigawa State conducted a credible and exemplary exercise. We indeed commend the Governor and his team for their transparency and the free and fair manner the primaries was conducted.
Going forward, I appeal very passionately to leaders and members of the Party at all levels to explore internal dispute resolution mechanisms in addressing their perceived grievances instead of resorting to the media to vent their spleen.
There are enormous challenges in delivering on the Party’s 2015 election promises to Nigerians. On the immediate horizon is the task of winning the governorship election in Ondo state. We cannot afford to be distracted by the present contentions.
I wish to assure Party members that despite the media attention that has been generated by the disagreements in the aftermath of the 2016 Ondo State Governorship Primary Election, the Party is focused on the task ahead and we urge our Party leaders and teeming supporters to also remain calm. The Party has already commenced wide consultations with stakeholders with a view to resolving the political differences that still exist. Hurling brickbats cannot help the cause of the party in any way.
The APC national leadership remains united and solidly committed to the task of winning the Ondo state governorship election to save the people of the state from the misrule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). [myad]

God Knows Why He Created Nigeria The Way It Is – President Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

October 7, 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that it is only God who knows why he created Nigeria with multitude of ethnic and religious backgrounds, even as he prayed that God would give him and his team the courage to be fair to all so as to earn His mercy.
Buhari, who spoke when he received in audience, the chief Imam of the Mosque of the Holy Prophet in Medina, Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdul-Muhsin Muhammad Al-Qassimi, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that God had a purpose of bringing people from different ethnic backgrounds into one country called Nigeria.
“God knows best- a population of 180 million people comprising more than 300 ethnic groups many of them with cultural ties stronger than religion can only co-exist peacefully in an atmosphere of social justice.
“I pray that God gives us the courage to be fair to people he put in our charge so that we can enjoy his mercy.”
President Buhari said that his administration will continue to promote unity and peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians by ensuring fairness and social justice to all.
The President called on all the citizens of the country to imbibe and practice social justice as a norm even as he prayed to Allah to guide his government in doing the same.
President Buhari confessed that he had learnt “an important lesson about social justice” through several personal life lessons, from the country’s political crisis in 1966, the civil war, his incarceration for three and half years in solitary detention and his attempts to win presidential election.
The President commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their efforts to create a better understanding and practice of Islam.
He said that the visit of the Imam to Nigeria would strengthen the bond of ties between the two countries.
This was even as Sheikh Al-Qassimi commended the peaceful co-existence of Nigerians of different faiths.
He expressed satisfaction with the cordial relations between government and religious leaders and called for a better teaching and practice of Islam devoid of extremism. [myad]

Niger Delta Council Describes Avengers, MEND As Groups Of Armed Robbers

Greenbarge Reporters

October 7, 2016

The Supreme Niger Delta Youth Council WorldWide (SNDYCW) has described the Niger Delta Avengers and Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) as groups of armed robbers masquerading in militancy.

The President General of the Council, Prince Michael Newgent Eaton who spoke when the council under the guidance of former Senate president, Mr. Joseph Wayas met with the leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna, insisted that members of the MEND group and the Avengers should be arrested and prosecuted.

Ekamon said that they were in Kaduna to meet with leaders and elders of the region who have served the country well and want to see that the country remains as one indivisible entity.

“Our groups are not militants. We are here to see how we can build one Nigeria. We want to condemn the activities of the Avengers and MEND. They are criminals. But better put, armed robbers who are stealing the wealth of our land. We know them. We know that some of the Avengers have served in the previous government and they are even serving in this present government.

“If we are given the mandate, we will go and confront them in their houses. So, we don’t want the President (Buhari) to be deceived by their antics. There is nothing in the real sense like avengers. They are playing pranks.”

The President General of the group said that the problem in the region is not that of the Federal government but that of their leaders who have been sabotaging the region because of their greed.

“What is it that the federal government has not done for the region. We have OMPADEC, NDDC, 13 percent derivation, Ministry for Niger Delta, security votes. We don’t know what our governors are doing with the security votes.”

According to him, it is based on this premise that they are organizing a summit in Edo State between the 27th and 29th of October to discuss the problem in the region, adding: “we are here to extend our hands of friendship to the people in this region (North). To seek their blessing and support. That’s why we are here with the former Senate president (Joseph Wayas) who has never been invited by any anti corrupt agency. We also have the blessing of former Head of state, General Gowon.”

Responding, the chairman of the ACF, Ibrahim Coomasie observed that the two regions had sustained a long period of friendship.

Represented by one of the elders in the region, Musa Liman, the ACF chairman said that the forum believes in the doctrine of one Nigeria where equal justice and equity prevail. [myad]

Presidency Denies Stopping Jonathan’s Allowances, Closure Of His Bank Account

Greenbarge Reporters

October 7, 2016

The Presidency has denied the allegation made by demonstrators in Bayelsa State on Thursday that allowances due to a former President have been stopped and his bank accounts frozen, saying that this is patently untrue.
A statement by the senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu said checks in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) showed that Jonathan as well as other past leaders were paid their allowances up to the second quarter of this year.
“The past leaders have not been paid third quarter allowances but will get their dues when remittances are received by the SGF from the Ministry of Finance.”
Garba Shehu said that another story making the round that Jonathan bank account had been closed is without basis, adding that it is not known to the investigation agencies.
“The National Security Adviser to the President is not aware of this bank account closure; the DG SSS is unaware of it, the EFCC is unaware and the IG of Police is not in the know.
With all of these agencies not being involved, how then could a thing like that happen? In a dream perhaps!
“To put it starkly, we believe there is a clear motive for the demonstration that is different from that which was being canvassed.
“This is a premeditated attempt to blame President Muhammadu Buhari for something he knows nothing about.
These claims are false and poorly sourced to present a picture of vendetta; and they should be disregarded by well-meaning members of the public.”
The Presidential spokesman stressed that Buhari would remain committed to the ideals of justice and fairness to all, irrespective of creed, religion and political leanings, adding that his administration will not engage in vendetta. [myad]

I’m Fighting The Course Of Yoruba Race – Governor Fayose

Greenbarge Reporters

October 7, 2016

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has made it clear that he is fighting the course of Yoruba race, irrespective of which political party he is operating from. He therefore insisted that attack on the national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is as good as attack on the Yoruba race.

Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Fayose said: “even though I am not a member of APC and I will never be, I have elected to stand in defence of the Yoruba nation once again by saying no to the continuous dishonourable treatment being meted to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, having paid his dues.

“If Tinubu is allowed to be embarrassed and disgraced just the way our past leaders were humiliated by these same elements, the Yoruba nation would have been made to suffer for uprightness.”

The governor condemned the Tuesday sponsored protest against the APC leader at the party’s national secretariat, saying: “it is unfortunate that Tinubu is now being vilified in a party he invested heavily in; and his fellow kinsmen that he brought up politically are part of this conspiracy.

“In their desperation, they have even tried to set him against the Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, by insinuating that he tried to prevent his (Osinbajo) emergence as President Mohammadu Buhari’s running mate. This is sad!

“When other tribes protect their own, it is becoming historically common among the Yoruba to allow themselves to be used against their leaders just for momentary political gains at the expense of the collective interests of the Yoruba nation.

“It should be noted that late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was sent to jail by the conspiracy and collaboration of some Yoruba with the external aggressors.”

Fayose argued that Tinubu is a prominent stakeholder and people should not watch while those he used his own sweat to make conspire with others to humiliate him.

“Most importantly, it is my position that irrespective of political affiliation, no leader of the Yoruba nation must be vilified unduly, especially by the same people who humiliated our past leaders such as Obafemi Awolowo, Adekunle Ajasin, Bola Ige, Bisi Onabanjo, Lateef Jakande, and others.

“To me, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu should not be seen just as an APC leader, but acknowledged as a major stakeholder in the Yoruba nation that we must all protect beyond politics.

”It should be recalled that these were among the issues that I raised when I visited Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State a few months ago on the need to work together beyond party affiliations.

“Here in Yorubaland, it is said that if a household is at peace, it is because the bastard child of the family is yet to attain the age of maturity and those people that Asiwaju Tinubu made, but are now being used against him, should watch it.

“I therefore condemn this conspiracy against Asiwaju Tinubu and I admonish those that are hoping to make political benefits from it to have a rethink.”

The governor, who called for greater unity among the Yoruba, added: “we are first Yoruba before becoming members of political parties. It is my opinion that our leaders must be defended and protected, not-minding the personal gains of today.”

Some youth groups had protested in Abuja to condemn Tinubu for demanding the resignation of the APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, over his role in the Ondo Governorship primaries that produced former Nigerian Bar Association President, Rotimi Akeredolu.

Oyegun reportedly overruled the majority decision of the National Working Committee of the APC that voted for cancellation of the primaries. [myad]

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