Ex Gov Fayose Describes Makinde As Failed Governor; Doesn’t Deserve Re-Election

February 25, 2021

The crisis between the ex-governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose, and Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, took another twist today, February 25 when Fayose described Makinde as a failed governor who does not deserve re-election.

Fayose said that governor Makinde had decided to betray party elders, who assisted him during the electioneering by turning his back against them.

The former governor, however, ruled out any reconciliation with Makinde, saying that the governor is an obstacle to dialogue.

Fayose said that Makinde had the effrontery to query the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) on critical party matters, thereby making a mess of party leadership.

He alleged that the governor is behaving like a politician itching to run the NWC along with his state, adding that he had evolved some strategies for division and polarisation of the party in the southwest.

The former governor was reacting to comments by Makinde, who vowed to ensure that reactionary elements within the southwest PDP would be fought and defeated.

He said the zonal chapter would explore legitimate avenues to get the chieftains to do what is right for the party.

Fayose, however, said Makinde had deluded himself into thinking that he is the zonal leader because he is governor.

“Makinde is a failed governor. He has proved it by his inability to protect the people of Oyo State. He has demonstrated more than enough reasons not to be fielded as our PDP candidate again. He has betrayed trust and in our group, we will not sit with him in dialogue.”

Gov Makinde Describes Ex Gov Fayose As “Small Mind,” As Southwest PDP Leadership Crisis Boils

Editorial staff

February 25, 2021

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has described former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose as a small mind amidst the crisis that is tearing up the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South West, which began in 2020.

Speaking to newsmen today, February 25 in Ibadan, in response to various verbal attacks on him by Fayose, governor Makinde said:: “I do not really have anything to say about people because small minds can actually talk about events, average minds talk about people. We want to talk about issues.

“So, if there are issues, we will address them. When individuals decide to go low, we won’t follow them to that dirt. If there are issues, the alternative dispute resolution mechanism exists within the PDP, and that is being explored right now.

“I am occupying a very sensitive position. First, as the only PDP governor in the South West. Two, as somebody that is in the leadership position within our party. We will explore all avenues that are legitimate to get everyone to do what is right for our party, including the National Working Committee of the party. This is exactly what we are going to do.”

Speaking on efforts of a former governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja, towards brokering peace between him and Fayose has started yielding positive results, the Oyo State governor said: “in terms of any reconciliation meeting, there is nothing like that. I haven’t had any meeting with Baba Ladoja. I think it is just a rumour that has been flying around. There is nothing like that.”

Ex governor Fayose had said: “tell the baby governor that the way up is the way down. Let Makinde put feeding bottle in the mouth of his dogs. You are called a leader because you earned it, not your title. Can I be an All Progressives Congressman and be fighting Buhari (President Muhammadu Buhari)? I was governor at 42. He is a governor at 51. I don’t deserve an insult from Makinde.

“Governor Makinde is not my leader. He is my follower. Respect should beget respect. I have been a warrior. They thought I will be with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission now. But, I am surviving.”

Court Orders Interim Forfeiture Of Okorocha’s University, Hotels, Foundation, Others

Editorial staff

February 25, 2021

An Imo State High Court Judge, Justice Fred Njemanze sitting in Owerri, has ordered an interim forfeiture of several properties, belonging to a former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, accused of illegally acquiring them between 2011 and 2019.

The properties include Eastern Palm University, Ogboko; Royal Spring Palm Hotels and Apartments; IBC staff quarters allegedly illegally acquired for the purpose of Rochas Foundation College, Owerri; Magistrate Quarters, Orlu Road/Cooperative Office/Girls Guide, alleged to have been illegally converted to private use housing; Market Square, Kilimanjaro Eatery; public building plot B/2 Otamiri South Extension Layout given to the Ministry of Women Affairs for establishing a skills acquisition centre for women, alleged to have been illegally acquired for the benefit of Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha’s All-In Stall, Aba Road.

Other properties ordered to be forfeited in the interim,are Plot P5, Naze Residential Layout, initially part of Primary School Management Board but now annexed to All-In Stall, Aba Road belonging to Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha, and all the properties contained from pages 226 to 272 of the Government White Paper on the recommendation of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Land Administration in Imo state from June 2006 to May 2019.

The order was handed down following an application brought by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Louis Alozie, in a suit with case number HOW/191/2021 had Okorocha’s wife, Nkechi Okorocha, Incorporated Trustees of Rochas Foundation and Okorocha as the first, second and third respondents respectively, against the Attorney-General of the State.

In a motion ex-parte brought pursuant to Section 472(1) of the Imo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law No. 2 of 2020, Alozie applied for interim forfeiture of the following properties alleged to have been acquired by Okorocha illegally:

According to Alozie, the application was, among others, based on the ground that, “these public properties were converted to personal use by the 1st-3rd respondents and their cronies for which the applicants now intends to recover them in line with the White Paper by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry’s report.”

It would be recalled that Palm Springs Estate, one of the properties ordered to be forfeited, was the subject of contention between the state government and Okorocha, leading to a fracas on Sunday for which Okorocha and some of loyalists were arrested.

Bandit Swears With Holy Qur’an To Turn Good Citizen In Zamfara; Surrenders Weapons

Editorial staff

February 25, 2021

Muhammed Sani, popularly known as Zakwi, who took over leadership from his late father, Buharin Daji, one of the most dreaded bandits in Zamfara State, has swore with the Holy Qur’an that, henceforth, he would turn a good citizen, never to return to his past life.

Zakwi was at the Government House in Gusau, the state capital today, February 25 to surrender over 30 AK-47 rifles, 2 GPRP rifles, rocket launchers and a large cache of ammunition to the state governor, Bello Muhammad Matawalle.

The repentant Zakwi said: “I swear in the name of the Almighty Allah, I will never kill, kidnap or disturb the peace of innocent citizens of Zamfara State and even beyond again. I also pray God to guide me to live a peaceful life.

“A large number of bandits that are still living in the forests are willing to embrace the government peace accord and reconciliation process as we were all made to understand that, the present administration of Governor Matawalle does not mean to trap and harm us, but rather meant to restore peace and tranquility in the state.”

Governor Matawalle had earlier assured the repentant bandits of equal treatments without any victimization by any person or group of persons or individual in the state.

“My administration is committed towards making you live a normal life and to take good care of your children’s education, health services and their training with a view to build a bright future for them.”

UN Scribe Says Nigeria’s Economy Is Moving In Right Direction

Editorial staff

February 25, 2021

UN deputy secretary-general, Amina Mohammed

The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Amina Mohammed, has said that Nigeria’s economy is moving in the right direction.

At a meeting today, February 25 at the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in Abuja, Amina Mohammed said that the challenges in Nigeria are huge.

Its population, she noted, is large but described the country’s economy as great, with a lot of opportunities.

The UN scribe said that after traveling by train and through various roads in the Northern parts of Nigeria, she discovered that the roads are motorable, with some undergoing repairs.

“This is a country that is diverse in nature, ethnicity, religious backgrounds and opportunities. But these are its strengths, not weaknesses.

“And I think the narrative for Nigeria has to change to one that is very much the reality.”

On her trips across parts of Nigeria, Amina Mohammed said: “what I saw along the way is really a country that is growing, that is moving in the right direction economically. Is it fast enough? No. Is it in the right direction? Yes it is.”

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Adeniyi Adebayo, told his guest that the Federal Government is working hard to make Nigeria the entrepreneurial hub of Africa.

He said that before the end of the first quarter of 2021, there should be a document on the government’s investment policies, as efforts are in progress to take Nigeria out of its mono-economy.

Banditry, Criminality: Buhari Kicks Against Ethnic Profiling

Editorial staff

February 25, 2021

President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that criminals are found anywhere in any ethnic group and that it is unacceotable for people to embark on ethnic profiling.

“Criminals are criminals and should be dealt with accordingly, without resorting to ethnic profiling.”

I have already tasked the new Service Chiefs to devise new strategies that will end this ugly situation where the lives of our people continue to be threatened by hoodlums and criminals.”

The President, who spoke today, February 25, as he declared open a joint security meeting of the Northern State Governors’ Forum, Northern Traditional Rulers Council and delegation from the Federal Government, expressed appreciation to 19 Northern States Governors’ Forum for their contribution towards national growth and development

Buhair, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, said that he has directed the security chief to evolve strategy on how to deal with all forms of criminalities.

He observed that the nation is being confronted by various security challenges which he said, have continued to slow down the emancipation of Nigerians from poverty and economic deprivation.

“At the same time, we are confronting the various dimensions of security challenges that continue to slow down the emancipation of our people from poverty and economic deprivation. The Government shall continue to deal with insurgents, bandits, kidnappers and other criminals who constitute a threat to innocent citizens across the country.”

Ex Borno Gov, Modu Sheriff Eyes APC National Chairmanship, Begins Consultations

Editorial staff

February 24, 2021

The former Governor of Borno State and a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Ali Modu Sheriff, has begun meetings with state governors over his national chairmanship ambition.

Speaking to reporters shortly after meeting with the Jigawa State Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, Sheriff said he cannot fully kick off his campaign for the party chairmanship race without consulting state governors.

“No doubt, governors of our great party – APC are the engine room of the party and one cannot do anything tangible without consulting them.

“Today, our party needs a resilient leadership that knows what it takes to salvage it and I’m a more committed person that would do just that.”

The former governor said that he met with the Jigawa State Governor because he is one of the top respected chieftains of the APC, who is known for his dogged commitment to the betterment of party loyalists.

“Whatever one is doing as far as APC is concerned in Nigeria, you have to consult Badaru because of his position among leaders in the nation and my ambitions could only be achieved if I consult governors.”

Sheriff, who held two hours meeting with Governor Badaru behind a closed-door, insisted that he is the best material to be the chairman of the APC.

Gov Ortom Has Carried His Famous Theatrics To High Level Of Brinkmanship – Bauchi Gov

Editorial staff

February 24, 2021

Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed has accused his Benue counterpart Samuel Ortom of as carrying the unfortunate theatrics, for which he is well known, to a very precipitous level of brinkmanship

Reacting to Governor Ortom’s accusation that he is part of the terrorists that have been killing people across the North, Governor Bala said: “We want to state that Governor Ortom has carried the unfortunate theatrics, for which he is well known, to a very precipitous level of brinkmanship.”

He said that as a journalist and democrat, he conceded to Governor Ortom the right to reply, saying that through his unfounded and grave allegations, the Benue State Governor has over-personalized the matter, thereby reducing the debate to a level of toxicity that is neither healthy for the country nor helpful to the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

”One of the main attractions of democracy is the freedom of speech which we relish very much in this country. That is why anybody can rise and make any allegation as they choose. However, as the legal dictum goes, he who alleges must prove.

“So, if Governor Ortom is not playing to the gallery, we challenge him to substantiate his claim that Governor Bala Mohammed is in cahoots with anybody to kill the Benue State Governor.’’

In the by his Senior Special Assistant on Media Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Bala Mohammed asked Ortom to provide evidence for his allegations.

Part of the statement partly reads: ”In our resolve to deescalate the tension that has gripped the country over the sacking of Fulani herdsman from Ondo State, we had resolved not to join issues with any other person over the position of His Excellency, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, CON, on the issue.

”However, while standing on that resolve, it will be irresponsible of us to ignore two unfortunate claims made by the Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, at a press conference last Monday. During the conference, Governor Ortom alleged, among other things, that:

”Governor Bala Mohammed is a terrorist, sponsoring those he described as Fulani terrorist herdsmen.”

”And he, Governor Ortom, had received a letter from Fulani herdsmen to the effect that they were going to kill him (Governor Ortom) and that Governor Bala Mohammed should be held responsible if he (Governor Ortom) dies”

”We are therefore shocked that Governor Ortom could, in good conscience, address a fellow Governor whom, he had described as a brother, as a terrorist and who should, to wit, be placed under watch should anything untoward happen to him (Ortom).

Governor Ortom had alleged that Governor Bala Mohammed is a terrorist, sponsoring herdsmen, saying that he had received a death threat from herdsmen and that Bala should be held responsible if anything happens to him.

Nigeria Still Losing 200,000 Barrels Daily To Theives – NNPC

Editorial staff

February 24, 2021

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said the nation was still losing about 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily to thieves and vandals.

Group Managing Director (GMD), Mallam Mele Kyari, alongside his top management staff, made this known in a meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Lucky Irabor at Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

He commended the security agencies for their support and called for more protection for NNPC’s operational assets and personnel.

He disclosed though petroleum products theft on the System 2B Pipeline has reduced considerably due to support from the security agencies, the nation was still losing about 200,000 barrels of crude oil daily to theft and vandalism.

“We have two sets of losses, one coming from our products and the other coming from crude oil. In terms of crude losses, it is still going on. On the average, we are losing 200,000 barrels of crude every day,” Kyari stated.

Irabor commended Kyari for initiating the engagement, saying: “I am delighted that you made this effort, and I tell you that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will collaborate with you to protect NNPC’s assets.”

Major General Irabor, who acknowledged the significant role of the oil and gas sector to the economy, said there was need for collaboration between the NNPC and the Armed Forces to protect oil and gas facilities which he described as the critical national assets.

“It is my intention to cooperate maximally with you and to give necessary instructions to all officers in the Armed Forces given that our existence, economically, rests almost solely on the NNPC, and to that extent, we must do everything possible to give you everything that you require.”

Court Freezes Accounts Of Rainoil, Others Over N1.6 Billion Debt

Editorial staff

February 24, 2021

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the freezing of bank accounts and shares belonging to downstream oil and gas company, Rainoil Limited, and 13 others over a N1.6bn debt.

The 13 others affected include David Ogwu, Anthony Ezeh, Clara Rotzler, Vincent Otiono, Vincent Sankey, Victoria Alo, Preye Ogriki, Treasure Afolanyan, Chief Nwagwu, Peter Ololo, Gordons Ejikeme, Joe Idudu and Falcon Securities Ltd.

The Asset Management Company of Nigeria made this known in a statement today, February 24, titled: ‘AMCON Seize Assets of Deap Capital Directors over N1.6bn Debt”

The statement said that the order to seize the assets was given by Justice C.J. Aneke, adding that following the order, AMCON had taken effective possession of the seven properties as listed by the court through its Debt Recovery Agent – Etonye & Etonye.

Some of the properties include Plots 14, 15, 16 and 17 in Block 1B, Isolo-Ishaga Area, Mushin, Lagos State; Mile 3 Old Isheri Road, Ikeja, Lagos State; Plot 13, Block 65 Magodo Residential Scheme, Lagos State; No. 73, Femi Kila Street, Okota, Isolo, Lagos State; Plot 22, Block 91, Lekki Peninsula Residential Scheme, Lekki Area, Lagos; and Government Land Allocation, Lekki Peninsula Scheme II.

The statement read: “The court also ordered the freezing of the Bank Accounts and shares of the company’s directors namely: David Ogwu, Anthony Ezeh, Clara Rotzler, Vincent Otiono, Vincent Sankey, Victoria Alo, Hon. Preye Ogriki, Treasure Afolanyan, Chief Nwagwu, Peter Ololo, Gordons Ejikeme, Joe Idudu, Falcon Securities Ltd and Rainoil Limited.”

AMCON spokesperson, Jude Nwauzor confirmed that all the property as listed by the court order had been taken over by AMCON with the assistance of court bailiffs among other officials of the law.

Source: Punch

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