Edo 2024: Ize-Iyamu quits race as 11 battle for APC ticket.

Edo 2024: Ize-Iyamu quits race as 11 battle for APC ticket.

An Edo State governorship aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, unexpectedly withdrew from the race yesterday, 24 hours from today’s primary of the party.

Ize-Iyamu had flown the APC flag in the 2020 election and the PDP flag in 2016.

He was one of the 12 aspirants earlier cleared from a field of 29 by a committee put in place by the APC National Working Committee (NWC).

Ize-Iyamu, in a six-paragraph letter to the National Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, said his withdrawal became “imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters.”

He said: “Few months ago, after extensively interacting with family, friends, political associates, and supporters, I joined the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial race, as a result of my passion and commitment to the cause of rescuing Edo State from the current condition of decrepitude.

“I entered the contest as a progressive democrat, with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the result of a process that is fair, credible and transparent. I appreciate the commendable effort made by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to correct the erroneous impression maliciously created by certain persons that some aspirants, including myself, had been disqualified from the gubernatorial contest. The NWC constituted the authentic screening committee, and all twelve aspirants who purchased and completed the nomination forms were successfully screened and subsequently issued clearance certificates. This step was praise worthy and helped in restoring our integrity in the eyes of the public.

“Having been cleared to contest, I regrettably wish to announce my withdrawal from the race. Although painful, this decision has become imperative after an exhaustive consultation with my family, friends, political associates and supporters. I make this sacrifice in the interest of the peace and unity that the party desperately requires at both state and national levels.

“I humbly appeal to the good people of Edo State to accept my decision, which is very personal, and I promise to be there for them at all times.

“Thankfully, I acknowledge the fatherly role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the party’s national leadership for the fairness and commitment to the democratic process. Likewise, I remain grateful to members of the State Working Committee for their principled stand to allow a level-playing field for all aspirants. I am extremely appreciative to my family, friends, supporters, well-wishers, and the extraordinary hardworking men and women of our campaign organisation, who were prepared to stop at nothing to see me fly the party’s flag. I salute your great works, your steadfastness and courage.

 “Finally, as a loyal party man, I wish to pledge that I and my teeming supporters shall support any candidate that emerges in the primary election holding tomorrow (today).”

Political observers in the state said yesterday that Ize-Iyamu’s withdrawal might not be unconnected with his realization that the permutation seemed to favour Dennis Idahosa, who is the House of Representatives member for Ovia.

Still in the race however are: Clem Agba, Monday Okpebholo, Lucky Imasuen, Anamero Dekeri, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Gideon Ikhine and David Imuse, Charles Airhiavbere, Oserheimen Osunbor, Blessing Agbomhere, Dennis Idahosa and Ernest Umakhihe.

Ekiti First Lady Visits Former Schools, Donates Schoolbags, Books To Pupils.

Ekiti First Lady Visits Former Schools, Donates Schoolbags, Books To Pupils.

....Schools Get New Projects From Govt.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has given back to the primary and secondary schools she attended saying the gesture was to contribute to the fulfillment of the dreams and aspirations of the young minds.

There was excitement among pupils of Baptist Day Nursery/Primary School, Irona, Ado Ekiti and students of Baptist Comprehensive High School, Ilawe Road, Ado Ekiti on Friday as they were gifted schoolbags, exercise books, mathematical sets and sanitary pads ( for the girls) by the First Lady.

The Governor's wife served as the Senior/Head Girl for the 1987 set of Baptist Comprehensive High School Ado Ekiti. Dr. Oyebanji recognized and exchanged banters with her classmates who were around to witness the occasion.

Distributing the school materials to the beneficiaries, Dr. Oyebanji explained that her gesture was not merely an act of charity but a reaffirmation of her commitment to education and the future of the children.

While noting that all the children have purpose to fulfill in life, Dr. Oyebanji passionately prayed that God would help them to succeed in life and become great in life.

Dr. Oyebanji expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of her two alma mater, reiterating her readiness to always support educational initiatives that uplift the communities.

"Education is the bedrock of societal development, and it is essential that every child has access to quality learning resources. By providing these materials we are contributing to the dreams and aspirations of these young minds, empowering them to reach their fullest potential," she said

The Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Femi Akinwumi, used the occasion to announce three key projects that have just been approved for the primary school that produced the First Lady.

The projects are three blocks of classrooms, a modern toilet and a borehole to ease the challenge of water scarcity for teachers and pupils. 

The announcement of the projects thrilled the teachers and pupils.

The Headmistress of Baptist Day Nursery Primary School, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Obisesan, said it was symbolic for the First Lady to come back to her old school to give educational empowerment to the pupils.

The pupils treated the First Lady and the guests to cultural performance to the delight of guests and the parents who were delighted with the gifts presented to their wards.

At the secondary school, the SUBEB boss disclosed that his agency would renovate and furnish the school hall while more modern toilets would be constructed for them.

Also, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, promised that the ministry would construct a new block of laboratory while the ICT Centre would be furnished through a special intervention initiative.

She urged the SS3 students to read very hard and pass their School Certificate Examination in flying colours as the state government has paid a total sum of N549 million as West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees for them all.

The Principal, Mr. Afolabi Ologunleko, commended the First Lady "for her sense of history, humility and readiness to give back to an institution that helped in laying the foundation for her life's attainment.

He added: "We recognize the novelty and uniqueness of this occasion and we all appreciate the passion and social commitment that promted Her Excellency to visit us. 

"The First Lady's love for her alma mater is a reflection of her love for the betterment of education in Ekiti generally; and it also reflects the vision of the current administration to revive the fervour of the education sector."

The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) Chairman, Mr. Lawrence Ogundipe, urged the state government to construct a fence round the school in order to enhance the security of teachers and students.

Other government officials who attended the ceremony in the two schools are the Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju; Commissioner of Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye; SUBEB boss, Prof. Akinwumi; Senior Special Assistants, Permanent Secretaries among others.

Prioritise Devt, APC's Stability, Ekiti Deputy Gov Tasks New Councilors.

Prioritise Devt, APC's Stability, Ekiti Deputy Gov Tasks New Councilors.

.....Says lawmakers must key into Oyebanji's grassroots policy.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has tasked the newly sworn- in councilors across the state to work for the progress and development of their towns as well as the stability of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Deputy Governor warned the council legislators against deploying their current positions to stoke unwarranted intra-party squabbles in their councils and within APC, the party they used as a vehicle to ascend greatness in politics.

Mrs Afuye said these on Friday, while receiving the eleven Councilors from Ikere Local Government and Ikere West Local Council Development Area, who came on a thank you visit to her office in Ado Ekiti.

The councilors were led by one of the leaders of APC in the Council, Engr. Bimbo Ogundipe and other party's topnotches.

Addressing the council legislators, the Deputy Governor, insisted that the councilors should key into the well espoused views of Governor Biodun Oyebanji that governance at the grassroots must enjoy accelerated progress and development.

Urging them to see their new status as a call to service, Mrs Afuye added that their positive impacts would go a long way in determining how far and well they would go in their political careers.

The Deputy Governor emphasized the need for them to play the right politics at the grassroots level as advised by Governor Biodun Oyebanji while inaugurating the council chairmen. 

She said: "You need to be honest and transparent in whatever you do. Let there be a change in our politics and development in Ikere Ekiti . Don't forget that Governor Oyebanji has a special love and attachment to the progress of the councils, don't derail this focus.

"You have to be committed and contended with whatever you have. I started my political career as a Woman Leader in Ikere Ekiti, look at where I am today.

Making Nigeria great, our collective responsibility – Gov Makinde.

Making Nigeria great, our collective responsibility – Gov Makinde.

The Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that the task of making Nigeria great is a collective responsibility.

Makinde made this declaration on Friday, in Ibadan, during the  unveiling  of the dualised 12.5-kilometre Challenge–Odo-Ona Elewe–Elebu–Apata Road.

The governor said that the road project was the government’s way of ushering in prosperity for the people of the state, and ensuring that they enjoyed the dividends of democracy.

Makinde also stated that the road would facilitate quick vehicular movements thereby saving useful man-hours spent in traffic, adding that good roads would attract developments.

He said: “And by the powers conferred on me, this dualised 12.5-kilometre Challenge–Odo-Ona Elewe–Elebu–Apata Road has now been named ‘Theophilus Akinyele Way'”

“To make Nigeria great is our collective responsibility. And we all must work together to make Nigeria working again. I repeat this will be the focus of myself and all the governors in the PDP in the weeks and months to come. So, I urge our people to remain hopeful, the tough times will soon be over.”

Speaking further, Makinde disclosed that the meeting the Peoples Democratic Party’s governors recently held in Abuja was focused on the economic hardship being faced by the people, adding that, “our focus at this time is helping our people overcome the challenges of the times.”

The governor used the event to announce an extension of the wage award payment to civil servants in the state by another six months, which he said, would allow government and workers the time to sort out what the minimum wage should be.

“When this economic crisis started, we gave wage awards to the workers. We gave them six months since October and I wanted that offer that time to sort out between the government and the workers what the minimum wage should be.

“We have not been able to do that and we announce today that the wage award be extended by another six months to give us time to closeout time on the minimum wage discussions and negotiations.

The Enugu State governor, Dr Peter Mbah, who unveiled and commissioned the road, said, “I want to take this moment to congratulate my brother, your governor, the people-friendly governor and his team for the event we are witnessing here today, for the construction and completion of this massive 12.5-kilometre road. For me, this is not just an event to mark the cutting of a ribbon but it is a testament, a bold testament to the governor’s quest of leaving lasting legacies to humanity, and that’s what we are witnessing here today.

“I am told that this road is going to link the critical gateway of Apata to the city suburbs, and it’s going to link Challenge to Apata, and it’s also going to improve the connection for those travelling to Abeokuta, and also decongest the Ibadan-Ring road traffic. So, you can see that this construction and completion didn’t happen by accident.

“There was a design and a concept to be able to provide the ease, to offer the people of Oyo state the ease of doing their business, the ease of transportation, the ease of movement. So, you can easily see that what is at the epicentre of this event today is the people, the people of Oyo state. And that’s what the administration of my brother has continually underscored.”

Benue needs a naval base, says Alia.

Benue needs a naval base, says Alia.

Benue state governor, Hyacinth Alia, has called for the establishing of a naval base in the state to boost security. 

He said the establishment of a naval base would foster closer collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies operating in Benue.

Alia requested for “a Nigerian Navy Type A Operation Base in Makurdi ‘ during his visit to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, in Abuja. 

The governor lamented thr security challenges confronting the state, saying that many communities are under siege, people are living in fear and threatened by criminal elements, particularly armed herders and bandits.

He said these criminals exploited the absence of security along Benue waterways to infiltrate and perpetrate heinous crimes against defenseless innocent residents.

Alia said:”The situation demands urgent action, and it is in this spirit of urgency that I am here to appeal to the Nigerian Navy to consider establishing a Type “A” Operational Base in Makurdi, Benue State, along the River Benue. 

“Such a strategic move is not just a necessity, but a moral imperative to safeguard the lives and properties of our citizens and to restore peace and security to our communities.”

Alia said in a statement by his Principal Special Assistant on Print Media, Donald Kumun, that River Benue is one of the two major inland waterways in Nigeria running from the Nigerian-Cameroon Border to its confluence with River Niger at Lokoja. 

He said the river, though an inland waterway, is critical to Nigeria’s drive towards maximizing her Blue Economy potentials and enhancing national development. 

Alia said an enhanced security along River Benue and the adjoining coastal communities and waterways is critical to achieving the developmental aspiration. 

The governor lamented that the security situation along the river and its adjoining communities has largely remained volatile due to the absence of operational Naval presence along the River. 

He said: “Bandits have been exploiting the absence of security along the waterways to infiltrate and kill defenseless innocent civilians in Benue State without any resistance. 

“For instance, In April last year, no fewer than 400 innocent civilians were reportedly killed by bandits across Benue State in the space of three weeks. 

“Most of these attacks occurred because the bandits exploited the absence of naval presence along the waterways to attack adjoining coastal communities in Logo, Guma, Katsina-Ala and Agatu LGAs of Benue State.”

Alia added: “Benue State, with its extensive network of waterways, has become a fertile ground for criminal activities. These criminals, emboldened by the lack of security presence along our rivers, roam freely, spreading terror and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. It is time for us to take a stand and say enough is enough.

“By establishing a Naval base in Makurdi, the Nigerian Navy would not only assert its commitment to protecting the lives of Nigerians, but also send a clear message to these criminal elements that their reign of terror will no longer be tolerated. 

“The presence of a Naval base would serve as a formidable deterrent, disrupting the activities of criminals and restoring a sense of security to our communities.”

Alia said the establishment of a Naval base in Makurdi would not only bolster the security architecture of Benue State, but also enhance the Navy’s capacity for swift response to security breaches. 

He said with a dedicated operational base in the heart of the state, the Nigerian Navy would be better positioned to deploy resources, conduct patrols and apprehend perpetrators, thereby ensuring that justice is served and our communities are protected.

He said: “We can leverage our collective expertise and resources to effectively combat criminal networks, dismantle their operations and bring them to justice.

“Makurdi, the Benue State Capital is currently home to the Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School (NNPRS), with a Sickbay and Barracks established to support the School. 

“However, the NNPRS is not an Operations Base but a training institution. Hence, it is not equipped with the requisite manpower, gunboats, operational vehicles and most importantly the mandate to conduct operations to support the Benue State Government in addressing the security challenges in the State. It is therefore necessary for the Benue State Government to liaise with Naval Headquarters for the establishment of a Type ‘A’ Operations Base in Makurdi.

“As a demonstration of our total commitment to the partnership between the Benue State Government and the Nigerian Navy, we have processed papers for the allocation of land and are already making compensations for the permanent site of the Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School (NNPRS) in Makurdi."

Senegal’s Sall obeys court order, promises to hold delayed presidential vote.

Senegal’s Sall obeys court order, promises to hold delayed presidential vote.

Senegalese President Macky Sall on Friday said he would fully abide by a court decision that overturned the postponement of the presidential election to December this year.

Sall also stated that he is committed to carrying out without delay the nece ssary consultations for the organisation of the presidential election [in Senegal] as soon as possible.

A bill that pushed back the February 25 poll and plunged the country into electoral uncertainty was overturned on Thursday by Senegal’s Constitutional Council, according to Reuters.

It follows the decision of Senegal’s top election authority to void the president’s postponement of a presidential election.

It ruled that the decision to do so was unconstitutional.

Sall “has taken note” of the council’s decision and request for the election to be held as soon as possible, the presidency said in a statement on Friday.

“The president intends to fully execute the constitutional council’s decision,” it added.

Sall has been under significant pressure to accept the ruling. The week-long electoral crisis has already led to violent protests and warnings of authoritarian overreach in one of coup-hit West Africa’s more stable democracies.

Opposition leaders, West Africa’s main economic and political bloc ECOWAS, and foreign powers including the United States and France urged authorities earlier on Friday to comply with the judgement and quickly set a new date for the election.

He had announced in July last year that he would not seek a third term in office.

Sall was due to leave office on April 2, 2024, following a failed move to extend his tenure beyond the constitutionally permitted limit.

However, a few weeks before the scheduled February 25 presidential election, Sall announced the postponement of the election.

Sall previously said he delayed the election due to a dispute over the candidate list and alleged corruption within the Constitutional Council that he warned would undermine the credibility of the poll. The council has denied the accusations, as reported by Reuters.

FG summons Dangote Plc, BUA Plc, Larfarge, others over escalating cement prices.

FG summons Dangote Plc, BUA Plc, Larfarge, others over escalating cement prices.

The Federal government has said it cannot fold its arms and see the price of cement spiralled out of control.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi has summoned cement manufacturers to a meeting on Monday to examine the issues surrounding the latest development.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Minister on. Edward, Uchenna Orji, the Minister was “Worried by the escalating cost of cement despite huge patronage by road and housing contractors to cement manufacturers.”

 Those invited to the urgent meeting include Dangote Plc, BUA Plc, Larfarge and the other manufacturers.

The meeting is scheduled to take place on the  at the Federal Ministry of Works, Mabushi-Abuja.

The Minister was quoted as saying that “It is common knowledge that the manufacturers have their challenges, which we shall look into, but from our findings, the disparity between ex-factory price and the market price is wide.

“We therefore need to look into the situation and other issues with a view to finding a common front”.