INEC speaks on Edo APC primary, protesters demand chairman sacking.

INEC speaks on Edo APC primary, protesters demand chairman sacking.

As controversy continued to trail the results of Saturday governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, the  Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, said on Monday that the Independent National Electoral Commission would only reckon with the exercise conducted at the venue communicated by the national leadership of the party.

Onuoha said by the decision of the Supreme Court, only the national leadership of a political party and not the state leadership could determine the venue of a primary election.

According to him, in the Edo State case, the venue communicated to INEC by the APC national leadership was Lushville Hotel and Suites.

It was reported that the Edo APC primary produced three ‘winners’.

The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, who is the Chairman of the Edo State Primary Election Committee,  announced Dennis Idahosa as winner at Protea Hotel.

The state Returning Officer, Stanley Ugboaja, held a parallel announcement, declaring Monday Okpebholo as winner.

Ugboaja started the announcement at Lushville but  finished it at Pastor Osagie Iyamu house.

Also, Ojo Babatunde, who claimed to be representing the returning officers in all the local government declared Anamero Dekeri as the winner of the election.

The trio of Idahosa, Okpebholo and Dekeri are laying claim to victory.

The National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, had congrulated Idahosa, who was declared winner by Uzodimma.

But the Edo State leadership of the party have rejected the results declared by Uzodimma, insisting that only the state Returning Officer could declare the winner.

On Monday, Dekeri, who was the third winner to emerge, stormed the national secretariat of the APC in Abuja demanding to be issued with a Certicate of Return as the winner of the poll.

Meanwhile, speaking on the APC primary in Benin on Monday, the Edo State REC said INEC monitored the exercise and would only reckon with results declared at the venue committed to it by the national leadership of the party.

Fielding questions from journalists, Onuoha said, “The Supreme Court has taken a decision on the monitoring of party primaries, that party primaries are  duties of the parties.

“Our own is to supervise and in doing such supervision, the party will tell us the venue. It is not the state chapter of the party that will tell us the venue.

“The national body of the parties will write to INEC national chairman of the venue, and the date and the time of the primary, and that we have followed strictly.

“Any political party primaries that was not minuted to us by our headquarters, we will not monitor. We were notified by APC and we monitored the one we were invited to at Lushville Hotel. I was there.”

The REC warned aspirants and political parties to stop campaigning for the governorship election with immediate effect or face sanction.

He said that the commission had yet to lift suspension on campaign, noting that parties and candidates were expected to begin campaigning on April 24.

Meanwhile, angry youths and women on Monday took over the APC party secretariat in Benin, demanding the sack of the State Working Committee led by acting Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, over Saturday’s primary.

The crowd, led by the youth leader of the party, Tony Adun, alias Kabaka, forced their way into the offices and brought out the furniture, bag of rice and other equipment, vowing to stay at building for seven days or till the exco was dissolved.

Adun said, “It is clear that the party excutive in the state is no longer working in the interest of the party, so it is time for them to leave.

“We are here in solidarity with Hon. Dennis Idahosa who the party has nominated. We call on party member to back Idahosa’s candidacy in the governorship election in September.

“As you can see, we are here in large numbers, youths and women, to show our displeasure over the way the exco handled the election.

 “We heard that some people collected money from the opposition and some aspirants and want to use that opportunity to destroy the party. They did it before, they sabotaged and betrayed us in the election. What we are hearing now is that because their preferred aspirant did not win, they want to destroy the party.

“I want to send a message to the NWC that since the SWC can disobey what the NWC wanted, they need to be suspended from the party and if that is not done, nobody will enter this secretariat again. We all voted with our membership cards on the day of the election and we all voted for Hon Dennis Idahosa; they are trying to sabotage our efforts but we will not allow it.”

When contacted on the allegation, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Peter Uwadiae, said an official reaction of the party would be made on the development at the appropriate time.

Also, one of the three aspirants laying claim to victory,  Dekeri, on Monday, angrily walked into the national headquarters of the APC in Abuja to demand a Certificate of Return.

Although he refused to address journalists after he exited the hall, a visibly angry Dekeri, who arrived at the secretariat in Abuja at about 1.30pm, was said to have had a 10-minute closed-door session with the National Chairman of the APC, Ganduje.

“You can see disappointment written all over his face. He came with a letter addressed to the NWC through the national chairman demanding they issue him his certificate of return having been declared winner of Saturday’s primary,” a source offered an explanation.

When contacted, the embattled acting chairman of the party in Edo, Jareth Tenebe, who was earlier seen declaring Okpebholo as their candidate in a viral video on Saturday, called for calm, saying only the leadership of the APC can declare the actual winner.

He said, “The party conducted primary and somebody emerged. So, within the next few days, you people (journalists) will know who won the primary. It is the National Working Committee that did the primary. So, there is a procedure in announcing the result. So, within the next few days, everything will be settled. That is the only thing I can say for now.”

Meanwhile, a former Commissioner for Communication and Orientation in Edo State, Andrew Emwanta, on Monday, announced his resignation from the APC following the controversial governorship primary.

In a letter to the Ward Chairman, Ward 7, Egor Local Government Area and made available to journalists on Monday, Emwanta said, “I am writing to formally tender my resignation from the membership of the All Progressives Congress, effective from today, the 18th day of February 2024.

“My decision to resign from the party stems from its lack of internal democracy, flowing from the flawed process of the just concluded Edo governorship primaries, which has left me with no confidence in the party’s leadership structure and sense of political ethos.

“It is indeed a sad decision for me to take at this crucial time, particularly, because l joined the party few months ago. But, it is an inevitable decision, since l still enjoy the inalienable right to freedom of association, (or dissociation), guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended.

“I believe that my continued association with the APC would compromise my ability to support any decent candidate of my choice, as I would be compelled to unwittingly align with the party’s decisions, regardless of my personal convictions. To do otherwise will be termed “anti-party”. This was my grouse last year with my former party, the PDP.

“Moving forward, l wish to be an ‘Independent’ political player, who can freely support any candidate in future elections, based on their qualifications, integrity, and alignment with my values and beliefs. I am confident that this decision of mine is in the best interest of my life’s philosophy, social orientation and the political principles I hold very dear.”

Lagos plans N4bn pension payment March.

Lagos plans N4bn pension payment March.

The Lagos State Government will release N4bn to pensioners in March, as part of efforts to inject funds into the economy to cushion the economic hardship in the country.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen. 

Akosile explained that Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office would be about social inclusion.

He said this while giving updates on the government’s efforts to ameliorate the hardship being faced by Nigerians especially Lagosinans at this period.

Akosile said, “The second term of the administration is all about inclusion. Part of what we have been doing is to inject directly into the economy funds that will alleviate the suffering of the people. We just did the Trader Money. Two days ago, we paid N1.1bn pension and in March, we are going to pay another N4bn to the pensioners.”

At the weekend, Sanwo-Olu disclosed on his X handle that he had honoured the plan to pay N3.1bn to over 1,000 retirees who served the state meritoriously.

“This payment of N3.1bn alongside their monthly contributions which have already been remitted into their respective Retirement Savings Accounts with the Pension Fund Administrators is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our administration to the welfare and well-being of retirees,” he wrote via @jidesanwoolu on February 16.

“Next month, we will pay another N4bn as Lagos continues to lead in pension benefits administration,” he added.

EKSG Commences Farm Settlements Restructuring, Launches Cluster Farming Initiative.

EKSG Commences Farm Settlements Restructuring, Launches Cluster Farming Initiative.

The Ekiti State Government has commenced the restructuring of farm settlements as part of efforts to promote efficient utilization of land resources and dignity in farming with the provision of basic social needs and ultimately boost food security in the State.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade stated this in Ado Ekiti, stressing that the existing two farm settlements and five farm centers would be bolstered with clustered farming that would be established in several communities across the State.

Boluwade added that the focus is to provide employment and income for school leavers, arrest the wave of rural migration to the towns, increase agricultural productivity, demonstrate modern techniques of farming and solve the land tenure problem which was said to be a constraint on Agricultural development.

Boluwade explained that the Government would partner the private sector in restructuring the scheme to optimize the land through the inclusivity model with legacy farmers and youths, adding that the new arrangement would help farmers scale up their productivity.

The Commissioner assured that the new procedure would also boost security, increase resource availability and strategic resources as well as significantly reduce cost of production.

He said that Government would also ensure that farm owners and labourers are properly enumerated and profiled with their National Identity Numbers (NIN) while Geographic Information System (GIS) would, in addition, be deployed to eliminate the risk of harbouring unlawful informants and criminals at the farms.

Boluwade highlighted other interventions of the State Government to include clearing of land without burden for cluster farming free of charge, 50% subsidy on ploughing and harrowing of maximum of five hectares (5Hs) per farmer, facilitation of availability of tractors

for rentage at affordable rates and layering of different strata of

security apparatus to ensure safe and secured farming environment.

Explaining the concept of cluster farming, Boluwade said that it creates real profit by merging several smallholder farms, noting that the model was conceived to reinforce the existing farm settlements and centers in order to adequately cover the entire State.

His words, “Clearing will be carried out on identified land by the State Government free of charge. The State is bearing the cost because it is very expensive. Ordinarily, clearing one hectare would cost between 1.5 and 1.6 million Naira, so it is difficult for an average farmer to do. Government is therefore clearing free of charge but we don’t want to clear land that people will not use.

“It will be a total waste of money. That is why we ask interested people to do an expression of interest after identifying unburdened land in their communities. It is totally demand driven and the target is to open up land where people want to farm”.

EFCC detains ex-Kwara gov Ahmed over alleged N10bn fraud.

EFCC detains ex-Kwara gov Ahmed over alleged N10bn fraud.

A former governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed, was on Monday grilled and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for alleged fraudulent transactions involving billions of naira that took place during his tenure as governor.

The ex-governor, who was spotted at the EFCC office in Ilorin on Monday morning, was not freed as of the time of filing this report on Monday night.

A credible source in the Ilorin office of the EFCC said the ex-governor was not allowed to leave.

“Yes, the immediate-past governor is here; he got here in the morning and he’s still with us,” the operative told one of our correspondents on condition of anonymity.

“Alhaji Ahmed has not been released on bail by the EFCC as we are talking now,” another source told one of our correspondents at 10.31 pm on Monday.

Multiple sources in the EFCC told our correspondents that the anti-graft agency was conducting preliminary investigations into transactions amounting to N10bn, during the tenure of the ex-governor.

The funds, they said, were in connection with some projects executed in the state during Ahmed’s tenure.

“It is a preliminary investigation, so it is too early to say that this is what happened to the money. Investigations are still ongoing, so it is when investigations have been concluded that one can say this is exactly what happened to the money. But for now, it is just preliminary investigation,” one of the sources told The PUNCH.

 Ahmed was governor of Kwara State between 2011 and 2019.

In 2021, a team of EFCC operatives questioned Ahmed at the headquarters of the anti-graft agency in the Jabi area of Abuja, concerning an alleged diversion of funds, amounting to N9bn, from the coffers of the Kwara State government.

Meanwhile, when contacted by our correspondent via phone calls and Whatsapp messages, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, declined comments on the issue.

Ahmed’s Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji AbdulWahab Oba, confirmed his visit to the EFCC office.

 “Dr Ahmed’s visit to the EFCC is procedural and routine. He was invited and he honoured them as he’s always done. He’s always ready to respond to any query or question regarding his tenure as a governor of the state.

So, there’s nothing unusual about the invitation and his honouring the anti-graft agency,” Oba said.

Oyebanji Leads High-Level Talks with American Embassy, Cavista Holdings to Drive Economic Development in Ekiti State.

Oyebanji Leads High-Level Talks with American Embassy, Cavista Holdings to Drive Economic Development in Ekiti State. 

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, demonstrated his commitment to fostering productive partnerships by convening a meeting with top officials of the American Embassy and executives of Cavista Holdings on Tuesday, February 20th. The meeting, held at the Governor's Office in Ado-Ekiti, aimed to explore opportunities for trade development between the United States and Ekiti State, as well as to discuss potential areas of collaboration for economic growth and development.

Leading the American delegation were Chargé d’Affaires David Greene and Consul General William Stevens, representing the United States Embassy. They were joined by a team from Cavista Holdings, headed by Mr. John Olajide.

The discussions focused on strengthening the trade relations between Ekiti State and the United States, with a particular emphasis on enhancing economic cooperation and investment opportunities. Governor Oyebanji emphasized the importance of leveraging partnerships with international stakeholders to drive the state's development agenda and achieve shared prosperity for all citizens.

During the meeting, various areas of potential collaboration were explored, including technology transfer, investment promotion, and capacity building initiatives. The American Embassy officials expressed their willingness to support initiatives that promote economic growth and entrepreneurship in Ekiti State, aligning with the goals of the BAO administration's shared prosperity agenda.

Cavista Holdings, a prominent technology company with interests in agriculture, energy, and hospitality, also expressed its commitment to contributing to the state's development agenda. Mr. John Olajide highlighted the company's expertise in digital solutions and its readiness to collaborate with the Ekiti State government on transformative projects that benefit the people.

Governor Oyebanji reiterated his administration's commitment to fostering partnerships that deliver tangible benefits for the people of Ekiti State. He emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration with international partners like Cavista Holdings and the American Embassy in driving sustainable economic growth and development.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to explore concrete avenues for collaboration, including joint investment initiatives, technology exchange programs, and capacity building projects. Governor Oyebanji expressed confidence in the potential of the partnership to create new opportunities and drive positive change in Ekiti State.

As Ekiti State continues its journey towards economic transformation and development, partnerships with international stakeholders like Cavista Holdings and the American Embassy are expected to play a crucial role in unlocking new opportunities and driving progress. The meeting underscored Governor Oyebanji's commitment to leveraging partnerships for the benefit of the people and the overall development of the state.

Herdsmen from Niger plotting to destabilise Benue – Gov.

Herdsmen from Niger plotting to destabilise Benue – Gov.

The Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has raised the alarm that some indigenes of the state are bringing in herdsmen from neighbouring countries, like the Niger Republic, to destabilise his administration.

The governor stated this on Sunday at the Chapel of Grace, Government House Makurdi, while addressing the people of the state.

According to a statement issued by Principal Special Assistant on Print Media, Donald Kumun and made available to journalists late hours of Sunday, the governor appealed to the people to remain calm, saying that the security agencies would ensure the safety of the people.

Alia revealed that those behind the influx of herdsmen into the state actually wrote a letter inviting them to the state.

The statement said the governor vowed not to tolerate any effort from any quarter aimed at distabilising the state.

He said, “I am quite saddened to speak about what some fellow Benue citizens are doing; what they are planting, planning, and executing, which is not in favour of the state.

“The security report has revealed that some Benue indigenes have gone out of their way to invite herdsmen all the way from the Niger Republic to troop into Benue State. All in the name of bringing down his administration and this is unacceptable, but the security agents are doing their work.

“Security apparatuses are doing their work and anyone found guilty of this will not go unpunished. This is not the Benue we pray for. The electioneering period is over and now is governance.”

 Famine looms as Sokoto traders flood Niger Republic’s markets with local rice

The governor vowed that the herdsmen who had come into the state would gradually return to where they came from.

He however called on those who were not ready to join hands with his administration to improve on the development of the state to leave the state.

“Please if you cannot join hands with this administration to improve the state to bring development to the state, where everyone has a sense of belonging, please leave the state.

“I assure the entire citizens that they should remain calm for my administration is not ready to welcome any crisis in the state. Crisis is not the portion of Benue State.

“Security agencies are ready to do everything possible for the people to have peace. The influx of herders will not harm anyone but they will return gradually to where they have come from.

“The mischief makers who wrote a letter inviting herders to come to Benue State will be disappointed. I stand on the platform of new Benue where development of both human and infrastructure development is possible,” Alia added.

The governor appreciated the people of the state for always supporting his administration through prayers and charged them to continue to stand by him and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Ogun Assembly invites ex-commissioner, others over N92.9m allocation.

Ogun Assembly invites ex-commissioner, others over N92.9m allocation.

The Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Public Accounts and Anti-Corruption has summoned the immediate past Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Waheed Odusile, over alleged financial infractions detected during the audit exercise.

Also invited by the lawmakers over the issue were a former Permanent Secretary, Abiodun Awere, and the Director of Finance and Accounts who served in the Ministry between 2021 and 2022.

The alleged infractions, according to a statement on Monday, are connected with N92.9m released to the ministry from the governor’s contingency fund to supplement funds for the expenditures of the ministry.

Odusile, a former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, has therefore been mandated to appear with other officials before the committee on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 1.00pm to provide further information on the finance of the ministry while he was in charge.

The chairman of the Committee, Damilare Bello, gave this directive while considering the ministry’s auditor reports for 2021 and 2022 and the financial records as presented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Waheed Adesina, at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The statement partly read, “The committee also directed the Ministry’s Director of Finance and Accounts to furnish the committee with further details on the transfer of N2.51m to individual accounts as contained in the Year 2021 Auditor General Report.

“According to the committee, it was observed from the available records and bank statements of the agency that N2,515,590 was transferred to the personal accounts of Ojo Emmanuel, Special Adviser on Media, for the purchase of working tools for OGSG New Media Team.

“This was a breach of due process and it is against financial regulation No. 614. It is advised that funds should be transferred directly to the vendors’ bank accounts and not individual personal accounts for the purpose of accountability and transparency.”