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APC Chieftain, Bamigbade Salutes Ex-Governor Ambode At 61

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APC Chieftain, Bamigbade Salutes Ex-Governor Ambode At 61

A chieftain of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) and the National Director General of APC Professionals Council, Dr. Seyi Bamigbade has congratulated the immediate past governor of Lagos State, Akinwumi Ambode as he marks 61st birthday, describing him as a dexterous leader.

In a felicitation message on Friday, Dr. Bamigbade said Ambode exemplifies simplicity, humility and candour who has committed his all to excellent service to his fatherland.

He extolled the former governor for being a model to young persons in modesty, leadership and sacrifice, adding that he has contributed immensely towards the enlargement of the country’s democratic landscape.

He said, “Your Excellency, over the years, you have demonstrated that you are an embodiment of peace, unity, and most importantly a core loyalist of the largest political family in Africa, the APC.

“You are a strong pillar of our country’s democracy after demonstrating that the supremacy of our political family is undebatable.

“An advocate of women and youths, you have warmed your way through the hearts of the people by your efforts to create a conducive atmosphere for them to realize their potentials and be economically better for it”, he said.

He therefore prayed God to endow the former governor wisdom and strength to continue being part of the discourse to make Nigeria great.

Hon. Bamigbade Salutes Prince Olusi On Icon Of Africa Leadership Award

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Hon. Bamigbade Salutes Prince Olusi On Icon Of Africa Leadership Award

The National Director General of APC Professionals Council, Hon. Dr. Seyi Bamigbade has congratulated the Convener of the Yoruba Leaders of Thought, Hon. Dr. Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi on his award as an icon of Africa leadership.

The award is in recognition of his outstanding contributions to nation-building and national cohesion.

Prince Olusi, who doubles as the Leader of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), the apex leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos was honoured by African Projective Initiative recently.

In a congratulatory message on Thursday, Dr. Bamigbade said the award is a re-affirmation of excellence Prince Olusi stands for especially as a nationalist who has always advocated and stands for peace and unity of Nigeria.

“The multiple awards coming the way of Hon. Dr. Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi is a testimony to the fine breed of a an excellent leader, administrator and good governance advocate.

“As chieftain of our great party, he has demonstrated that he is a pillar of support who through his deep-rooted grass root network has continued to make our party proud with superb outings”, he noted.

Hon. Bamigbade also recalls that couple of weeks ago, Dr Olusi received Honorary Doctor of Literature, History, Education and Community Development from Lagos State University LASU.

He is also a national award recipient of Member Order of Niger (MON) and Officer Order of Niger (OON).

Naira Down To N1,525/$ In Parallel Market

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Naira Down To N1,525/$ In Parallel Market

The Naira yesterday depreciated in the parallel market to N1,525 per dollar from N1,520 per dollar last weekend. However, the Naira appreciated to N1,339.33 per dollar in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market, NAFEM.

Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM fell to N1,339.33 per dollar from N1,482.81 per dollar last weekend, indicating N143.48 appreciation for the
Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NAFEM rates widened to N185.67 per dollar from N37.19 per dollar last week Friday

Gov. Ododo’s Victory At Tribunal Re-affirmation Of Will Of Kogi People — Comrade Otitoleke

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Gov. Ododo’s Victory At Tribunal Re-affirmation Of Will Of Kogi People — Comrade Otitoleke

The newly appointed Senior Special Assistant to Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo on Drug Rehabilitation, Comrade Richard Otitoleke has congratulated his principal on his victory at the Election Petition Tribunal, saying it is a re-affirmation of the will of people of the state.

He said the decision of the court represents the overwhelming mandate the people of Kogi freely handed to Ododo to pilot the affairs of the state during the Nov. 11 governorship election.

Recall that a three-member tribunal led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu held that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its governorship candidate, Murtala Ajaka failed to prove their allegations against Ododo, and therefore upheld his election.

In a congratulatory message on Tuesday, Comrade Otitoleke while commending the courage of Ajaka to approach the court in order to enrich the country’s electoral jurisprudence urged him to place the welfare and development of Kogi first, insisting that the endless litigation will serve no interest.

While expressing hope that Gov. Ododo will justify the confidence the people reposed on him by choosing him as their leader at this time, Comrade Otitoleke called on Ajaka to support the governor in building a Kogi for which generations to come will be proud of.

CSOs, Kogi Youths Accuse Muritala Ajaka Of Malicious Blackmail Against Yahaya Bello, Say EFCC Willing Tool For Satanic Alliance

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CSOs, Kogi Youths Accuse Muritala Ajaka Of Malicious Blackmail Against Yahaya Bello, Say EFCC Willing Tool For Satanic Alliance

Coalition of Civil Society Organizations and Kogi youths under the aegis of Kogi Youth Renaissance Movement (KYRM) have accused the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in the 2023 off-season election, Muritala Ajaka of sponsoring malicious blackmail against the immediate past governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, urging him to get healed from the trauma of his failure at the poll.

This comes as the groups also urge EFCC to end media trial and propaganda against ex-governor Yahaya Bello, stop being a tool for satanic alliance and wait patiently for June 13 when he is expected to appear in an Abuja federal high court.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Saturday, the Convener Coalition of Civil Society Group, Ayanwale Idris and the National Coordinator, Kogi Youth Renaissance Movement (KYRM), Dr. Ben Uguche wondered why EFCC despite a subsisting case against Yahaya Bello has continued to sponsor unwarranted media trials against Bello, accusing the anti-corruption agency of making itself a willing tool in the hands of desperate politicians to malign the image of law-abiding citizens of the country.

While insisting that the commission has demonstrated desperation and biases in prosecuting Yahaya Bello, the groups noted that its unholy alliance with Ajaka is both embarrassing and unprecedented absurdity of a creation of the law like EFCC.

They said, “Since the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi in which the people of Confluence State spoke in clear and unambiguous language on the kind of leadership path they have chosen for themselves by massively and overwhelmingly electing His Excellency Usman Ododo as their governor, those who feel that Kogi is an extension of their ancestral inheritance to be shared have not stopped scheming evil against leaders of the state.

“While it must be put on record that the Social Democratic Party’s candidate in the election, Muritala Ajaka, and his cohorts have exhibited an unprecedented and un-statesman level of desperation to rule Kogi State at all costs, his unholy alliance with the EFCC to malign, blackmail and deride the immediate past Governor of the state, Yahaya Bello whose track record of selfless service in the state beams of Honour and pride is condemnable and uncalled for. One wonder why a Chairman of a Commission like EFCC will continue to speak to Press and make unguided statements over a case that is in court and still go so personal and emotional to denigrate an accused using unprintable names and EFCC as an institution making quotes on their social media space obviously to denigrate the former Governor as if the matter before the court has become a personal issue between the Commissioner’s Chairman and the accused.

“We are truly convinced of this satanic alliance with EFCC using Ajaka’s counsel, Barr Okutepa, as the prosecution counsel in the purported corruption case against the former Governor, Yahaya Bello. An act that is widely considered as desperation taken too far.”

They accuse Ajaka of being behind series of protests by his tribesmen in Lagos and other parts of the country in the name of civil society organization against Yahaya Bello, urging him to end un-statesmanly desperation.

The groups urged the duo of Ajaka and EFCC to allow the wheel of justice grind gradually instead of calling the proverbial dog a bad name just to hang it.

They also wondered why some politicians are calling for the deployment of military to forcefully abduct Yahaya Bello in a democratic environment, saying it will be an absurd on the judiciary.

“In a constitutional democracy, for desperate politicians to be calling for the deployment of military to forcefully effect the arrest of a former Governor over a matter that is already in court is not only an aberration but a slap on the judiciary and constitutional democracy which we as a nation have willingly signed up to.

“It will be the height of absurdity and abuse of human rights to abduct Bello under any disguise before his appearance in court next month. We are really worried at the haste, venom and way with which these desperate fellows are pursuing the matter.

“The needless victimization, melodrama, propaganda, malicious falsehood, media and criminal threat against lawful citizens of this country does not help our human rights record before the international community and must therefore be immediately brought to an end”, they noted.

They therefore called on the International community to call law enforcement agencies in the country to order and encourage them to carry out their duties within the confines of the law and stop the multi-layered Illegality that have embarrassed our country’s image before the global space.

The groups say if this act of persecution continues, it will be safe to demand international community to blacklist corruption fight under the current EFCC Chairman.

They therefore expressed optimism that irrespective of how slow, the wheel of justice must grind to an end and enrich the country’s legal jurisprudence.

My Victory Will Propel Me To Serve Bayelsa Better – Gov Diri

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My Victory Will Propel Me To Serve Bayelsa Better – Gov Diri

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has dedicated his victory at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal to people of the state, saying it will spur him to serve the state better in his second term.

The tribunal sitting in Abuja, on Monday, affirmed the re-election of Governor Diri in the November 11, 2023 election in the state and dismissed the petition filed by Chief Timipre Sylva and the All Progressives Congress (APC) on grounds of lacking merit.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the judgement was delivered by the Justice Adekunle Adeleye-led three-member tribunal, Governor Diri said the petition was a “needless distraction.”

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, the governor noted that by the judgement, the judiciary has again proven that it remained the last hope for the common man.

He said: “Once again, l use this opportunity to thank my people of Bayelsa State who graciously and freely gave me this mandate. lt is actually not my victory but it is for the people of Bayelsa.

“As l always pledge, our administration is people-focused and people-oriented. So this will again give us a better latitude to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. ”

Describing the judgement as very sound and one of the best that had been delivered in such election petition matters, he said there was still hope for the country.

According to the governor, “matters like these are mere distractions in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people, particularly against the backdrop that we had an election that was adjudged to be one of the freest and the fairest. And yet we have been distracted over this period. I want to let Bayelsa people know that we are still for you and will continue to work for you and walk with you until the final day of our administration.”

Diri expressed appreciation to his legal team for its commitment and passion and all those who worked hard towards securing a sound judgement.

Responding to a question if he was disposed to working with his political opponents, the governor stressed that his administration would work with only those who have had a change of heart and were interested in collaborating with his Prosperity Government in bringing meaningful development to the state.

He emphasised that the days of rigging of elections were over.

“The days where you threaten your own people, chase them out of their own land, intimidate them and go and write results are over. So if they change from those ways, l will work with them.”

In its unanimous decision, the tribunal held that the petitioners failed to adduce any credible evidence to substantiate any of the allegations they raised against the outcome of the Bayelsa governorship poll.

It struck out as incompetent all the additional proof of evidence as well as statements on oath of some of the witnesses that testified for the petitioners.

In particular, the tribunal chairman described as unprofessional the conduct of the state APC chairman, Chief Dennis Otiotio, for testifying as a witness in the case while being a member of the legal team and for being involved in writing fictitious election results in an attempt to deceive the tribunal.

According to the tribunal, Otiotio’s conduct was curious as a legal practitioner.

It also dismissed the allegation that the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, tendered a forged university certificate and NYSC exemption certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying it was a pre-election matter that ought to be determined by a high court instead.

Odi FC, Opokun United, Sabageria FC, Adaka FC Secure Victories in Prosperity Cup

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Odi FC, Opokun United, Sabageria FC, Adaka FC Secure Victories in Prosperity Cup

***2023 Semi-Finalist Dream Boys of Odi Dumped Out of the Tournament by Sabageria FC

Prosperity Cup Season 6 First Round continued with some shock results in the Kolokuma/Opokuma Centres with Opokun United and Sabageria FC through to the next round of Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle.

Sabageria FC booked their ticket to the next round in a shock victory over last year’s semi-finalist Dream Boys of Odi in a pulsating game that ended 3-2 in the opening fixture at the Kaiama Centre on Sunday. Wilson opened the scores with a third minute goal for Dream Boys. Not to be undone Sabagreia FC indicated the nature of things to happen when they replied Dream Boys in the 17th minute courtesy the legs of Chukudi. In the 21st minute Success restored Dream Boys’ lead with a well stricken goal but the lead lasted only four minutes as Romeo drew Sabagreia Fc level for the second time in a space of twenty-four minutes.

Both teams went into the break unsure of where this was headed. On resumption hostilities continued with both teams desperate to have the day. The game remained in a stalemate until the 75th minute when in a goal mouth scramble at the Dream Boys eighteen Ebi in bid to clear the ball from his eighteen inadvertently dropped the ball behind his goalkeeper for the decider of the match. Dream Boys pulled all the strings and tricks in their bag but all to no avail as Sabagreia FC remained resolute in defence and ran away with a big upset.

In the second fixture of the day, Opokun United thrashed Ijaw United 4-1. Opokun United was the childhood team of Bayelsa United’s alternate captain, Biweribo Tarabinah who was also discovered by United scouts while playing the team in the Prosperity Cup six years ago and was at the field to cheer his home team to a well deserved victory.

At the Ekpuwari-Opokuma Center, Temple FC lost 1-3 to Adaka FC in the first fixture while  Odi FC  trounced Opokun Selected FC 4-0 ending any hopes of a local derby by the Opokun sides.

Elsewhere on Saturday at the Ogbolomabiri Center decided at the Kolo pitch saw Bayelsa Medical University BMU Feeders beating GD Foundation FC 1-0 to secure a narrow passage, Okoroma FC also qualified to the next round with 4-2 victory via penalties over Okoroba FC at the Nembe Center after an all draw in regulation time.

At the Ekeremor Center in Ekeremor LGA, Petroleum Boys FC proved too strong for Isampou FC in penalty shoot outs as they went past their opponent 3-0 on penalties after a barren draw to qualify to the next round.

Matches continue at different centres across the state in the week. Today Monday at the Kaiama Center Creek FC will take on Sampou United FC while on Tuesday at the Oporoma Centre Ogboinbiri FC will entertain Young Stars FC in the opening match at the centre by 1pm.

According to the Tournament Director, Mr Perela Aboroson Ward 10 Pro FC will face N.S.B.S  FC at the Amassoma Center by 1pm as Team Mates FC lock horns with NDU Civil Engineering at 3pm on Tuesday.

He stated that on Wednesday, O Block FC will square up with Triumphant FC also at the Amassoma Center in the first match of the day while Oporoma FC will take on Adulama FC in the second game by 3pm.

FG installs eGates at Lagos airport, gives timeline for other airports

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FG installs eGates at Lagos airport, gives timeline for other airports
The federal government through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has commenced the installation of eGates at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMA), Lagos.
This is in a bid to enhance national security, passenger facilitation and ease of doing business.
This is as it disclosed that over 107 thousand passports have been produced and applicants have not picked them up.
Automated border control systems (ABC) or eGates are automated self-service barriers which use data stored in a chip in biometric passports along with a photo or fingerprint taken at the time of entering the eGates to verify the passport holder’s identity.
Travellers undergo biometric verification using facial or iris recognition, fingerprints, or a combination of modalities. After the identification process is complete and the passport holder’s identity is verified, a physical barrier such as a gate or turnstile opens to permit passage.
If the passport holder’s identification is not verified or if the system malfunctions, then the gate or turnstile does not open
Speaking during the inspection of the newly installed eGate at the arrival section of Lagos airport on Friday, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior said the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja is already 100 per cent completed but this is just one terminal out of the others.
Tunji-Ojo said for Lagos airport, installation has started and what is being done is a User Acceptance Test (UAT) which is the last stage in the process.
“Lagos has three wings. This is Terminal 2. We have the D and E wings. Now you see that the gates have been installed. What they are doing now is called the User Acceptance Test (UAT) which is the last stage and by Monday morning, this wing will have been completed 100 per cent. As it is, it is already installed. So, we just need to align the sensor.
“From here, we will move the D Wing which has four gates because we can’t block the three entrances at the same time. We can’t work simultaneously because of the ease of passengers. So, we have to be taking them one after the other.
“The assurance we have is that by next weekend, the D Wing will have been fully completed. We will then be left with the E wing which has eight gates. This may take us another maximum of two weeks.
In the next three weeks from now, Lagos will be 100 per cent good to go, then we will move to other airports like Kano, Enugu and Port Harcourt which each have four gates. These will be faster. Lagos airport alone has 21 gates. Lagos is where you have the major traffic,” the minister said.
He said the electronic gates are important because of the enhancement of national security as it is connected to all databases across the world.
He said the NIS is making life easier for Nigerians and at the same time securing the country.
He also said the eGates enables ease of doing business.
“When you travel to New York and you get to JFK, as a foreigner, you are on the queue. An American carries his passport and goes in easily. That gives him lots of confidence that he is in his country. This is called sweet experience and this president is bent of giving Nigerians the sweet experience. It is about changing the narrative and telling us that things we see in other places can work in Nigeria,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He hinted that the project is not government-funded; it is a public-private partnership and part of the country’s order control management solution which is being deployed.
Also speaking during the inspection Kemi Nanna Nandap, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said over 107,000 passports have been produced and applicants have not picked them up.
Nandap called on Nigerians who have applied for passports, to go and pick them up.
She said the eGates being stalked will go a long way not only in addressing border security but also in passenger clearance and the productivity of NIS officers and their efficiencies and professionalism.
She said there are trainings ongoing and capacity building for officers on the usage of the gates.

Burkina Faso Coup Leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré Extends Military Rule By 5 Years

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Burkina Faso Coup Leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré Extends Military Rule By 5 Years

Burkina Faso Coup leader Captain Ibrahim Traoré extends military regime by 5 years after national consultations

Burkina Faso’s military regime, in power since a 2022 coup, will extend its rule for five years under an accord adopted during national consultations on Saturday.

“The duration of the transition is fixed at 60 months from July 2, 2024,” Colonel Moussa Diallo, chairman of the organising committee of the national dialogue process, said after the talks.

He added that coup leader and acting president Ibrahim Traore can run in any elections at the end of the transition period.

The army has governed Burkina Faso since 2022, carrying out two coups that it justified in large part due to the country’s persistent insecurity.

FG Sues 36 States At Supreme Court Over Local Government Autonomy

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FG Sues 36 States At Supreme Court Over Local Government Autonomy

The federal government has sued the thirty-six governors before the Supreme Court to ensure the autonomy of the nation’s local governments.

In the suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, was filed on May 20, by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) on behalf of the federal government.

The federal government is praying the Apex Court for an order prohibiting state governors from unilateral, arbitrary, and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected leaders for local governments.

It also prayed the Supreme Court for an order permitting the funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channelled to them from the federation account in line with the provisions of the Constitution as against the alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors.

It wanted an order stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratic system.

Also, the federal government wants an order of injunction restraining the governors, their agents, and privies from receiving, spending or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place in the states.

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