PDP WILL BEG WIKE – GOV. UDOM OPENS UP

The Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Udom Emmanuel has stated the the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has made mistakes in its approach to the 2023 Presidential Elections.

Emmanuel, in a recent interview revealed that the party was resolving its Internal crisis. Speaking on the rift between the party and G5 led by Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, Udom stated that “small men” in the PDP will go and prostrate before the “big men” who are unhappy in the party in order for PDP to win the 2023 elections.

Udom who is also the chairman of the party’s presidential Campaign Council said; “We are trying to take the right step. That’s why you are asking about a few issues in our party, and I said, of course, we are making progress. We’ll resolve all issues. You can’t let anybody go in an election; every vote matters.”

Every single person is important in politics, not to talk of when you’re talking about very big men. Small men like us will go and prostrate ourselves before them: please oh, big men, don’t let us down. I’m into this game to win. I don’t think anybody will get to this point and be doing permutation. What kind of permutation?”

“But they are not unhappy with me as Udom Emmanuel. Did they tell you they were unhappy with the party? Four of them are candidates of the party. They hold tickets of the party. They’re members of the party; you are getting it wrong.”

“Even spoons and plates hit themselves and create a lot of noise; that doesn’t mean they’ve broken. It doesn’t mean they’ve broken. I think that is the situation here. For the fact that people are unhappy, it is inevitable, definitely inevitable, with a large party like PDP. It is the largest party in the whole of Africa.”

“So, certainly, we all make mistakes. I must also confess as a party, we’ve made mistakes, and as individuals, we’ve made mistakes. But these mistakes, I can assure you, will not break us. We are trying to come back, review and then reappraise and see how we can move forward, and I can assure you, we’ll do that.”

PARTY CHAIRMAN BAGS JAIL TERM FOR ILLEGALLY CARRYING 376 PVCs BELONGING TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE

The chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yautar ward, Kano state, has been convicted by a Magistrate court over the illegal possession of over 300 Permanent Voters' Cards.

 Reports revealed that the court presided over by Faroukh Ibrahim Umar sentenced Aminu Ali to two-year imprisonment for unlawful possession of 367 permanent voters cards (PVCs) bearing different names. 

It was gathered that Ali was arrested in October for collecting PVCs from different people in Gabasawa Local Government Area of Kano state.

He was also accused of conspiring with some other members of the ruling party to commit the offence to which he pleaded guilty. An action in contravention of section 22 (a) of the Electoral Act, 2022 as amended. 

Delivering his sentence, the magistrate slammed an option of N500,000 fine for the first offence. The court further sentenced Ali to six months with an option of N50,000 fine for the offence of criminal conspiracy, which is contrary to section 97 of the Penal Code. 

Ikrah Aliyu Bilbis, a former minister of state for information had earlier been allegedly arrested by the police in Zamfara state.

Aliyu who is also the senatorial candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party in the state was arrested for vandalism. According to reports, they allegedly vandalised some of the billboards and campaign materials belonging to the All Progressives Congress in the state. 

In another development, the Lagos state police command disclosed that it arrested an ex-convict, a few hours after his release from prison 

The arrest of the suspect identified simply as Yakub Yusuf and aged 23, was made by the Operatives of Rapid Response Squad on Saturday morning, November 12.

Meanwhile, Yusuf was nabbed once more after illegally coming into the Lagos State Fire Service premises to steal valve covers of old fire trucks under repair. 

AKWA IBOM GOVT EXPLAINS HOW IT SPENT 13% CRUDE oil DERIVATION REFUNDS

The Akwa Ibom State government has explained how it spent the 13 per cent oil derivation refunds it got from the Federal Government as an oil producing state.

Finance Commissioner, Linus Nkan, who addressed a press conference in Uyo, the state capital on Tuesday, said the refunds which were received in tranches since 2021 were subsumed into the state’s annual budgets which have been used for key capital projects as the monthly allocations from the Federation Account have not been enough to fund the numerous projects initiated by the Governor Udom Emmanuel administration.

In 2021, the sum of N160,000,000,000 was remitted to the state account. In 2022, the projected income from this source was N41,434,000,000, but as at Q3, the sum of N26,000,000,000 has been received,” Nkan said.

“In line with proper financial record keeping and public finance transparency, the refund was reflected in the 2021 budget as “Other Exceptional Income: 13% derivation revenue arrears, which was revised to the tune of N193, 000,000,000; in 2022, the revised provision was N41, 434,000,000; in the 2023 Budget, the estimate for this line item is N100, 000,000,000.

“A simple calculation of these figures will reveal the sustainability disposition that guides the governance of our state.

The agitation for the refund of the arrears which were deducted from the earnings due to the oil-bearing states, was undertaken by the affected governors, directly and through their officers at the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), which agreed with the very detailed submission and calculated the sums accruing to the states.

However, due to the large amount involved and the inability of the Federal Government to pay all at once, it was agreed that the payments be made in tranches quarterly, over a period of five years.

“The reports on the judicious application of this income and other incomes to the state are captured in the statutory Accountant General’s Audited Report for 2021, and same will be reflected this year.

“There is therefore no reasonable cause for the activation of alarmist tendencies on the state of finances of the state, because the Governor is conscious of the judgement of history and posterity and is doing everything to earn a copious mention on its golden pages.”

The commissioner also cautioned members of the public to be wary of some figures flying around as Akwa Ibom’s share of derivation refunds.

“We therefore urge the entire public to ignore the various figures bandied around on various media platforms, as those are nothing more than fiction.

With the implementation of the International Public Sector Accounting System (IPSAS), it is impossible for any unaccounted expenditure to occur. It is also worthy to point out that the state’s budgets and annual reports must first be reviewed by the World Bank and it is practically impossible that financial infractions can skip their attention,” he stated.

NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN MOVEMENT HONOURS RUKAYAT SHITTU, AS BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION PRESENT GIFT

As the convergence 4.0 of the Yiaga Africa and the NotTooYoungToRun Movement commences today in the ancient city of Kano, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo has recognized the Youngest All Progressives Congress Candidate from Kwara State, Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu for her versatility at the program.

Samson Itodo announced at the program that the book titled “Beating The Odds” in which the stories and experiences of young leaders changing the face of politics in Nigeria are featured will be presented to the 26 year old journalist turned politician.

The book gift was presented to Rukayat Shittu by the Development Director, British High Commission, Dr. Christopher Pycroft, who commended her for her courage and proactiveness.

Rukayat Shittu, who is contesting the Owode Onire Constituency seat at the Kwara State House of Assembly joined other candidates from twenty Northern states in Nigeria for the convergence 4.0 held in Kano State.

GENA TEW, GOES BLINDS AGAIN AFTER EYE SURGERY

Instagram model, Gena Tew, has gone completely blind in one eye, days after she underwent a surgery to treat a sight loss caused by AIDS. 

The 27-year-old model has been documenting her condition and the different complications on social media posts since revealing her illness in March.

Tew had surgery in August after losing her vision in her left eye following her diagnosis.

According to TMZ on Monday, Tew has become completely blind in that eye for a second time as all she can see is pitch-black darkness, although, her vision was better for about five days after surgery.

BREAKING: ADELEKE SACKS 12,000 WORKERS, DETHRONED THREE MONARCHS

Osun Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke has sacked 12,000 workers ands and ordered the dethronement of three monarchs barely 24 hours after his inauguration.

The Governor also nullified the appointment of 30 Permanent Secretaries and suspended the chairman and members of Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC).

The affected monarchs include Akinrun of Ikinrun Oba Yinusa Akadiri; Aree of Ire Oba Ademola Oluponle and Owa of Igbajo, Oba Gboyega Famodun. He ordered the monarch to vacate the palace, asking security operatives to take over.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Adeleke, Olawale Rasheed on Monday stated that the new Governor signed the Executives orders which covered chieftaincy matters, appointments issues, setting up of review panel, staff audit and employment matters.”

The release reads: “All employments in the service of Osun State Government made in any capacity into any capacity in all the Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Commissions, Boards and Parastatals after July 17th, 2022 be and are hereby nullified

Executive Order number five on Chieftaincy Affairs and appointment of traditional rulers. All appointments of traditional rulers made by Osun State Government after 17th July, 2022, are hereby ordered to be reviewed to ensure there was strict compliance with due process of chieftaincy declarations and native law, custom and tradition relating to such chieftaincies. In the case of Ikirun, Iree and Igbajo, to avoid further breakdown of law and order, the appointments of Akinrun of Ikinrun, Aree of Ire and Owa of Igbajo are hereby put on hold pending review. Subsequently, the palaces of Akinrun of Ikirun, Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo should remain unoccupied, while security agencies are hereby ordered to take charge.”

BREAKING: ADELEKE SUSPENDS OSIEC CHAIRMAN, MEMBERS

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, Mr. Segun Oladitan.

A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Tesleem Igbalaye, on Monday, also suspended six members of the Commission with immediate effect.

The suspension was said to have been based on several petitions bordering on financial impropriety, dereliction of duty, absenteeism and abuse of office against the said Chairman and members of the Commission.

The statement further read in part, “The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Adeleke, has directed the immediate suspension of the Chairman of OSIEC, Segun Oladitan, and the following members of the Commission

I. Mr. Yusuf Oyeniran

II. Alhaja Suibat Adubi

III. Prince Yinka Ajiboye

IV. Mrs. Abosede Omibeku

V. Mr. Dosu Gidigbi

VI. Mr. Wahab Adewoyin

“This suspension is sequel to several petitions bothering on financial impropriety, dereliction of duty, absenteeism and abuse of office against the said Chairman and members of the Commission

“Pending the outcome of investigation into the allegations against the suspended chairman and members of the Commission, the Secretary to the Commission shall hold forth in running the affairs of the Commission.”

ADELEKE MAKES FIRST APPOINTMENTS AS OSUN GOVERNOR

The newly sworn-in Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, made his first appointment as he named Rasheed Olawale as his Chief Press Secretary.

Adeleke also approved the appointment of Kazeem Akinleye as his Chief of Staff and Teslim Igbalaye as the Secretary to the State Government.

The appointments, according to the governor, take immediate effect.

Adeleke, who was sworn in on Sunday froze all government accounts and also reversed the state’s name from the State of Osun to Osun State.

The ‘Dancing Senator’ as he is called accused his predecessor Gboyega Oyetola of taking some malicious actions against him including the appointment of permanent secretaries.

Adeleke thus ordered the “immediate freezing of all government accounts in banks and other financial institutions. Immediate establishment of a panel to carry out an inventory and recover all government assets. An immediate establishment of a panel to review all appointments and major decisions of the immediate past administration taken after the 17th of July 2022

“An immediate reversal to the constitutionally recognised name of our state, Osun State. All government insignia, correspondences, and signages should henceforth reflect Osun State rather than State of Osun which is unknown to the Nigerian constitution.”

Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the governorship election in July floored Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who sought reelection as governor. The PDP candidate won 17 of the 30 local government and was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The APC candidate has since dragged the winner to the election tribunal over alleged electoral malfeasance.

QATAR 2022: COSTA RICA BOUNCE BACK WITH VICTORY OVER JAPAN

Costa Rica have reignited their slim hopes at the ongoing World Cup in Qatar as they battled to a lone-goal victory over Japan in their second group game on Sunday.

The Blue Samurai as Japan are fondly called would have picked a Round of 16 ticket if they had followed up with another win after they stunned Germany in their group opener but they were denied early qualification by the Costa Ricans.

Japan, who have never won back-to-back games in the World Cup since 2002 had a chance to rewrite its history in a fashionable way that could have seen the Asian Country becoming the second country after France to seal their berth in the knock-out phase.

But the effort to earn such accolades went down the drain after Keysher Fuller’s 81st-minute strike which was also Costa Rica’s first shot on target.

Although Japan dominated most parts of the game, their inability to convert their chances in the third half of Costa Rica cost them.

After a barren and boring draw in the first half, both sides began to test their fists in the second half.

Japan were the first to create a breath-taking moment a minute into the second half at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium as substitute Asano Takumo stretched Kaylor Navas whose fingertip parried it to a corner for the game’s first shot on target and save respectively.

Navas, however, saved the resulting attempt on goal from the corner from Asano’s header two minutes later

Costa Rica then broke the deadlock in the 81st minute which was exactly 35 minutes after the first shot on target in the match was recorded by the Japanese.

The Tricolor’s defender, Kelvin Fuller, received a pass from Yetsin Tejeda and then curled past Shuichi Gonda for Costa Rica’s first victory in the competition.

Two minutes into the stoppage time, substitute Kaoru Mitoma was close to getting Japan an equaliser but the defender’s effort was stopped by Kaylor Navas.

Japan will face Spain while Costa Rica will be up against Germany in their final group game.

BREAKING: SENATOR ADELEKE SWORN IN AS SIXTH OSUN GOVERNOR, RENAMES STATE

Senator Ademola Adeleke has been sworn-in as the sixth elected Governor of Osun State.

Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was sworn in today, Sunday, November 27, 2022, at the Osogbo City Stadium, Osogbo.

Adeleke became the Governor of Osun, after he was administered the oaths of allegiance and office by the State’s Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo.

Justice Adepele-Ojo also administered the oaths on the new Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adegboyega Adewusi.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Presidential Candidate of the PDP and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, his wife, Titi, his running mate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Governors of Akwa Ibom, Sokoto, Bayelsa States and the minority leader of the House of Representatives, Ndidi Elumelu.

It was also graced by traditional rulers led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has reversed the name of the State from “State of Osun” to “Osun State” and also reversed its appellation from “The State of the Virtues” to “The State of the Living Spring”.

Adeleke also reversed all appointments made by the immediate past governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, effective from July 7th, 2022.

Governor Adeleke ordered that all government bank accounts be frozen.

He also stated that all actions of the Oyetola administration from July 17th will be revisited.

OYINLOLA, MONARCHS ARRIVE ADELEKE'S INAUGURATION

Former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and his wife, Omolola, were among the first set of guests that arrived for the inauguration of the sixth executive governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke.

Also already seated inside the main bowl of Osogbo City Stadium where the event is currently underway were dignitaries that included; Former deputy governor, Erelu Olusola Obada, Timi of Ede, Oba Muniru Lawal, and the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji among others.

Speaking with journalists at the venue of the event, Oyinlola said Adeleke should be supported to have a successful tenure of office.

He said, “I will want to first of all thank God for being so merciful to the people of Osun State. 

I think people of the state has experienced different types of administrations and I know for sure it was because they realised which one served them better, that is why they decided to have the PDP back on the throne. 

“It is a thing of joy and I want to say on behalf of the governor that we will not disappoint the aspirations of the people of Osun. 

“Like it is said in the Yoruba proverbs, ‘Adeleke ti di ‘Aja Oluode’ te kun o gbodo pa je’ (a chief hunter’s dog that cannot be killed by the tiger). 

“We will give him all that is necessary for him to succeed as the governor of Osun State

POLITICS 2023: NORTHERN APC GOVERNORS ‘PLANNING’ TO WORK FOR ATIKU

There are speculations that some Governors in the north, including those elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), may work for the presidential ambition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar.

The claim is coming weeks after the presidential candidate of APC, Bola Tinubu, created an organ called Grassroot Independent Campaign Council.

Recall that the ruling party had earlier experienced a cold war over the constitution of its presidential campaign council.

An issue which saw the party release different lists, before the last list was eventually accepted by the National Working Committee (NWC) and the Governors of the party.

Tinubu in his efforts to emerge victorious in 2023, appointed his trusted loyalists as chairmen of the grassroots campaign council in state chapters.

Members of the campaign council are not answerable to their state governors, as the governors have no hand in their appointment.

A source that spoke with Tribune on the development said the temporary operational office of the council in Maitama, Abuja has been moved to a new office near the Federal Secretariat in Abuja.

The source said, “The governors have been angry since they got wind of the composition of the ICC. Because the new body does not enjoy their buy-in, their inauguration was low-key.

“Members were invited for a retreat but some of them knew it was actually their inauguration.” 

The Director, Media and Publicity of the APC presidential campaign council, Bayo Onanuga while reacting to the Governor’s alleged displeasure said no governor has expressed reservation over the establishment of the ICC

According to Onanuga, “That isn’t true. No governor is complaining; no governor has come out to complain. It is a mere rumour. That’s mere invention.” 

The spokesperson of Tinubu–Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo also said there is no cold war between Tinubu and the governors over the creation of ICC.

He said, “There is no single governor that is unhappy about this. Politics is a game of numbers. The more we have volunteers, the better for us.” 

A source in the party, however, stated that Tinubu is suspicious of the half-hearted commitment of certain governors from the North to his ambition.

The source claimed that the issue made Tinubu endorse the creation of the ICC when it was raised with him.

The source said one of the APC governors in the North-East state “is romancing the Atiku camp and Tinubu has got wind of the moves of the unfriendly governor

The source revealed that a former National Security Adviser from North-West has been mobilising support for Atiku Abubakar among governors in the North including those of the APC.

The source added, “They are reaching out to the Northern governors, particularly to those from the North-West and the North-East. The message is that Atiku Abubakar is their own and he must not be left in the cold.”

I REDUCED DEBT, LEFT N14BN BEHIND – OYETOLA

Outgoing Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said his administration is leaving behind a total sum of N14 billion cash in the state’s coffers.

Oyetola also said between 2018 and time of his exit, his administration had paid a sum of N97 billion from the debt inherited, adding that the administration did not take any bank loan during his tenure as governor.

In a farewell message by Oyetola as contained in a statement made available by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, on Sunday, he further disclosed that his administration put Osun’s economy on a better footing through many people-centred and masses-focused projects implemented to make life worthwhile for the people of the state.

According to him, Osun under his watch has been stable economically as manifested in the astronomical increase in the Gross Domestic Product of the state since he assumed office.

He affirmed that Osun was more stable economically than he met it in 2018, saying despite all the visible socio-economic challenges confronting the state with its attendant effects, he was able to take care of the fears and evil of fiscal indiscipline and lack of implementation, which hampered projects and services in the nation’s public service.

The statement quoting Oyetola further read in part, “As I step aside today( Sunday) following the conclusion of the four-year tenure you freely gave me, I thank God and I thank you for your support, cooperation and prayers over the years.

I recall how the journey began four years ago; how by your belief in me and your conviction in the plans and programmes of our party, you exercised your right to vote for me. As we end our first term, rest assured that Osun is more stable economically than we met it in 2018 and it remained the most peaceful state in the country under our leadership.

For four years, we did not take any bank loan facility. But we benefitted from the N3 billion monthly intervention from the Federal Government to all the states for six months to cushion the effect of deductions of budget support facility and salary bailout accessed by the previous administration, just as we have paid N97 billion from the total debt we inherited in 2018.

We are leaving behind cash of over N14 billion. In addition to the N14 billion cash, another N8 billion is being expected between December and January from our performance in SFTAS and the Internally Generated Revenue. Also, another $72 million will come to the state soon from RAMP 3, NG-CARES, Nigeria for Women Project and Ease of Doing Business. These are earned based on performance. And we have indeed performed to earn them.

It was part of the same performance that earned us the award of Best Governor on Efficiency of Public Expenditure and TOP Performer on Domestic Revenue Mobilisation by the World Bank’s States’ Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability, SFTAS, recently. We have gone this length to let you know that Osun under our leadership was sustainable. It was done through fiscal discipline and personal sacrifices.”

I WILL INCREASE FUNDS FOR ARTS, LIBERALISE ACQUISITION PROCESS, SAYS ATIKU

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Saturday promised to increase funds for the arts and liberalise the process of its acquisition once elected in the forthcoming elections.

Atiku made the promise during a special roundtable discussion with Nigeria’s creative cultural and innovative industry stakeholders in Lagos.

The meeting was aimed at strengthening the country’s booming entertainment space and cultivating more unifying support in championing Nigeria’s creative expression.

The presidential candidate acknowledged that the creative industry was a vital industry capable of immense wealth creation and generating huge employment opportunities.

He said such an industry should not be toyed with as it had been identified as the second most important sector after agriculture.

I commend the presentations so far, I understand your challenges which I am also facing because I own a television and radio station, I face the same problem of access to water and electricity as well as bad roads, so I want you to regard me as one of you.

“The way forward is to increase funds for the arts and liberalise the process of acquiring that fund, if you give me the opportunity, I will do it because it is essential.

“I reject direct CBN intervention and encourage the private sector to be part of this, the government cannot develop all the funds needed.

“I look forward to a close collaboration with you on how we can develop the sector and exploit its potential, it is a multi-billion income-creating sector.

“If we work together, we can make it, I look forward to another meeting before the elections to agree on some modalities on how things will be done,” he said.

Atiku commended the patriotic zeal of the private practitioners in the creative sector in the face of numerous obstacles trying to hinder their progress.

Also, Ifeanyi Okowa, the PDP vice presidential candidate, said all requests made by the practitioners in the creative sector would be properly articulated just as promised by Abubakar.

Dr Okowa disclosed that the newly built Film Village in Asaba would be launched by December.

He said there were plans to ensure that practitioners in the creative industry ran it, as the government would not be in the best position to do that.

OSUN CIVIL DEFENCE DEPLOYS 3,700 MEN FOR ADELEKE'S INAUGURATION

Osun state command of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has announced that they have sent 3,700 men into the streets ahead of Senator Ademola Adeleke’s swearing-in ceremony scheduled to hold Sunday at the Oshogbo city stadium.

The deployed personnel are on ground to ensure peace and order in the premises of the inauguration, and to man vital security posts in the coming days.

This was revealed in a statement by the Acting Public Relations Officer for NSCDC Osun Command, Kehinde Adeleke, on Saturday.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Osun State Command, has deployed 3,700 personnel for the inauguration of Osun Governor-elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke”, the statement read.

“NSCDC and other sister agencies in the state embarked on a show-of-force yesterday (Friday) as a way of sending signal to criminally minded people in the state”, it ended.

3 BIGGEST STORIES IN SATURDAY WORLD CUP MATCH YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

Robert Lewandowski finally broke his World Cup scoring drought in Poland’s 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, Kylian Mbappe bagged a brace in France’s 2-1 victory over Denmark and Lionel Messi scored for Argentina to keep its tournament hopes alive in a 2-0 win over Mexico.

Messi’s goal was the most important one for the three teams because Argentina was staring at elimination if it lost to Mexico. Argentina now controls its own fate to reach the round of 16.

In Group D, France became the first team to book its spot in the round of 16. Australia, Denmark and Tunisia are all still alive for the second advancement spot.

Australia took control of that competition with a 1-0 win over Tunisia, but the Socceroos still have to play Denmark in the final group stage game.

Group C

1. Poland – 4 points (2 goals for, 0 goals against, +2 GD)

2. Argentina – 3 (3 GF, 2 GA, +1 GD)

3. Saudi Arabia – 3 (1 GF, 2 GA, -1 GD)

4. Mexico – 1 (0 GF, 2 GA, -2 GD)

Lionel Messi ensured Argentina would stay alive for advancement into the final group stage game.

Lionel Messi ensured Argentina would stay alive for advancement into the final group stage game.

The Argentinian great rolled a shot from outside the box past a diving Guillermo Ochoa and into the right side of the net in the 64th minute against Mexico.

Argentina’s lead was padded by Enzo Fernandez in the 87th minute. That tally moved Argentina ahead of Saudi Arabia by two on goal differential.

Saudi Arabia fell down to third place in Group C after it lost to Poland in the second match of the day.

Robert Lewandowski finished off the victory, when he took advantage of a defensive mistake in the 82nd minute. That was the first World Cup goal in five matches for the Barcelona forward.

Poland just needs a draw to get through, but Argentina will be playing for the win. Argentina not only wants to avoid any danger in Group C, but the second-place finisher in the group will likely be matched up with France.

Saudi Arabia needs to beat Mexico and make up its goal differential on Argentina, if the two sides both win, to get into the round of 16.

Mexico first needs to beat Saudi Arabia to eliminate the Asian side and then the math becomes a bit more complicated.

A Mexico win and a Poland win would put El Tri through in second place. Mexico would have to make up a four-goal deficit in goal differential to leap over Poland, if the two sides finish on four points.

Group D

1. France – 6 (6 GF, 2 GA, +4 GD)

2. Australia – 3 (2 GF, 4 GA -2 GD)

3. Denmark – 1 (1 GF, 2 GA, -1 GD)

4. Tunisia – 1 (0 GF, 1 GA, – 1 GD)

France became the first team to advance to the round of 16 with its 2-1 win over Denmark.

Kylian Mbappe moved into a tie for the lead for the Golden Boot with a pair of second-half strikes against a Danish side that beat the reigning champion twice in the UEFA Nations League earlier this year.

Mbappe opened the scoring in the 61st minute and then secured the victory in the 86th minute. Andreas Christiansen scored Denmark’s goal in the 68th minute

Cr:clieublog

SULTAN WARNS LEADERS AGAINST EXCESSIVE MATERIALISM

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar III, has called on leaders to reflect on dangers posed by the trend of excessive materialism that has engulfed politics in Nigeria.

The Sultan, who disclosed this while presenting a paper at the 2022 Annual Lecture/Dinner of the Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA) in Maiduguri, on Saturday, said leaders must do the needful before these dangers consumed the society or spring more surprises like they have done before.

The problem today in Nigeria is that this good governance is becoming increasingly elusive as a result of which despair and frustration are gradually setting in and building up to levels that threaten the stability of our society. 

It is in this spirit of our responsibility as leaders that I wish to draw our attention to these increasing trends and the need to take some extraordinary measures to address them before they overwhelm us completely,” he said. 

DONT ALLOW ATIKU, PDP NEAR POWER AGAIN — TINUBU

All Progressives Con­gress presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called on Nigerians not to allow the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) anywhere near the Nigeria’s commonwealth again because of the destruction he said the party brought on the country.

Tinubu made the call on Sat­urday in Lagos at the Teslim Ba­logun Stadium, Surulere, venue of APC presidential campaign’s mega rally where he also re­called how Lagos gave him a chance to deploy his talents for national progress and preserva­tion of Progressive politics.

“I thank the Almighty Allah and the good people of Lagos State for a place to stand, from which I could deploy my talents to mobilise like-minded Pro­gressives to defend this great city.”

The APC presidential candi­date said his party’s campaign is a broom revolution, and invoking the spirit of his late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the Iyaloja-General, he followed up with a folksong, singing in Yoruba, ‘Dagunro o se je, Tinu­bu o se pa’, meaning literally that he cannot be killed.

Tinubu said he would con­tinue with Progressive govern­ment where Nigerians would not be forgotten in education, healthcare and employment generation.

The former Lagos State gov­ernor, who spoke partly in Yoru­ba, took a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, describing him as a veteran aspirant who should go home and rest.

Atiku contested in SDP. He contested in PDP. He contested in ACN when we rescued him from Obasanjo. Now, he is con­testing again in PDP. He should go home and rest,” adding that Nigerians should never allow him (Atiku) and his party near the country’s commonwealth.

“Atiku has been running. Use your PVC to vote him and his party out. Use your votes to retire him permanently this time. We must never again al­low the rapacious and vision­less gang of Peoples Destroying People to come near our com­monwealth again

They were in government for 16 years. They didn’t remem­ber Badagry expressway. They didn’t remember East-West Road. They didn’t remember Second Niger Bridge.”

To underscore his support across the country, Tinubu not­ed that the governors of Kano, Kastina, Kaduna, Kwara, Kebbi and other APC governors were with him, unlike his opponent who could not hold his party together.

Tinubu again used the op­portunity to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment to the develop­ment of Nigeria and Lagos State.

2023: COURT FINES PRP’s KOLA ABIOLA FOR LATE FILING OF DOCUMENTS

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has awarded a fine against Kola Abiola, the presidential candidate, People’s Redemption Party (PRP), over failure to file his court documents within time.

Justice Fadima Aminu, in a ruling, also fined the PRP over its delay in filing its counter affidavit in opposition to the aggrieved presidential aspirant’s amended originating summons.

Ms Aminu had fixed November 25 for a definite hearing in a suit filed by Patience Ndidi Key, a female presidential aspirant in the June 5 primary election conducted by the party.

The judge, who granted the application filed by Ms Key to amend her originating summons on November 18, ordered all parties to file their processes before the next adjourned date and adjourned to Friday for a definite hearing.

The lawyer to the first defendant (PRP), Regina Audu, explained that there was network failure on Thursday at the FHC filing office when she tried to file her application.

The lawyer, who said she could only do that on Friday, prayed the court for an adjournment.

Ijeoma Madu, who appeared for Mr Abiola, spoke in the same vein.

But Mr Ihejirlrika described the defence counsel’s act as “a deliberate attempt to stall proceedings in the suit.”

The lawyer, who said the case was filed on June 28, said, “time is of essence in its determination.”

He said by provision of the constitution, the court had only 180 days to dispose of the matter, saying practically now, the court has less than a month to have the case determined

He argued that the defendants were only employing a delay tactic to stall the hearing and determination of the suit.

Mr Ihejirika, who told the court that he comes to the court from Kebbi, said if the court would be inclined to grant the defence application, a cost should be imposed.

He asked for a cost of N200,000.

The defence counsel, who disagreed with him, prayed the court to dismiss the request.

In her ruling, Ms Aminu said an award of cost should not be a punishment but compensation.

The judge, consequently, ordered the PRP (first defendant) and Mr Abiola (third defendant) to pay the sum of N20, 000 each to the plaintiff’s counsel.

She adjourned the matter until December 2 for a definite hearing.

RUKAYAT SHITTU, HER TEAM PITCH LONG TERM VISION FOR NIGERIA _plans to conquer the world

As the National visioning retreat of the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund continues with the hashtag #TheNigeriaWeWant, the All Progressives Congress of Owode Onire state constituency, Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu and her team at the fellowship pitched a long-term vision for Nigeria.

In their pitch, the group named, Big 7 pictured how they want Nigeria to look in 2050.

The group said in 2050, Nigeria’s governance and economy are now stable and take its place as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Nigeria’s technological infrastructure advancement is now a force to reckon with in different spheres of human endeavour.

 

The health and education systems are driven by artificial intelligence and is accessible to all. The entire government system is now all fully digitized and embedded with transparent political and legal processes.

The group noted that active Civic participation, accountable governance, patriotism/Pursuit of National Aspiration, Diversified Government Revenue, Technological Innovation & Advancement, and Food Security among others are the push factors.

In 2050, the group pictured that Nigeria becomes the largest first to innovate solar-powered airplanes, setting a global record.

Nigerians take remarkable steps at electing competent and passionate youths to represent the people, Massive education reforms in Nigeria, Nigeria’s ease of doing business index becomes the best in Africa, Technologically driven agricultural practices contribute 45% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Nigeria entertainment industry becomes the biggest in the world and others are among remarkable achievements that have happened in Nigeria before 2050

ADELEKE REACTS TO OYETOLA'S LATE HOUR APPOINTMENT, DESCRIBE IT AS GREEK GIFT

The Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday, appointed 30 civil servants as permanent secretaries.

The names of those appointed were contained in a statement signed by the Head of Service, Dr Festus Oyebade.

The statement said those appointed would fill existing vacancies in the state civil service.

But the Osun Governor-Elect, Ademola Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, warned those appointed against taking up the post.

The statement read in part, “We want to put on record that those who accept the appointments should be ready to leave the service whether or not their service tenure has reached statutory age.

“The occupants will be treated as political appointees who will automatically follow the outgoing governor out of public service from November 28.

“At the same time, those who still want to remain in service of the Osun state Government should decline the Greek gift from the outgoing governor. We affirm that no waiver will be entertained in sacking from office any kangaroo permanent secretary.”

KWARA HOSTS PDP PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN COUNCIL WITH MAMMOTH CROWD.....TROVE ONLINE MEDIA

Earlier today, the People's Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Team landed in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital in continuation of their 2023 campaign promises.

Leading the Atiku/Okowa campaign council to to Ilorin, the former governor and 8th Senate President Doctor Abubakar Bukola Saraki welcome all invitees to the state of harmony and home of peace.

In his remarks, former Senate President thanked People's Democratic Party supporters across sixteen Local Government areas of the State for their commitment and steadfastness on the party urged not to relent until the victory of 2023 general elections is achieved .

He described APC administration as incompetent, visionelss government urged electorate to use their power of thumb to kick them out of Kwara and Nigeria at large.

Aso speaking, National Chairman of the Party, Iyorchia Ayu reaffirmed party's commitment towards creation of social programmes that will cut across seven hundred and seventy-four local government in Nigeria.

In his corroborative view, Presidential candidate Allhaji Atiku Abubakar promised to create programme that will care for youth yearnings added that, his Government will earmark over two million Dollars for the empowerment of women and younger ones.

He implored Kwarans to join People's Democratic Party winning train, emphasized that the country lost glory will be reverted through various programmes of his administration

NIGERIA YOUTH FUTURE FUNDS HOST RUKAYAT SHITTU IN ABUJA

The Nigerian Youth Future Funds at its visioning process host 26 year old All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate for Owode Onire state constituency, Rukayat Shittu and other national delegates in Abuja, Nigeria.

Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu was earlier nominated as a National delegate for the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) National Visioning Process.

The NYFF is a initiative of LEAP Africa, MacArthur Foundation, and Ford Foundation to support and enable young people in Nigeria for youth leadership, activism, and social change through outcome-driven policy-making and inclusive resourcing that will enable young people to shape national development.

Rukayat has joined other delegates across the six geo-political zones in the country at the federal capital, being the national representative of the North Central geo political zone.

The youngest APC candidate is a former senate president at the Congress of National Open University of Nigeria Students (CONS) and a journalist.

ATIKU'S CAMP DROPS BOMBSHELL, REVEALS HOW WIKE SENDS PETER OBI, 2 GOVERNORS OUT OF PDP

The spokesperson of the Atiku/Okowa presidential campaign council Daniel Bwala has alleged that Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state, chased Peter Obi out of the PDP.

The PDP chieftain also alleged that Wike is responsible for the defection of Governors Dave Umahi and Ben Ayade to the APC.

Bwala alleged that when the discussion of zoning the party's presidential ticket to the southeast came up, Wike saw Obi as a threat and call for the ticket to be zoned to the south and not just southeast. 

It would be recalled that Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate, was the vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 election before leaving the party a few months before its presidential primary.

FG, STATES, LGs SHARE N736.8b

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), has shared the sum of N736.782 billion to the Federal, States and Local Governments from the federally collected revenue in the month of October.

A communique issued at the end of the FAAC meeting in Abuja, yesterday, indicated that the revenue was from various sources, including the Federation Account, proceeds of the Value Added Tax (VAT), Exchange Gain and augmentation from Non-Oil Revenue.

The breakdown of sources of funds indicated the Statutory Revenue stood at N417.724 billion, Value Added Tax (VAT) of N213.283 billion, Exchange Gain of N5.775 billion, and N100 billion Augmentation from Non-Oil Revenue, bringing the total distributable for the month to N736.782 billion.

The Federal Government received N293.955 billion, States N239.512 billion, Local Government Councils N177.086 billion, while the Oil producing states received an additional N26.228 billion as derivation, (13% of Mineral Revenue).

The Gross Revenue available from the VAT for October 2022 was distributed as follows: Federal Government, N31.992 billion, States received N106.642 billion, while LGs got N74.649 billion.

The FG got N206, 576 billion from the Statutory Revenue of N417.724 billion, States N104.778 billion, LGCs got N80.779 billion, and Oil Derivation (13% Mineral Revenue) got N25.591 billion.

In order to meet the N700 billion monthly distribution threshold, N70 billion was add as augmentation.

It was shared as follows: FG received N36.876 billion, States got N18.704 billion, while the Local Government Councils were given N14.420 billion

Another extra N30 billion Augmentation from Non-Oil Revenue was distributed as follows; Federal Government received N15.804 billion, the States got N8.016 billion, while the Local Government Councils received N6.180 billion.

The Communiqué also showed that the sum of N5.775 billion from Exchange Gain was shared thus: Federal Government received N2.707 billion, States got N1.373 billion, Local Government Councils received N1.058 billion and Derivation (13% of Mineral Revenue) got N0.637 billion.

The committee revealed that Oil and Gas Royalties, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Import Duty recorded considerable decreases, while Value Added Tax (VAT), and Companies Income Tax (CIT) increased significantly, while Excise Duty increased marginally.

Only $472.513 was the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) as at yesterday, according the FAAC.

BUHARI APPOINTS LAURETTA ONOCHI NDDC BOARD CHAIRMAN

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Lauretta Onochie, as chairman of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Her appointment was conveyed in a letter read at plenary on Wednesday, by Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

The letter from the President to the senate also announced the nomination of 15 others, as NDDC board members.

The president requested the Senate to confirm Onochie and other nominees, as members of the NDDC Board.

NAIRA RECOLORING: BUHARI EXPRESSES DELIGHT OVER NEW banYknotes, PRAISES NSPM, CBN

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday inaugurated the new naira banknotes, expressing delight that the recoloured currencies were locally produced by the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting (NSPM) Plc.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new banknotes which preceded the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, Mr Buhari explained in detail the basis for his approval to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to redesign the ₦‎200, ₦‎500 and ₦‎1000 banknotes.

According to the president, the new naira banknotes have been fortified with security features that make them difficult to counterfeit.

He added that the new banknotes would help CBN to design and implement better monetary policy objectives, as well as enrich the collective memory of Nigeria’s heritage.

Mr Buhari commended the CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele and his deputies for the initiative.

He equally thanked the Managing Director, Executive Directors and staffers of NSPM PLC “for working tirelessly with the apex bank to make the currency redesign a reality, and for printing the new Naira notes within a comparatively short time.”

According to him, international best practice requires central banks and national authorities to issue new or redesigned currency notes every five to eight years.

Mr Buhari said that it was now almost 20 years since the last major redesign of the country’s local currency was done.

The president implied that the naira was long overdue to wear a new look.

Mr Buhari said: “A cycle of banknote redesign is generally aimed at achieving specific objectives, including but not limited to: improving security of banknotes.

“It is also aimed at mitigating counterfeiting, preserving the collective national heritage, controlling currency in circulation, and reducing the overall cost of currency management.

“As is known, our local laws, specifically the Central Bank of Nigeria Act of 2007, grants the CBN the power to issue and redesign the naira.

“In line with this power, the bank’s Governor approached me earlier in this year to seek my permission to embark on a currency redesign project.

“I considered all the facts and reasons presented before me by the Central Bank.”

Mr Buhari, therefore, expressed the hope that the new notes would address the urgent need to take control of currency in circulation.

He said that it would also address the menace of hoarding naira banknotes outside the banking system and curb the shortage of clean and fit banknotes in circulation.

The president added that the redesigned notes would also address the increase in counterfeiting of high-denomination Naira banknotes.

“It is on this basis that I gave my approval for the redesign of the ₦‎200, ₦‎500 and ₦‎1000 banknotes.

“While this may not be apparent to many Nigerians, only four out of the 54 African countries print their currencies in their countries, and Nigeria is one.

“Hence, a majority of African countries print their currencies abroad and import them the way we import other goods.

“That is why it is with immense pride that I announce to you that these redesigned currencies are locally produced right here in Nigeria by NSPM Plc,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Emefiele thanked the president for his unwavering support for the redesign and distribution of the new notes.

According to him, the new notes will control inflation, make policies more effective, ensure financial inclusion and fight corruption.

The CBN governor also said that by international best practice, the redesign of notes should be every five to eight years.

He said, “and the currency in circulation had been in use for 19 years, with spiralling challenges on the economy, especially on security and counterfeiting.”

Mr Emefiele also appreciated the president for his insistence that the initial notes must be designed and produced within the country, further placing confidence in NSPM Plc.

“Mr. President, only a President of your esteemed and incorruptible stature could have done what we are witnessing today,’’ he added.

Mr Emefiele listed more benefits of the redesigned naira notes to include enhanced security, greater durability, attractiveness and promotion of rich cultural heritage. 

RUKAYAT SHITTU JETS OUT TO REPRESENT NORTH CENTRAL IN ABUJA

Kwara sensational politician and All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate for Owode Onire state constituency, Rukayat Shittu has jetted out to the Federal Capital Territory to represent the North Central geo-political zone at a National program for youths.

The 26-year-old journalist turned politician from the harmonious state of Kwara is the youngest APC candidate in Nigeria.

Rukayat Shittu, who is to join representatives from other geo-political zones in Abuja today has been raising Kwara's profile in many National programs and across media spaces since declaring her intention to become the representative of Owode Onire state constituency, in Asa local govt area of Kwara State.

OUR MOTHER KILLED ON AL-MUSTAPHA'S ORDER, KUDIRAT ABIOLA'S CHILDREN INSIST

Children of the late Kudirat Abiola, wife of Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner of June 12, 1993, presidential election, have maintained that their mother was killed on the orders of the presidential candidate of Action Alliance, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd).

Khafila Abiola reiterated this in a statement, on behalf of Kudirat’s children, yesterday.

Khafila was reacting to a statement attributed to Al-Mustapha, where he claimed Vice President Yemi Osinbajo coerced Sergeant Jabila Mshelia, aka Sergeant Rogers, to implicate him (Al-Mustapha) during the 1998 Oputa panel.

At the panel, Rogers confessed to having taken part in the assassination under Al-Mustapha’s orders. Though Al-Mustapha was sentenced to death by hanging in 2012, he was later released by a court of appeal in Lagos.

Reacting to the interview, Kudirat Abiola’s children said: “Our attention has been drawn to a recent statement made by Major Hamza Al-Mustapha. In it, he accused the current Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, of instigating Sergeant Rogers to falsely claim that he, Al-Mustapha, was behind the assassination of our mother, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

“The evidence of Rogers was not challenged by Al-Mustapha and his lawyers at the Oputa Panel. Second, the Lagos High Court convicted and sentenced the armed agents of Al-Mustapha to imprisonment for the attempted murder of Senator Abraham Adesanya.

“Third, the Lagos State High Court also convicted and sentenced Al-Mustapha and his accomplices to death for the cold-blooded murder of our mother.

“Their subsequent acquittal by the Court of Appeal was, most likely, politically motivated. The appeal filed against the judgment is currently pending at the Supreme Court.

“However, Al-Mustapha may be counting on the pervasive culture of impunity in Nigeria to not only attempt to deny his dastardly role in the assassination of a defenceless woman; but to also now contemplate running for office, along with Mohammed Abacha, who was alleged to have provided his driver to convey the assassins to carry out the mission.

“Impunity lays waste to the promise of the democracy for which our dear mother paid the ultimate price.

“Impunity lays waste to the promise of the democracy for which our dear mother paid the ultimate price.

“As those that oversaw her assassination now seek to rewrite the history of what they did, we are forced to seek justice for our beloved mother within a jurisdiction not susceptible to the political games that hold sway in Nigeria. Justice may be delayed but it must not be denied.”

Kudirat, the wife of late Chief MKO Abiola, was assassinated on June 4, 1996

AFTER WORLD CUP WIN OVER ARGENTINA, SAUDI ARABIA DECLARES PUBLIC HOLIDAY on WEDNESDAY

Saudi Arabia shocked Argentina in the World Cup on Tuesday with a 2-1 victory over Lionel Messi’s side, prompting an outpouring of Arab pride amidst the first staging of soccer’s top tournament in the Middle East.

King Salman declared a public holiday in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to mark the achievement, a feather in the cap of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who recommended the royal order state media said. Prince Mohammed was not seen at the match but had been front and centre at the tournament opening on Sunday.

It was also a sweet moment for host Qatar, facing intense criticism over human rights in the conservative Muslim country. Qatar’s emir draped the Saudi flag over his shoulders at the match. A Doha skyscraper flashed “Congratulations Greens.”

“Wow! I have all the feelings right now. We beat Argentina, one of the great teams!” said Saad from Riyadh who is in Qatar for two weeks and was wearing a green Saudi Falcons scarf.

Our guys played so well – everything went right inside the stadium today. It was amazing.”

On his fifth and final quest for the only major trophy to elude him, Messi, 35, scored a 10th minute penalty in a dominant first half display by Argentina during which he and Lautaro Martinez also had three goals disallowed for offside.

BUHARI UNVEILS REDESIGNED NAIRA NOTES ON WEDNESDAY

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele said President Muhammadu Buhari will unveil the redesigned naira notes on Wednesday, November 23.

Emefiele made this known during the apex bank’s Monetary Policy Committee monthly meeting in Abuja.

The CBN governor said the bank decided not to wait till the initial Thursday, December 15 date of unveiling the redesigned naira notes.

Emefiele explained that the early unveiling will help hasten the phasing out of the existing naira notes.

“100 days is enough for any person from any part of Nigeria to deposit his money in the bank and get his money when the new notes are released,” Emefiele said.

“For information, indeed, we are no longer waiting till December 15th to unveil and begin to release the new notes.

“By the special grace of God, tomorrow, which is the 23rd of November 2022, the President has graciously accepted to unveil the new currencies and the new currencies will be unveiled tomorrow at the Federal Executive Chamber by 10am

ANOTHER HEARTBEAT DEATH HITS ILORIN AS JUSTICE TITI DAIBU PASSES ON

Barely 24 hour of Kwara State University Vice Chancellor's death, another shocking story surface at the realm of the day as Kwara State High Court Judge, Justice Titi Daibu passed on.

PDP IS OFFICIALLY DEAD...FAYOSE

With the 2023 elections inching closer, Isaac Fayose, younger brother to erstwhile Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is dead.

Fayose declared that PDP is officially dead in Lagos State and the Southwest geopolitical zone.

He made the remark while reacting to the alleged commotion between PDP members in Lagos State on Sunday.

In a viral video, PDP supporters were seen telling Bode George and the G-5 governors that they would vote for Atiku during the presidential election.

This reportedly happened when George asked them not to vote for Atiku and Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran popularly known as Jandor

Jandor is the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in Lagos State and is presently not on good terms with George.

Reacting to the video, Fayose wrote on his Facebook: “PDP officially dead in southwest and Lagos!! Buried yesterday.”

The Governor Nyesom Wike-led G-5 governors had been against the PDP leadership over alleged imbalance within the party.

The Wike-led group had said PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar and Iyorchia Ayu, who is the party’s National Chairman, can’t come from the same zone.

KEYAMO ACCUSES S/SOUTH GOVS OF MISMANAGING N450bn ARREARS PAID BY BUHARI

Spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo, has accused South-South governors of being unable to effectively utilize the arrears paid by Buhari-led administration last year.

Wike had during the inauguration of the N17 billion Port Harcourt Campus of the Nigerian Law School on Friday spoken on the N450 billion shared by oil producing states in 2021 as 13% derivatives.

The governor said President Buhari’s gesture was the major source of revenue for his projects, including the flyovers, the law school and the cancer centre.

He said: “Monies that were not paid to the Niger Delta states since 1999 mainly 13 per cent deductions, the President approved and paid all of us in Niger Delta states.”

Keyamo in a tweet on Monday slammed South-South governors, especially in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for abusing the Buhari-led administration despite its gesture.

He said: “Dead silence from all the S/South Govs since the revelation by Gov. Wike. Yet, they make it a pastime to abuse Buhari’s govt everyday when they cannot account for the humongous amounts released to them by Buhari’s govt, monies PDP past govts failed to pay

437,354 PVCs UNCOLLECTED IN OSUN– REC

Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC)  Dr Mutiu Agboke, of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Sunday said 437,354 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are yet uncollected in Osun.

Agboke stated this while speaking at the Union Baptist Church, Osogbo, as part of the Commission’s public sensitisation exercise.

He said, “Before you are eligible to vote, you need to have your Permanent Voter Card.

“Most people have refused to collect their PVCs.

“In Osun State, as I talk to you, we have 437,354 PVCs uncollected. This number of PVCs are sufficient to make somebody a governor in Osun state.

“I want to appeal to you to approach our 30 Local Government Offices to collect your PVCs.”

He encouraged residents to go and collect their PVCs and vote in the coming 2023 elections saying, with the technology INEC has adopted, there is guarantee that their votes would count.

“I assure you , nobody will win this coming election in 2023 as INEC will not declare anybody winner, except whoever people have voted for.

“Forget about all the misgivings that you have about the process, INEC has rededicated the pattern of voting.

“Our technology will guarantee the sacredness of your votes. Nobody can steal or hijack your vote again. Nobody can be declared winner except the person you vote for,” he said

UK: WE'LL SUPPORT NIGERIA TO DELIVER CREDIBLE ELECTIONS IN 2023

Catriona Laing, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, says the United Kingdom will support the country in delivering credible elections in 2023.

Laing said this on Sunday during an interview in Abuja.

She said the UK is positive that Nigeria will deliver free and fair polls in 2023 as soon as the amended electoral act is enforced.

Laing added that the UK government would monitor the election, just as he has supported the electoral process through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

What I have just said now – the advocacy – is showing Nigerians that we care about their democracy, and we are watching it,” she said.

“In a practical way, for many elections, we have been supporting INEC – your electoral body – to ensure it has got the necessary systems and processes in place. And in each election, we have seen INEC improve its processes.

“We were the partner who supported the passing of the electoral act. It was a project that we funded through legal advisors to help you actually write that electoral act and look at best practices globally.

And it has been instrumental. So, with the passing of that, then the possibility for electronic transmission of votes, the young people feel much more confident that their votes will count.

“So we provided that support, we support civil society, YIAGA’s Not Too Young To Run Campaign, alongside U.S partners, we support that and we have been supporting women groups, in particular, to encourage young women, more women to try and stand for political offices.

“We are supporting voter education, encouraging voters to understand the importance of going out to vote. So we are involved in a number of different ways.

WHY I AM YET TO APPOINT POLITICIANS INTO MY CABINET – GOV OYEBANJI. -----TROVE ONLINE MEDIA

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has explained his delay in appointing politicians into his cabinet, saying he does not want distractions as he sets out to form a formidable team for his administration.

The governor said he was aware of the concerns by party members over his appointments so far and assured them that they would not be neglected.

The governor who spoke while swearing in new commissioners and special advisers on Friday, also noted that his appointments were strictly by merit.

The new appointees and their portfolios are Akintunde Oyebode, Commissioner for Finance, and Oyebanji Filani, Commissioner for Health.

The Special Advisers are Niyi Adebayo, Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management; Tayo Adeola, Investment, Trade and industry; Ebenezer Boluwade, Agriculture and Food Security; Kofoworola Aderiye, Education, Science and Technology; Jide Awe, Political and Inter Party Affairs; Tope Ogunleye, Bureau of Special Project; Seun Fakuade, Governance, Reforms and Innovation; and Olayinka Oyebode, Media and Strategy/Chief Press Secretary.

“I am not unmindful of the fact that there have been concerns on the configuration of these appointments,” he said.

“I will like to place on record that I am committed to my campaign promise that party leaders will play a very critical role in appointments to political offices at the appropriate time.”

To the appointees, the governor said, “Let me state that you were carefully chosen to be part of our team on our journey to Ekiti Prosperity because of my abiding confidence in your ability and competence.

POLITICS2023: ATIKU HAS ONLY 7 GOVERNORS WORKING FOR HIM – OSHIOMHOLE-----TROVE ONLINE MEDIA

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, a former National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has insisted that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has only seven governors supporting him.

Oshiomhole also expressed absolute confidence in the ability of the APC’s 2023 presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to have a landslide victory at the poll.

According to the former Edo State governor, all the 23 APC governors are working persistently towards the success of Tinubu in the 2023 general elections.

Oshiomhole stated this while addressing State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Friday.

He said he was in the State House to express formal appreciation to Buhari for his determination and commitment to the APC ahead of the 2023 elections.

Oshiomhole said, “So if you ask me how we are doing, we are doing very well. Whereas the other [PDP] is now battling with five governors that backed out, and you find out how many governors they have, we have twenty-three.

“Now, if you add twenty-three to five, I am not saying the five are with us, but we have twenty-three with five. I guess that is twenty-eight. If you subtract twenty-eight from thirty-six, it means only eight governors, in fact, seven, because the other one in APGA isn’t there.

So, while he [Atiku] has seven governors working for him, we have twenty-three working for us, and we have five who are neutral. You know, when you’re voting, when I was in ILO, you vote for, against, or you abstain. Abstinence is as good as voting against.”