COURT NULLIFIES ALL APC PRIMARIES IN RIVERS STATE

The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, has declared all the primaries conducted by the main opposition party in the state, All Progressive Congress (APC), as null and void.

The verdict given on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 was as a result of a suit lodged some aggrieved APC members loyal to Senator Magnus Abe, erstwhile Rivers APC factional leader who later defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and picked its governorship ticket for the 2023 election.

The aggrieved APC members had approached the court to challenge the conduct of the party’s primary following their alleged exclusion from functioning as delegate during the exercise.

The judgement is a huge setback for party, as it faces the prospect of not participating in the 2023 election – just as happened during the 2019 polls.

BRAIN DRAIN: 10,296 NIGERIAN DOCTORS PRACTICING IN UK, SAYS NMA

The Nigerian Medical Association says Nigeria is now battling with its worst situation of brain drain in history, as no fewer than 10,296 Nigeria-trained doctors are currently practising in the United Kingdom.

The association’s National President, Dr Uche Ojinmah, raised the concern on Monday at a press briefing to mark the 2022 Physicians’ Week in Ibadan.

Ojinmah, represented by the Oyo State NMA Chairman, Dr Wale Lasisi, said, “Currently, Nigeria has the third highest number of foreign doctors working in the UK after India and Pakistan.

“While we are losing our human resources to health in geometric progression, Lassa Viral Hemorrhagic fever, Malaria, COVID-19, Ebola, Marburg, and so on, are still very much available in the face of worsening incidences of systemic hypertension with or without complications, diabetes mellitus with or without complications, osteoarthritis, and so on.

We call on our governments at all levels, to quickly declare emergency action in Nigeria’s health sector for the sake of its citizens.”

Ojinmah also expressed dissatisfaction over the welfare of members amidst a lack of facilities and infrastructure.

He added, that  Nigerian doctors are poorly paid, overworked, lack of necessary work tools has become a target for kidnapping

“We, as Nigerian doctors, have been taken from the lofty heights of nobility to nothingness by the neglect and possible disdain for the health sector by successive governments.

“The penchant of state governments for seizing or slashing our salaries and paying them piecemeal at their convenience, without interest, has become a subject of folklore and, hence, cannot be allowed to continue.”

The NMA in Taraba State on Monday decried the ratio of doctors to patients in the state, saying one doctor attends to 10,000 patients in the state.

The chairman of the state’s branch, Dr Bako Ali, disclosed this at a press conference as part of activities to mark the 2022 Physician Week in Jalingo.

While enumerating the challenges facing doctors in the state, Bako noted that the state had yet to start the implementation of CONMESS for doctors on the state payroll.

Another challenge is that the state is yet to start payment of hazard allowance for doctors practising in Taraba State and they are now moving to federal hospitals while those in the federal service are moving abroad over poor remuneration and conditions of service.

The poor state of facilities in most of the state hospitals is also discouraging even though the Wukari, Gembu, and Bambur General Hospitals are receiving attention by the present administration,” he said.

Ekiti hospitals

In the same vein, the Chairman, NMA, Ekiti State Branch, Dr Niyi Rosiji, lamented that brain drain is killing the health sector in the state, saying urgent steps needed to be taken by the state government to redress the drift.

Rosiji, who said the primary, secondary and tertiary hospitals in the state were grossly short of medical doctors, urged the state government to urgently address the backlog of salaries and allowances owed to doctors, implement hazard allowance and ensure upward review of doctors’ pay.

He said, “Every secondary health centre and specialist hospital in Ekiti should have at least nine doctors but the highest we have is two per hospital. We are supposed to have 276 doctors but we have just 85. How do you expect us to not have high mortality?

“We need about 195 doctors to run the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, but we only have 95. Why should people blame doctors for the monsters the government has created? For the primary, we need 32 doctors, but there are only 12 and four of them will retire soon,” Rosiji said.

2023: I WON'T CAMPAIGN FOR ATIKU, SAYS WIKE

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has declared that he will not campaign for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, because the latter did not consult him before picking members of his campaign council from the State.

He explained that Atiku’s photograph and that of PDP national chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, have been missing in the party’s campaign materials in the State because they don’t want him to campaign for the party at the national level.

Wike, who spoke on Monday during the inauguration of the Rivers State PDP Campaign Council in Port Harcourt, said the party’s presidential candidate selected those he described as “enemies of Rivers State” into his campaign council for the 2023 general elections.

The governor said: “Some people have asked me why is it that they don’t see the presidential candidate’s picture and that of the party chairman? I said what are you talking about? The presidential candidate entered my state and picked members of the presidential council without a whole governor of a state having a contribution.

“The presidential candidate entered Rivers State and picked those he wants to pick without the contribution of the governor. So, they said they don’t need me to campaign for them, that they don’t need Rivers people to campaign for them. Will you force yourself?

“I have never seen how people will disrespect a state like Rivers State and go and choose those who are enemies of the state without our contributions.”

Wike stated that PDP members in the State do not know the nominees from the State on Atiku’s campaign list, noting that he and the party in the state will only campaign for the governorship candidate, the senatorial candidates, and others who carry them along.

The governor said: “If they want us to be involved in the campaign, they will come and tell us. If he thinks we are important, they will come and meet us. Nobody can intimidate Rivers State when I am still the governor of the State.”

He stated that the setting up of the State campaign council was to bring out strategies on how to go along with the campaigns and the election proper.

Wike said: “This campaign council is to bring out strategies on how to campaign on how to follow the election. This election is a different election. It will not be as usual.”

The governor said each of the 23 local government areas in the state will have its own strategy to mobilise the people

He said: “Some of you have been quarreling that my name is not there. The campaign council is just a general policy council and they will now bring people who will be in each of the committees…those of you who are crying that my name is not there, everybody’s names cannot be in the campaign council; it is not possible.

“And two, the campaign council is not for sharing money. I am the chairman of the campaign council. So, think that you will submit your budget to the governor and DG (director general).

“The campaign council will approve every budget which is presided over by me, the DG is for implementation. So, don’t think that the governor is my person. It doesn’t work that way.”

THUGS ATTACK JANDOR'S CAMPAIGN CONVOY

The campaign convoy of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State, Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, was attacked by thugs said to be armed with guns and other dangerous weapons on Sunday. 

The incident was said to have occurred at the Ikoga junction in Badagry Local Government Area.

 

Some members of the party and journalists sustained injuries in the attack.

 

I WON'T GOVERN FROM DUBAIIi, TINUBU MOCKS ATIKU

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, on Sunday afternoon in Kano, declared that he would devote 100 per cent of his time and energy to serving Nigerians if elected.

This was as the former Lagos State governor mocked the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, pledging that he would not be a part-time president that would spend 50 per cent of his time ruling the country from Dubai.

This was contained in a statement released in Abuja by Tinubu’s Media Officer, Tunde Rahman, shortly after his interactive session with members of the popular Tijjaniyyah sect in Kano.

The statement partly read, “I won’t be a part-time President who will share time between living in Dubai and Nigeria. I would concentrate attention and energy on confronting and surmounting Nigeria’s pressing challenges.”

Tinubu’s mockery was coming barely two months after his running mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, described the former vice president as a political tourist who only returned to the country every electoral cycle.

While referring to Atiku as a father he held in high esteem, Shettima said Nigerians wanted a leader whose worth and output could be felt at home.

Endorsing Tinubu’s ambition on Sunday, the Tijjaniyyah sect demanded that his presidency should ensure inclusion of their members in cabinet and other government appointments, reduction in Hajj fares and assistance in concluding Tijjaniyyah University under construction in Kano.

Reacting, Tinubu said the answers to their demand were in his manifesto, which was unveiled on Friday by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

While assuring the northern business leaders of better business environment with well-thought-out policies, Tinubu identified the link between Kano as a centre of commerce and his economic plan for Nigeria.

He said, “There is a strong nexus between the place of Kano as a centre of prosperity and my plan for Nigeria. What I pledge is a revamped economy which will renew the hope of our people. Our country needs multiple centres of prosperity, and we intend to achieve that by adding value across all sectors of our economy.

“As I said during my speech at the Arewa House on Monday, Nigeria is sitting on a goldmine. There is no state in Nigeria that is lacking in one resources or another. We are determined to explore and exploit these resources to the maximum benefits of our people. Kano, for example, has huge agricultural potentials and important mineral resources underneath its ground like gold, silver, nickel, tin ore and columbite. Each of these, if properly harnessed, can add significantly to our economy as a country.”

PETER OBI'S DONATION TO ANAMBRA FLOOD VICTIMS IS UNACCEPTABLE.. BUHARI'S AIDE

Bashir Ahmad, one of the aides to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has described as unacceptable the donation of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi to the flood victims in Anambra State.

Ahmad in one of tweets on Sunday, said, "A former governor and presidential candidate donating a grinding machine and 24 loaves of bread to thousands of flood victims, Comrade, we are in 2022 for God’s sake.

We urge you to respect your family and correct it."

When he was tackled by Gesare Chife, who was affected by the flood about what he had done to help, Ahmad responded,

"That is what I am already doing, Gesare, you can see I am urging the former Governor of Anambra State to do more for his people. The State helped him to become a billionaire, and now in their time of need he is busy donating a grinding machine and loaves of bread. Unacceptable!"

Obi visited flood victims in Anambra on Saturday and donated some relief materials.

TRUCK CRUSHES THREE TRAVELLERS TO DEATH IN OGUN

A truck has crushed three travellers to death and injured others in an accident that occurred in the Obada area of Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

Our correspondent gathered that the fatal incident happened at about 07:15 am, around the Obada police station on the Lagos-Abeokuta highway.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Ogun State, Florence Okpe, said five male adults were involved in the crash.

She said, “Two persons sustained injury and unfortunately, three persons were killed.

She added that the vehicles involved were a Volvo mini truck with no registration number and a taxi, a Nissan car marked with registration number AKM489ZY.

Okoe said, “The suspected cause of the crash was route violation on the part of the truck driver as it collided with the Nissan car.”

She said that the injured victims have been taken to a General hospital in Abeokuta for medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased victims were deposited at the same hospital’s morgue.

Meanwhile, the Ogun FRSC Sector Commander, Ahmed Umar, while commiserating with the families of the crash victims, advised motorists to avoid route violation completely.

Umar added that safety is everybody’s business, especially in this season of high vehicular movement, stating that, “everyone should drive cautiously and obey traffic rules and regulations.”

BREACH OF CONTRACT: YAMAH WILL FACE WRATH OF LAW ...AJIA

Former gubernatorial Candidate under the canopy of Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party (ANRP)  Doctor Ajia AbdulMumini has continue threatening People's Democratic Party Gubernatorial candidate Abdullahi Shuaibu over the breach of contract.

Doctor Ajia stated this while addressing journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital, explained why he would not be distracted on the course of his judgement.

He further disclosed that his dispute with Abdullahi Shuaibu Yaman which has turned into a political circus show by some unethical elements. And while the instant case started during the defendant’s days in the APC, the issue in dispute isn't a political one and I detest attempts to turn it into one

Lately, it has been observed that in public discourse — there is a growing disregard for the truth and a deliberate attempt to be careless with facts and evidence (Fischer, 2022).

Those behind the malicious article under reference deliberately concocted a scenario further from the substance of the suit between Abdullahi Shuaibu Yaman and me and it became clear to me that these are people that are contemptuous of the truth and would do any and everything to fight their opponents including embracing deliberate falsehoods; I am not one of those. 

This episode has shown this fly-by-night - hack writers as people without scruples as they went to town with a patently false story. My dispute with Abdullahi Shuaibu Yaman is anchored on the truth and cannot be tainted by the shenanigans of a few paid no scruples to hack writers. 

In the same vein, I will not be distracted in my pursuit of justice and I am using this medium to warn these unscrupulous individuals and their paymasters to keep my name off their mouths and sell their candidate or candidates without muddling the waters. 

I believe in ethics and my philosophical training and belief are anchored on the golden rule. I am using this press conference to warn those behind the article in question and their sponsors to find another trade and as the case goes through the court, everyone, traditional media, new media, and citizen journalists need to report only the truth as observed in the court proceedings. Nothing else will suffice. 

It is clear to me that some people want to create some bolekaja scenario in an attempt to muddle the waters and avoid substantive debates about the state of Kwara and where we are headed in the next four years. Though Abdullahi Shuaibu 

Yaman will not have my vote and is a member of the APC, I will not accept nor be associated with a campaign of calumny and I reject emphatically any attempt to link my name with such. 

Let it be known that my involvement in both Kwara and Nigerian political life is a result of an undying concern that we can do better as a people. Especially here in the great state of Kwara, we are blessed to live in one of the most endowed states in Nigeria. And while it is true that we have abundant mineral resources, agricultural land, and waterways, our greatest resources are the people. Industrious, hard = working folks, who despite the tough economy keep on going, they are the reason why I got involved. 

Because I realized early on that my prosperity is tied to theirs and that I haven't succeeded if some people in Kwara are still living in poverty is why all of my investments except a few are in Kwara. My large-scale commercial farm, real estate firm, management consultancy, hospitality business, educational institution, and tone project, Safehands technologies DBA safehanzz.com are all sited here in the great state of Kwara. These are organizations with people drawing salaries and taking care of their families. 

Recently, I funded an endowment at the Kwara State University in memory of my late mother. The Hajia Habiba Bola Ajia Memorial Foundation Prize in Entrepreneurship was established to help indigent students, particularly female ones to get through the university. Before now, my philanthropic organization, Kwara Development Initiative has helped several kwarans out of poverty. And in continuation of my philanthropic ways, I recently established the Agaka Football Academy and the Ilorin Gifted Academy. Both of these organizations are established to help the neediest but often neglected ones among us. 

These are the reasons why I am involved in our political process because it is too important to leave career politicians alone. My advice to young people on social media in particular is to have a long view and not allow politicians no matter how highly placed to destroy their futures. | implore them to resist the urge to write fabricated stories about people even when they are on opposing sides. I disagree with the view that says all is fair in love, war, and in politics. | believe fundamentally that governance is important and shouldn't be turned into 

a circus show and that opposing sides should be ready to debate the issues not; resort to mudslinging and campaigns of calumny. 

I will also like to say to those on Abdullahi Shuaibu Yaman’s payroll — people like Wahab Oba and Mustapha Abdullahi CommonSense — who ironically have no dint of sense — You all will be hearing from my lawyers very soon. Though | have a dispute with your principal, I will not descend into the gutter and will not resort to blackmail. I will pursue justice with ethics as my guiding principle. And since you both have violated this normative principle, the two of you along with your principal must be ready to face the consequences under the law

COOKING GAS PRICE INCREASES BY 86.62% IN ONE YEAR – NBS

The average price of 5kg of cooking gas increased from N4,456.56 in August to N4,474.48 in September, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has stated.

It stated in its “Cooking Gas Price Watch’’ for September 2022 released on Saturday in Abuja that the September price was a 0.40 per cent increase over what obtained in August.

On a year-on-year basis, the September 2022 price of N4,474.48 for 5Kg of gas was an 86.62 per cent increase over the price of N2,397.60 obtainable for the same volume in September 2021, it stated.

On states profile analyses, the report stated that Kwara recorded the highest average price of N4,950 for 5kg of cooking gas, followed by Niger at N4,941.67, and Adamawa at N4,928.29

It added that Abia recorded the lowest price at N4,044.44, followed by Anambra and Kano State at N4,100.00 and N4,109.67, respectively

Analyses by geopolitical zones showed that the North-Central recorded the highest average retail price of N4,715.74, for 5kg cooking gas, followed by the Northeast at N4,539.41

“The South-South recorded the lowest retail price at N4,317.92, the NBS stated

It also reported that the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas cylinder increased from N9,899.34 in August 2022 to N9,906.44 in September, indicating a 0.07 per cent increase on a month-on-month basis.

On a year-on-year basis, the price rose by 60.69 per cent from N6,164.97 in September 2021 to the corresponding period in September 2022.On states analyses, the report indicated that Cross River recorded the highest average retail price for 12.5kg cooking gas at N10,937.50, followed by Kogi at N10,760 and Oyo at N10,723.75

The lowest average price was recorded in Yobe at N8,350, followed by Katsina and Taraba at N8,545.56 and N9,025.78, respectively, the NBS stated

TUNDE, EX-SENATE PRESIDENT, DAVID MARK'S FIRST SON DIES OF CANCER IN LONDON

Tunde Jonathan Mark, the first son of former President of the Senate, David Mark, died in a London hospital on Friday morning.

Paul Mumeh, a spokesman to the former Senate President, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Mumeh said that Tunde died after a long battle with cancer.

He said that the funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.

“Born on the Oct. 13, 1971, Tunde attended Yaba Military School, located in Yaba, Lagos where he obtained his first school leaving certificate.

“He later proceeded to Bradfield College, Berkshire, UK where he attended secondary school.

“Tunde is a Biochemist who obtained a B.Sc degree from Kings College, London.

“He studied immunology alongside biochemistry and later Biological Sciences in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was married with a daughter.”

WIFE DRAGS HUSBAND TO COURT FOR SECRETLY MARRYING 2 MORE WIVES

A housewife, Amina Muhammad, on Friday dragged her husband, Salisu Mohammed, before a Customary Court in Nyanya, Abuja, for alleged secret marriage to two more wives.

The petitioner, who resides in Mararaba, Abuja, made the allegation in a divorce petition she filed against her husband.

She alleged that her husband secretly married two other wives and rented apartments for them in different locations in Abuja, while leaving her in Mararaba.

She said her husband had also been threatening to divorce her and forcefully evict her from her matrimonial home.

She also told the court that her husband had been denying her of her conjugal rights for over five years.

Mrs Muhammad begged the court to grant her divorce, claiming that her life and that of her children were no longer safe.

“I beg this honourable court to grant me divorce and custody of my children because my husband is threatening me and boasting to forcefully evict her from their home if I don’t leave peacefully,” she said.

The respondent, who was present in the court, however, denied the allegations.

The judge, Doocivir Yawe, adjourned the matter until October 31 for hearing.

2023: ADC GOVERNORSHIP RUNNING-MATE IN OYO DEFECTS TO PDP

Emmanuel Oyewole, the running-mate to the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

Emmanuel Oyewole, the running-mate to the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for the 2023 election in Oyo State, has defected to the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

Mr Oyewole announced his defection to PDP on Friday in Ibadan.

According to a reports gathered by TROVE stated that Dr Ganiyu Ajadi is the governorship candidate of ADC for the election.

Addressing newsmen at the Nigerian Union of Journalists’, NUJ, Conference Hall, Mr Oyewole said he had defected to PDP to support the re-election bid of Governor Seyi Makinde.

“I and my followers, spread across the state, have considered this decision and I can say with all sense of responsibility that I have taken this decision in the interest of Oyo State.

“Truth be told, going by the good governance and masterful administration of Gov. Seyi Makinde, the 2023 governorship election in the state should have only one clear contender.

“And that is the incumbent governor, because as they say, one good ‘term’ deserves another,” he said.

Mr Oyewole said the administration of Gov. Makinde was gradually transforming Oyo State to the dream state of residents.

According to him, the different success stories of the Makinde administration in human capacity development, infrastructure development, economic expansion are praise-worthy.

Mr Oyewole said Mr Makinde had also done well in the areas of education, security of lives and properties and health care delivery.

“As loyal and patriotic indigenes of Oyo State, I and the teeming members of the ADC who had earlier signed to my aspiration as ADC deputy governorship candidate, we want these positive developments to continue.

“And we believe that only Gov. Makinde can make this possible,” Mr Oyewole added

MATAWALLE UNDER FIRE AS POLICE SHOOT PDP SUPPORTERS IN ZAMFARA

A cross-section of Nigerians are condemning Governor Bello Matawalle over the use of deadly force by the police in Zamfara State.

In the shooting caught on camera, police operatives fired at supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The incident reportedly occurred at the party’s campaign office in Gusau, the capital, on Thursday, the End SARS second anniversary.

A banner on the building shows the images of PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and Zamfara governorship flagbearer, Dauda Lawal.

In a trending video, the police team targeted a number of youths standing meters away and discharged shots.

A young man was later grabbed and dragged to a pick-up truck. The video ends as officers try to put him in the vehicle; one knelt to shoot again.

In reaction, some citizens accused Matawalle of giving the order. Bullets reportedly hit at least two people and their condition is unknown.

On Twitter, @bekemeluo wrote: This is how they recruited Boko Haram terrorists who join Nigerian armed forces. Why is no one speaking against what’s happening in Zamfara?

@obutedonreal: This happened hours ago in Zamfara state. Gov Matawalle ordered police officers to shut PDP members in Atiku campaign office in Gusau.

@von_Bismack: What Gov. Matawalle is doing to PDP in Zamfara is nothing short of tyrannical. This is clearly unacceptable and the fact that police are in on this tyranny is down casting.

On Tuesday, the state government reiterated the ban on campaigns for the 2023 elections.

Abdullahi Shinkafi, Chairman, Committee on Prosecution of Banditry and Related Offences, spoke to newsmen.

Shinkafi said 80 people, including women, were in the custody of security agencies for aiding bandits.

The official explained that insecurity was why the Matawalle administration stopped political gatherings.

“Those (terrorists) dislodged are now regrouping to attack communities as a form of revenge.

“The Zamfara government is aware of their movement and is tracking them.

“These are some of the reasons the government suspended political rallies and to deal with the situation,” he added.

Last week, Matawalle enforced Executive Order No.10 suspending 2023 activities, and locking down three local government areas – Anka, Bukuyum and Gummi.

Commissioner of Information, Ibrahim Dosara said the governor took the decision “following the loss of lives of our fellow brothers and sisters”.

“Political meetings and gatherings at individual residences are also banned with immediate effect, henceforth.”

BUNI LEFT 7.5 BILLION LEGAL FEES DEBTS, APC CHAIRMAN, ABDULLAHI ADAMU, ALLEGES

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Adamu, has revealed that his predecessor and Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, left behind legal fees debts of 7.5 billion naira.

Mr Adamu made the revelation during a media parley with APC Media Corps at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Thursday while responding to allegations that he sacked all the directors of the party and appointed his kinsmen.

According to reports at our disposal, Mr Buni’s Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee [CECPC] was inaugurated on June 25, 2020, shortly after the dissolution of the Adams Oshiomole National Working Committee.

The committee was given the mandate to reconcile aggrieved party members and organise a national convention for the emergence of a new National Working Committee, NWC, within six months.

 However, the committee ended up spending 24 months in office.

But Mr Adamu, who assumed office in April, said he inherited a disorganized and corrupt system where due process was lacking.

Defending the allegations against him, the former Nasarawa State Governor noted that all decisions the current NWC took were in the interest of the party.

“It is a fallacy (that I have my people working here). In fact, when we came here, it was to reorganise and reconstitute the party. You don’t see the party in a state of mess and look the other way just because you want to be decent and not offend anybody.

“We came and found the party where people are fixing all manners of things. We had a bill of N7.5bn to settle on legal matters alone. We came to find that here everybody was on his own. No control, no system and no due process.

“Everybody was doing what he wanted to do. It is just because you don’t want to be accused of anything that you will allow those kinds of people.

“My DNA has a terrible allergy to that. I am sure most, if not all, of my members in the NWC share in this. So we found the necessity to reorganise the centre and only God knows the extent of appreciation we probably have been won. Of course, every situation of change has a victim of its own and ours is not an exception. And we didn’t do anything with bias or prejudice. The main thing is the interest of the party.

“I know we will be abused and falsely accused but we are humans. I am not saying we don’t make mistakes. But the fact of the matter is that there is nothing we have done deliberately just to promote our own interests. We don’t do it. There is a lot of falsehood going on.”

Mr Adamu also said the payroll of the party was overbloated with mostly ghost workers.

“recently, we tried to introduce table payment. If you are a member of this chapel, you know we don’t have 200 people working for us here. But if you go through the payroll, we are over 200 people. Who are they? How did they come up on the bill? What are they doing for us? Where are their letters of appointments? What condition of service do they have?

“You don’t, because you are afraid of negative media reviews, ignore this. People went to the market square saying we are arranging salaries but can’t pay. That is very far from the truth. We met and paid some arrears when we came in. I don’t have any qualms about this. We did everything in good faith,” he said

The APC chairman also confirmed that all presidential aspirants who contested the APC presidential primaries have resolved to work for the victory of the Bola Tinubu.

POLARIS BANK GETS NEW OWNER

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) on Thursday confirmed the sales of Polaris Bank.

This followed the completion of a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) for the acquisition of a 100 percent stake in Polaris Bank by Strategic Capital Investment Limited (‘SCIL’).

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives had okayed the sale of the bank, noting that the acquisition followed the laid down procedure and the relevant presidential approval, Independent reports.

In a statement signed by its Director, Corporate Communications Department, Osita Nwanisobi, the CBN said that SCIL has paid an upfront consideration of N50 billion to acquire 100% of the equity of Polaris Bank.

TANKER EXPLODES ON LAGOS-IBADAN HIGHWAY

A fuel-laden tanker has exploded along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that the incident happened in the early hours of Thursday.

According to a information gathered, a bus was involved in the raging fire, which occurred at Araromi town, before Sagamu interchange, Ogun State.

Details of the incident is still sketchy, according to the FRSC spokesperson in Ogun, Florence Okpe.

Okpe said rescue operation is still on, adding that the number of people involved is yet to be confirmed.

She explained that the scene has been cordoned off, while traffic was diverted to avert a secondary clash.

“Motorists are advised to make use of alternative routes to avoid unnecessary delay.

“Motorists are advised to remain calm and cooperate with traffic managers managing the situation,” she said.

JUST IN: EKITI STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY SPEAKER IS DEAD

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Funminiyi Afuye has died following a cardiac arrest. 

He was 66 years old.

Rt. Hon Afuye died Wednesday evening at the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado- Ekiti, where he was receiving treatment after suffering a cardiac arrest,” Yinka Oyebode, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, said in a statement Wednesday.

“The late Afuye, 66, was a former Commissioner of the Ekiti State Ministry of Information, and a two-time member of the State Assembly. He was inaugurated Speaker of the sixth Assembly on June 6, 2019.”

FG TO SPEND N10bn ON NIPOST RECAPITALISATION, ANALYSTS KICK

Economy experts have taken a swipe at the Federal Government’s plan to spend N10 billion for the recapitalisation of the Nigerian Postal Services, NIPOST, as contained in the 2023 Appropriation Bill.

Meanwhile, the same amount was appropriated for restructuring of the agency in the 2022 budget.

Commenting on the budgetary allocation, David Adonri Vice Chairman, Highcap Securities, a Lagos-based securities dealing firm, said that allocation for recapitalisation of NIPOST was unnecessary considering the disruptive effect of technology in the postal service space.

He noted that it would be impossible for the Service to survive within the technology environment and called for the closure of the agency.

“NIPOST has virtually collapsed; the idea of NIPOST appears to be obsolete considering the changes that have occurred in the technology space wherein NIPOST has withered away. 

‘‘The way technology has come in and the way the private sector has taken firm control of postage and courier services has made it almost impossible for a Nigerian government enterprise, which is always laden with corruption, to be competitive.

“The best thing, really, is for the government to close down that agency called NIPOST because it can no longer compete in the technology driven environment of today.

Also, as a result of being a government agency, it is already doomed for failure due to inefficiencies and corruption that usually bedevil government enterprises,” Adonri said.

The immediate past Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Founder/CEO, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) Muda Yusuf, said: “A key imperative for fiscal consolidation is to refrain from funding institutions that the government can do without. 

There is no compelling argument in favour of continuous commitment of scarce financial resources for propping up moribund state institutions like NIPOST. It is difficult to justify the recurring budgetary provisions, especially in the light of the current weak fiscal position of the government.”

ASKOMP PETITIONS GOV'S AIDE, THREE OTHERS OVER ALLEGED DEFAMATORY ACT

The Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) has filed petition of defamation against the Special Assistant on New Media to Kwara State Governor, Fafoluyi Olayinka Michael and three others for publishing defamatory statement against the association over the #FreeAkogun campaign.

ASKOMP via a petition signed and submitted on Wednesday at Kwara Police Command Headquarters, Ilorin by its Chairman, Shola Salihu Taofeek and Secretary, Oyewale Oyelola filed against the Special Assistant on New Media to Kwara State Governor, Fafoluyi Michael, AbdulRafiu Olatunjo Ajao Teejay (Facebook), AbdulAzeez Musakallah and Amb Ishaq Alaro.
The individuals, suspected to be working in the interest of the state government, published the defamatory statements against ASKOMP on Saturday, October 15, 2022.

ASKOMP in a statement signed by the Chairman, Shola Salihu Taofeek and Secretary, Oyewale Oyelola, said it “considers the post labeling our esteemed members as hoodlums defamatory and will be taking legal action against the four agents of darkness.

The post shared on several online platforms reads, “Hoodlums who protested at Police Headquarters are not journalists.

“Kwara NUJ wishes to clarify that none of its members staged a protest at the Headquarters of the Kwara State Police Command, Ilorin in the early hours of Friday October 14, 2022.”

The media organization said, “We shall be exploring the Cybercrime (prohibition prevention) Act 2015 to seek redress and ensure that no libelous statement against any of our members is overlooked.

For the purpose of this statement, it is good to state that: “any person who knowingly sends a message or other matter by means of computer systems or that he knows to be false, for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to another or causes such a message to be sent commits an offence under this Act and shall be liable on conviction for a fine of not more than N7,000,000.00 or imprisonment for a term of not more than three years or to both such fine and imprisonment.”

It has been established that when an individual posts on social media, they are acting as publishers and can be sued for making false or defamatory comments.”

KWARA STATE GOVERNMENT ORDERS CONTRACTOR BACK TO SITE OVER ALLEGED SHODDY JOB

The Kwara State Government has threatened to order the consultant and the contractor that constructed the N3.7 billion Diamond Underpass flyover in Ilorin to site over a failed portion of the project.

The flyover, located at the entry point of the state capital, was constructed and commissioned by the immediate past administration in the state in its twilight.

Speaking with journalists when he inspected the failed portion of the project, the state’s Commissioner for Works, Rotimi Ilyasu, said that the state government would also explore what it could get back from those concerned.

“There are many projects like that. This is a job that was initially awarded at N2.5 billion and rose to N3.7 billion. The contract passed through the Executive Council, it approved it and gave the contractor an approval. And those that did that did it on behalf of Kwarans,” he said.

The commissioner, who said that the state government would repair the bad road as part of its responsibility in power, adding that the repair would remove the sufferings of the people plying the road.

“Government has everything to lose when we pursue a legal option. People will suffer effects of bad roads. So, we look at how to mediate by calling the contractor back to site as well as the consultant on this job to ensure proper work was done. But in the interim we have to do what we are supposed to do. That’s why we brought in stone base materials. We will also do some other bad sections of the road where asphalt has cracked. Compaction was not properly done, because it was a rushed job due to the intention to hurriedly commission it.

“The present administration has a lot of job to be commissioned right now. But we are not rushing. We have to give Kwarans the best. We will make sure we complete the jobs to standard before we do commissioning or else we will end up wasting fund. We’re learning from this also,” he said.

The commissioner, who said that the project was not certified by the state ministry, added that materials used to construct the road were not adequate and that the development resulted in quick failure of the road.

MAGISTRATE GRANTS AKOGUN BROTHERS BAIL, BARELY 192 HOURS OF REMAND

Senior Magistrate Muhammed Ibraheem granted the bail application after reviewing the offenses and granting the applicants with a sum of #500, 000 each and the provision of two surety who are known resident of the area of the jurisdiction of the court. 

The office of the commissioner of police was primarily the state prosecutor in the case before it was taken over by the office of the state attorney general, with Abdulmumeen Busari leading the legal team. 

Barrister Busari had argued that the bail motion was served while the office of the commissioner for police was the counsel and would rather the court grant them 48 hours to review the bail motion. 

Senior Magistrate Ibraheem overruled the request and ruled that the bail motion should continue hearing. 

The counsel to the defendant Barrister T.N Olaitan quoted Section 35, 36 sub 5 of the 1999 constitution, section 165, 169 and 170 of the Kwara state administration of criminal justice, on an order of the court admitting the defendant's application for bail or in the alternative.

After granting the bail application, magistrate Muhammed Ibraheem adjourned further hearing on the case till November 23, 2022. 

It could be recalled that the Nigeria Police Force, Kwara State command, charged a journalist with Sobi FM station, Dare Akogun, and his brother, Abdulrasheed Akogun, to a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ilorin over some WhatsApp engagements allegedly indicting the Chief Press Secretary to Kwara State Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye as well as defaming and inciting the public against the government of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

WIKE BLAMES ATIKU, REJECTS BoT’s RESOLUTION ON AYU

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has expressed mixed feelings over comments credited to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, advising Northerners that they should vote for him in the 2023 election because he hails from the northern region.

Wike said if true, such a statement was a threat to the unity of the country at a time when concerted efforts should be made in giving every citizen a sense of belonging.

The governor spoke on Monday at the international wing of the Port Harcourt International Airport, shortly after arriving from Spain.

Wike was accompanied by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu and Samuel Ortom of Abia and Benue States

“I don’t believe that my candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party could make such a statement. But assuming he did make that statement, and this is one of the things we have been saying, this country needs to be united and part of the way you unite it is to include everybody,” he said.

The governor said Atiku’s handlers should also share in the blame for allowing their principal to make such a comment in public.

“That has now confirmed to me one of the reasons why those of them in their camp do not want Ayu to resign because they do not want inclusivity

“Given that the statement is now in the public domain, Wike advised the leadership of the PDP to apologise to Nigerians while explaining the circumstances in which the statement was made.

He added, “If it (statement) was made, as they said, I think, as a party, we need to apologise to Nigerians, assuming the (statement) was made.

“People are denying that it was made but if you watch the video, it appears true but people are saying with recent technology, anything can be done.

Speaking further, Wike took a swipe at the PDP national chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, saying going by his responses to the allegations levelled against him, he stands indicted except proven otherwise.

He added, “Luckily for me, he (Ayu) has now mentioned that he went to the presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Waziri of Adamawa where they discussed the issues of borrowing.

Now, the question is, when you talk about borrowing, who approves borrowing? You must go to the National Working Committee.

He also described as out of order the PDP Board of Trustees resolution that mandated Ayu to commit that he would resign after the 2023 elections

The governor wondered why the BOT could not make Ayu to fulfil his initial commitment that he would resign if a northerner emerges as presidential candidate from the PDP convention.

“To say he should make another commitment that he will resign after the elections, for me, BOT resolution is ridiculous,” the governor said.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT CAMEROON'S LAGDO DAM CAUSING FLOODS IN NIGERIA

In the past week, the rampant flood situation across the country has ravaged many communities, washed away farms and destroyed people’s properties.

Sadly, motorists passing through communities have had to make a detour passing through longer routes to get to their destinations.

Many roads have been washed away, many farmlands, houses, vehicles and other properties have succumbed to the overpowering effect of flooding.

Findings show the country is facing its worst flooding in a decade with the National Emergency authorities describing the situation as “beyond control”.

While the devastating flood situation has become a recurring decimal, different narratives have been put forward as the cause

The flooding has been linked to heavy rainfalls, overflow of local rivers, and the devastating impacts of climate change but most consequentially to the release of excess water from the Lagdo Dam in Northern Cameroon.

NEMA in a terse press statement on September 19 said: “The Lagdo dam operators in the Republic of Cameroon have commenced the release of excess water from the reservoir by September 13, 2022.

“We are aware that the released water cascades down to Nigeria through River Benue and its tributaries thereby inundating communities that have already been impacted by heavy precipitation”

WIKE DUMPS PDP CANDIDATE JANDOR, ENDORSES SANWO-OLU FOR SECOND TERM

Lagos State governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike at at a conference organised by the wives of Lagos state officials, held at Eko Hotel, Lagos.

Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, has endorsed Lagos state, governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for a second term in office.

Wike, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said he endorsed Sanwo-Olu for a second term in office because of his performance.

Sanwo-Olu’s main challenger in the election is PDP candidate Olajide Adediran, known as Jandor. Wike said the Lagos State governor’s performance is enough to earn him his endorsement.

Wike spoke on Tuesday at a conference organised by the wives of Lagos state officials in Lagos.

Speaking at the conference, the Rivers governor said his presence at the event is because Sanwo-Olu is “doing well” for the people of the state.

“If Sanwo-Olu is not doing well, even if he belongs to my party, I won’t come. So, for me, if you are in my party and you are not doing well, you won’t see me,” Wike said.

“If you are not in my party and you are doing well, you will see me and that is what I stand for. And I will not regret to say that I’m in support of you.”

Wike announced the donation of N300 million to the committee of wives of Lagos state officials.

The Rivers State governor said he is impressed by the projects executed by the committee, adding that he will replicate the lessons learnt from the women in Rivers.

“We support this so that you can continue with your laudable projects with the sum of N300 million,” Wike said.

SARAKI CONDEMNS ATTACK ON PDP SUPPORTERS AT KADUNA RALLY

Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has condemned the violent attack on supporters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and other Nigerians who gathered in Kaduna to listen to the party’s presidential candidate as part of the campaigns for the 2023 elections.

Saraki said such a sad development was a return to the dark days of politics in the country which is widely believed to have become a thing of the past. He, therefore, called on the security agencies to immediately commence a thorough investigation to unveil the people who penetrated the violent acts, their sponsors, and their motives.

He added that the attack on the Kaduna rally of the PDP by some yet-to-be-named people was not just a threat to the nation’s democracy but an indication that some elements are still bent on sabotaging and undermining the success of next year’s general elections.

“This sad development is a big setback for our democracy. It represents a slap on the face of all Nigerians. It made a mess of all the efforts of the eminent men and women who constitute the National Peace Committee which just recently got all leading presidential candidates, their party chieftains, and spokesmen to sign an accord to promote peace and unity before, during, and after the elections.

“The security agencies must use this case to reassure the world that Nigeria will not return to the era of jungle politics or Hobbesian state. Both the sponsors and perpetrators of these criminal acts should be treated as top enemies of the state. They should be exposed and made to face the wrath of the law in such a manner that others who harbour this evil intent will take this case as a big deterrence. 

“While I express sympathy with those who sustained the injury, let me urge our leaders across the country to remain undeterred as the rest of the country will not succumb to the antics of the anarchists who still operate in a disguised manner in our political system.

“The determination of the PDP candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to remind the people of the failure of the ruling APC and give them the hope of a better tomorrow through his well-thought-out policies and programmes remains resolute. The message of hope will get to all homes, streets, and communities in the country without any exception. Since the message is resonating with the people, those who want to violently halt its spread will fail woefully now and during the next election”, he stated.

Signed

Yusuph Olaniyonu 

Abubakar Bukola Saraki Media Office

Abuja

DAPO ABIODUN QUERIES CIVIL SERVANTS FOR ATTENDING PRO-TINUBU RALLY

The Dapo Abiodun-led government has handed down queries to some civil servants in Ogun State for attending a rally organised to promote candidates of the All Progressives Congress including its presidential flag bearer Bola Tinubu according to Peoples Gazette.

In the letter, a local government staff member was accused of engaging in “a public political rally for a candidate aspiring for a political position in Sagamu.”

“In view of the above you were found to have flouted regulations 2 (e) of the United Local Government Service (Staff) Regulations which interpreted the allegation against you as an act of misconduct and punishable under section 42 (1) (d) with summary dismissal from service,” a part of the query sighted by The Gazette and signed by Akintomide Taiwo on behalf of the chairman of the state’s Local Government Service Commission read. 

A 2003 judgement of the Supreme Court faulted civil service rules which restrict the participation of civil servants and other public servants in the politics of the country.

“There is nothing reasonably justifiable in a democratic society in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health in prohibiting a member of the public service or civil service … from eligibility to be registered as a member of a political party. The submission that the restriction is a valid derogation from section 40 by virtue of section 45 (1)(a) of the Constitution was erroneous,” Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, JSC held in his lead judgement in a suit between the Independent National Electoral Commission v Balarabe Musa & Ors.

In May, the Nigeria Labour Congress similarly argued in favour of workers’ right to participate in partisan politics following a circular by Head of Civil Service of the Federation Folashade Yemi-Esan, warning workers to keep off ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Ayuba Wabba, president of the NLC, had cited the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwais, (Justice of Supreme Court), which stated that Nigerian workers are constitutionally free to participate in politics in line with the country’s constitution. 

“Their import is to allow every person, including public office holders and civil servants, the freedom to assemble freely and associate with other persons to form or belong to any political party, trade union, or any association to protect his interests in a trade union or any association for the protection of his interests,” Mr Wanna had argued.

The latest development in APC-controlled Ogun has raised suggestions about internal wranglings within the party. 

On October 2, an indefinite embargo was placed on political campaigns by APC candidates, a move targeting an empowerment programme organised in Sagamu by former governor Gbenga Daniel, a senatorial candidate for Ogun East.

The Sagamu rally where Wale Edun and other top associates of Mr Tinubu drummed up support for the presidential candidate, did not go down well with the governor especially as many party stalwarts disregarded the governor’s directive to stay away from the event.

Though political campaigns for the 2023 general elections have officially commenced according to INEC timetable, Mr Abiodun, who is the state coordinator for the Tinubu presidential campaign has failed to constitute a campaign committee in the state nor roll out campaign schedule.

Kunle Somorin, the governor’s spokesman could not be reached for comments as his phone lines did not connect Sunday afternoon.

Mr Abiodun did not originally support the presidential ambition of Mr Tinubu, casting his support for vice president Yemi Osinbajo in the June 8 presidential primary election of the APC. Mr Osinbajo came a distant third in the contest and has stay away from Mr Tinubu’s campaign.

The Ogun governor also severely frustrated Mr Tinubu’s attempt to reach Ogun delegates before the primaries.

During his eventual visit to Ogun to meet with delegates for the primary, Mr Tinubu lashed out at Mr Abiodun, describing him as “Eleyi” (this one), a slur meant to cast Mr Abiodun as an ingrate who did not appreciate Mr Tinubu’s efforts to make him emerge as the party’s candidate in the 2019 elections despite all odds.

BURNING OF VESSEL LADEN WITH STOLEN CRUDE SAYS FALANA

Senior lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, has described the recent burning of a crude oil laden vessel by soldiers as “a deliberate attempt to cover up the involvement of military personnel in the serious crime of oil theft.”

In a signed statement, yesterday, Falana said: “There is no provision in the rules of engagement that authorises military personnel or security operatives to set fire to or destroy vessels loaded with stolen crude.” 

The statement reads: “Apart from the sabotage of the national economy, the crime of oil theft has portrayed Nigeria as a nation where official impunity has been institutionalised that by the government.

“Apparently embarrassed by the involvement of highly placed military officers and their civilian collaborators in the scandalous offence of oil theft, the Federal Government has adopted measures to end it.

“Last week, a vessel loaded with stolen crude oil, reportedly arrested by a newly-contracted private pipeline surveillance team, Tantita Security Services, led by a former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo (popularly known as Tompolo), was set ablaze off the Niger Delta creeks by a group of military personnel.

“In an embarrassing justification of the criminal conduct, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, said the swift destruction of the oil-bunkering vessel is in line with “the rules of engagement.

“As if self help has become part of the rules of engagement, the General said the vessel was caught in the act and security agents subsequently set the “instrument of operation” ablaze, noting that no investigation is needed to carry out the action.

“It is trite law that only the Federal High Court is empowered to order the interim or final forfeiture of any vessel that was used for conveying stolen crude oil.

“Therefore, the statement credited to General Irabor is a deliberate attempt to cover up the involvement of military personnel in the serious crime of oil theft, as there is no provision in the rules of engagement that authorises military personnel or security operatives to set fire to or destroy vessels loaded with stolen crude.  

“Indeed, the Chief of Defence Staff is not unaware that under the service law, the burning of a ship or vessel by a military personnel is a serious offence, which attracts life imprisonment without an option of fine. For the avoidance of doubt, Section 111 of the Armed Forces Act provides as follows:

“A person subject to service law under this Act who willfully or maliciously sets fire- (a) to a public building, dwelling house, an office or any structure whatsoever, movable or immovable, whether completed or not, occupied or not;

“Or (b) to any vessel, ship, aircraft, railway track or wagon, or vehicle or thing; or (c) to a mine or working, fitting or an appliance of a mine, is guilty of arson and liable, on conviction by a court-martial, to imprisonment for life.”

“In view of the gravity of the offence that is being covered up by the military oligarchy, General Irabor ought to resign his appointment to prevent the sabotage of the ongoing operations designed to expose the perpetrators of oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

“If the General decides not to call it quits, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari should not hesitate to fire him.”

After all, by authorising the engagement of non-state actors to carry out the constitutional duties of the armed forces, the President has lost confidence in the leadership of the armed forces.

“Furthermore, the President should order the Chief of Army Staff to ensure the immediate arrest of the military personnel who set the vessel on fire, with a view to charging them with arson and allied offences before a court martial.”

TINUBU ASKS ATIKU TO STEP DOWN AND ENDORSE HIM

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu has asked his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart Atiku Abubakar to step down and endorse him (Tinubu) ahead of February 2023 presidential poll. 

Tinubu asked Atiku to reciprocate the “gesture” he gave to him when he contested for the presidency in 2007 under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) by dropping his ambition and endorsing him.

Tinubu spoke on Monday when he met with leaders from the northern part of the country under the umbrella of the Arewa Joint Committee for an interactive session.

The meeting was part of a wider interaction with selected presidential candidates to discuss their plans for the region ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Tinubu’s appearance came two days after his rival in the PDP engaged in a similar interaction with the northern leaders. The interactive session held at the Arewa House in Kaduna was organised by a coalition of six groups from the North including the Arewa Consultative Forum, Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, Northern Elders Forum, and Jamar Matan Arewa among others.

SHA'ADATU-L-QUR'AN

A coterie of friends, families and well-wishers storm Sha'adatu-L- Qur'an of Hafizor/Hafiza of Mahadul Bayan Wat-Tibyan Al-Adabiy institute for Qur'an memorization and Islamic Studies held at Akaje, in Ilorin West Local Government area of Kwara State

Kwayra GOVT APPOINTS ABDULKADIR LANRE AS PROVOST, COLLEGE OF NURSING, OKE-ODE

The Kwara State Government has announced the appointment of Alhaji Lanre Abdulquadri as the substantive  provost, College of Nursing, Oke-Ode.

Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr. Abolore Alabi made the disclosure while handing over his letter of appointment to the institution's Governing Council Chairperson, Hajia Mariam Ibrahim in Ilorin.

Dr. Alabi described the appointment as a welcome development, pointing out that it was based on merit which did not involved any form of lobbying whatsoever.

He, however, charged the new provost to put to bare his wealth of knowledge and vast experience to reform the institution.

He directed the board of the institution to ensure proper handing over and taking over by the new provost within the next 48 hours.

In her brief remarks, the Governing Board Chairperson, Hajia Mariam Ibrahim commended the state government for appointing the right person to the position. 

According to her, the appointment was a round peg in a round hole, and charged the new provost to make the citadel of learning an institution to reckon with.

Also speaking, the Director, Quality Assurance of the Ministry, Elder Joseph Afolayan said the position was a litmus test for the new provost and charged him to live up to expectation.

Elder Afolayan urged the provost to run a transparent and an all inclusive administration in the College.

In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Abdulquadri said his vision for the institution was to reform the college to be a force to reckon with, promising to improve on the porous security situation of the College.

He assured that the Institution's library would be revamped while e-learning would be introduced in the school system.

Meanwhile, the state government has approved and released N100 Million for the renovation of the institution with another 80 Million in the pipeline for accreditation.

Mansurat Amuda-kannike 

Press Secretary 

MOTE