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  • Kogi Govt. rebukes PGF DG, Lukman on outburst against Yahaya Bello, Buni

    Kogi Govt. rebukes PGF DG, Lukman on outburst against Yahaya Bello, Buni

    Kogi Government has rebuked the former Director-General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Mr Salihu Lukman over his outbursts against the Gov. Yahaya Bello.

    The state also decried Lukman’s outburst against Gov. Mai Mala Buni, .APC Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) Chairman.

    Lukman had accused the party leadership of extortion from aspirants ahead of the APC March 26 National Convention and also asked that Bello be prevented from getting the presidential ticket of the party.

    The former PGF DG also alleged that Bello was yet to begin payment of N30,000 minimum wage as announced and that workers were earning 25 per cent of their salaries.

    Reacting in a statement on Tuesday signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, the state government said Lukman’s allegations were baseless and untrue.

    Fanwo added that he should not “allow his exit as the Director-General of PGF, lead him to disparaging party leaders.”

    Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Kogi, Mr Onu Edoka, has confirmed that the state government had embarked on the payment of N30,000 minimum wage to its workers.

    Edoka said Bello’s administration had not been owing salaries or paying 25 per cent of salaries, contrary to Lukman and other naysayers’ claims.

    Edoka, in an interview with the media on Tuesday, said the minimum wage was only approved for the state’s civil servants on level 1 to 6, adding that “it is not true that workers earn 25 per cent of their salaries.

    Fanwo, in his statement, said, “The attention of the Kogi government has been drawn to the disparaging statements credited to a former employee of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), Salihu Lukman concerning the popular presidential ambition of Bello.

    “The unfounded allegations against the administration of Bello cannot sway the minds of Nigerians or party leaders.

    “But asking the party to prevent Bello, a leading presidential hopeful, from getting the party’s ticket, already stamps the fact that all eyes are on him to take the party to victory in the 2023 general elections, which everyone knows will be keenly contested.

    “We are not surprised at his recent outburst against key party leaders. He has proved himself to be a mole in APC with a mission to undermine it and ultimately hand advantage to the opposition.

    “We, however, want to assure him that no one has the monopoly of caustic statements. Bello has only refrained from dignifying detractors with responses, venom for venom, because of his sound upbringing.

    ”But Lukman should be ready to face the consequences of his actions as we will not leave any stone unturned to seek redress legally.

    “We will not watch him continue to rubbish the image of our dear party in the manner he has been doing.”“

    The state reiterated that Bello remained a key figure holding the APC together and had the support and endorsement of overwhelming majority of party faithful to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Lukman should wake up to the fact that his campaign of calumny will not wane the love APC and Nigerians have for Bello.

    “We find it needful to inform the public that the historic and audacious staff verification exercise undertaken by the Bello administration at inception did not only paint the payroll in the colours of integrity and transparency, but also ensured efficiency in the service.

    “Many unintended beneficiaries were removed and the state immediately ensured that 100 per cent salaries were paid to the civil servants.

    “It is instructive to note that the staff verification exercise was carried out with the full cooperation and deep involvement of labour unions who have always cooperated with the state government in its bid to reposition and strengthen the service.

    “Nigerians are adequately informed of the allocation shared during the last FAAC meeting. Many states have yet to pay their February salaries.”

    He pointed out that the internally generated revenue of Kogi wasn’t at the standard the administration had set as a result of economic downturn, owing to the energy crisis that hit the nation in February.

    “But as an administration that is committed to the welfare of its civil servants, the Kogi government sat with labour leaders and agreed to pay 75 cent.

    “It has since been paid with the full implementation of the minimum wage. This is against the lies peddled by Lukman that Kogi workers received 25 percentage of their old salaries.

    “Only civil servants on grade level seven and above received 75 per cent . Civil servants on Grade Level one to six received 100 per cent salary with the 30,000 minimum wage.

    “The governor and all political office holders also received 75 per cent in solidarity with our workforce. To us, this is responsible and responsive leadership.”

    He reiterated the commitment of Bello’s administration to the welfare of the workforce and that no amount of lies sponsored would prevent the governor from answering the popular call by Nigerian masses to serve the nation in the presidential capacity.

    Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Kogi, Mr Onu Edoka, has confirmed that the state government had embarked on the payment of N30,000 minimum wage to its workers.

    Edoka said Bello’s administration had not been owing salaries or paying 25 per cent of salaries, contrary to Lukman and other naysayers’ claims.

    Edoka, in an interview with the media on Tuesday, said the minimum wage was only approved for the state’s civil servants on level 1 to 6, adding that “it is not true that workers earn 25 per cent of their salaries.”

  • APC crisis: Apart from a few ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ Govs, we are solidly behind Bello – Gov Akeredolu

    APC crisis: Apart from a few ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ Govs, we are solidly behind Bello – Gov Akeredolu

    Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN has said apart from a few ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ governors in the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, others are solidly behind the emergence of Niger State Governor, Sani Bello as the interim party Chairman.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a statement issued by the Ondo Governor which he personally signed.

    The Ondo number one citizen also insisted that”no black market judicial procurement can stop convention as Buni, pocket-filling black legs in corridors of power tried to supplant president’s will.

    Read full release below:

    Press Statement

    Buni, Pocket-filling Black Legs In Corridors Of Power Tried To Supplant President’s Will

    *except a few ‘Yahoo, Yahoo Govs’ apologies to Former PGF DG, most of us are resolute behind Bello to salvage the party

    *no black market judicial procurement can stop convention

    “With nostalgia, one can recall the moments of our struggle as compatriots from all walks of life enunciated and berthed Nigeria’s most ingeniously successful political network. Without being immodest, APC’s birth was a novel instance. The party’s philosophical beacon woven around its ideological leaning was alluring.

    “Undoubtedly, the firm leadership, candour and honesty exemplified by Mr President who heads the administration that is the product of the APC deserve no less of support and complimentary responsibilities from all stakeholders.

    “The installation of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the APC was beyond a call to service. It was a child of necessity moulded to one, instill discipline in leadership and engender coherence among stakeholders and more importantly, to deepen the Rule of Law in our party.

    “However, the insidious and appalling happenings within our party in the last few months, especially under the immediate-past leadership clearly posit a huge embarrassment. Without necessarily dwelling on details that are known to critical stakeholders, the path taken lately by Governor Mai Mala Buni, the immediate past head of the CECPC and an indivisible few, is a unenviable trajectory undeserving of our dear party. It is a disdainful narrative.

    “Nevertheless, the courage and determination as well as shrewd sincerity of purpose demonstrated by most of the APC Governors remain a delight. Significantly, the swift response and prompt action taken by Mr President have, in no small means, salvaged our great party from internal scavengers. We indeed, survived a Civilian Coup largely inspired by mischief and incurable lust for power through artificial barricades.

    “Succinctly, aside feeling very delighted as a major stakeholder in the latest successful Rescue Mission, I express my confidence in the ability and capacity of Governor Sanni Bello(ABU LOLO) to take APC through.

    “We, the Governors are for the party except for the few “Yahoo, Yahoo” Governors (apologies to Salihu, former DG of the Progressive Governors’ Forum) who were hand in glove with Buni to circumvent the Will of majority of our Party (APC) members. Progressive Governors in the true name, mostly all of us, are determined to see our Party through these patchy parts at all cost.

    “None of the scanty number has the guts to carry out their imaginary threats as reported in sponsored stories. We dare them to leave the party. Their short-lived antics in armtwisting Governor Buni and probably, some pocketfilling elements within the corridors of power to supplant the President’s will through fake letters, endorsements as well as ‘Black Market’ injunction (procured since November, 2021) are despicable.

    “Now that the clear motive aimed at frustrating our national convention as been botched, our dear party is on the track to greatness. Gov. Sanni Bello, ABU LOLO, carry on; you have the backing of the majority of us. You shall see our FULL backing come Thursday, 17th March, 2022 at the National Executive Committee meeting.

    “But as you know, this is ONLY for the conduct of the NATIONAL CONVENTION.

  • Gov Buni’s removal good omen for APC – Prof Sagay

    Gov Buni’s removal good omen for APC – Prof Sagay

    Professor Itse Sagay has described the removal of Governor Mai Buni as interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress as a good omen for the party.

    Prof. Itse Sagay, who is Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), described it as a healthy development for the party.

    Sagay while speaking to the media said with Buni’s removal, the APC can now make progress and look forward to conducting a proper national convention.

    Although the party settled for March 26 to conduct its convention, all has not been well within the party over shoddy preparations for the convention which has witnessed several postponements.

    According to Sagay, “I believe Buni’s removal is a very healthy development for the APC. Now, we can look forward to a proper convention for the election of the new party leadership. After that, we can have a proper convention for the primaries”.

    “Buni is a man who has too many axes to grind and instead of working for the interest of the party which asked him to do a six months job but he turned it into a permanent job. He had too many unknown agenda which he was slowly carrying out”.

    “So, it was clear to all that he was no longer operating on behalf of the party but for his selfish interests. His removal to me is good news and I believe we can now make progress as a party”.

    It will be recalled that Sagay in an interview last week had singled out Buni and John Akpanudoedehe, national secretary of the committee, as persons to be held responsible if the party loses the 2023 presidential election.

    Sagay had also alleged that Buni is plotting to preside over the convention and presidential primary of the party so as to hand over the ticket to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who is yet to join the APC, with him (Buni) as running mate.

    There were also insinuations that if the plan sails through and Jonathan wins the election, he will hand over to Buni after four years.

  • Niger gov, Bello denies taking over APC leadership

    Niger gov, Bello denies taking over APC leadership

    Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger has denied taking over the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) as speculated by some media organisations.

    Bello said this when he spoke with newsmen shortly after heading a meeting of the APC CECPC at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Monday.

    He said that he met with APC State Chairmen as well as inaugurated some newly elected State Chairmen.

    “The States Chairmen took their oath of office today and we discussed progress made so far on the forthcoming National Convention and what needs to be done next so that we will achieve the March 26 date for the convention,” he said.

    When asked in what capacity he presided over the meetings, Bello said:” I have been acting for a while since the chairman (Buni) traveled”.

    The meeting was attended by all members of the committee including the Secretary, Sen. John Akpanudoedrhe, Women representative, Mrs Stella Okotete, Youth Leader, Mr Ismail Ahmed and Mr David Lyon.

    Also in attendance were Prof. Tahir Mamman, Sen. Ali Abba, Sen. Ken Nnamani and Sen. Yusuf Yusuf.(

  • Terrorists have hoisted flag in Kaure, taken over wives of people-Niger governor

    Terrorists have hoisted flag in Kaure, taken over wives of people-Niger governor

    The Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, has stated that Boko Haram terrorists have hoisted their flag in Kaure, Shiroro Local Government Area.

    Abubakar Sani Bello made this known when he paid a visit to over 3000 Internally Displaced Persons from Shiroro and Munya local government areas who are taking refuge in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Primary School, Minna the state capital.

    “I am confirming that there are Boko Haram elements in Niger State, around Kaure.

    “I just heard that they’ve already hoist their flag in Kaure, which means they’ve taken over the territory and this is what I have been engaging the FG with, and unfortunately it has now gotten to this stage that if care is not taken, not even Abuja is safe”, he said.

    Bemoaning the security challenges in the state, Bello expressed concern over the manner in which the wives of the locals have been taking over by Boko Haram members.

    “They’ve taken over the territory, they’ve installed their flag. I am confirming that now. They’ve taken over the wives of people by force”, he said.

    He said, “Boko Haram elements are trying to use these areas as their home just like they did in Sambisa”.

    He, however, said the government has been taking steps on the issue and will not relent on its efforts to curb the situation.

    Bello said though he has not lost hope in the Federal Government, he is not going to wait anymore, adding that time has come to see reasons for a coordinated military action to take place.

    “I have not lost hope from the federal government but I am not waiting for anyone anymore”, he added.

     

     

     

  • Army to Lagos panel: ‘We didn’t fire at protesters at Lekki tollgate, nobody was shot dead…only two fainted’

    Army to Lagos panel: ‘We didn’t fire at protesters at Lekki tollgate, nobody was shot dead…only two fainted’

    The Nigerian Army has submitted an affidavit to the Lagos State Judicial Panel on police brutality set up by the state government to probe the shooting of #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki tollgate on the night of October 20.

    The Nigerian Army insisted that soldiers never shot at or killed anyone and there was no massacre at the Lekki tollgate on the night of October 20.

    In the statement already before the panel, the Nigerian Army confirmed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos had requested the intervention of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai to suppress the already brewing violence within some parts of the state.

    According to the affidavit, Lieutenant Colonel Salisu Ovada Bello, the Commander of the 65 Battalion was at the Lekki Tollgate and had fired blank bullets into the air in order to disperse the protesters.

    The commander explained that no one had died, adding that only two people fainted.

    The affidavit also explained that Brigadier General Francis Omata, who was also at the Lekki tollgate, confirmed later that evening that there were no fatalities.

    Bello said the protesters were, in fact, happy to see the soldiers at the tollgate, adding that he personally offered the protesters water and drinks while persuading them to go home and observe the 24-hour curfew declared by the Lagos State Government.

    The other army officers who deposed to witness statements before the panel are the Commander of 81 Military Intelligence Brigade, Victoria Island, Lagos, Brig Gen Ahmed Taiwo; the Chief of Staff, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, VI, Lagos, Brig Gen Nsikak Edet; Commander, 81 Division Garrison, VI, Brig Gen Francis Omata.

    Specifically, Omata and Bello told the panel that by the time they arrived at the tollgate, the protest had turned from peaceful to violent.

    They said on arrival at the tollgate, they were being pelted with stones and broken bottles and that in response all they did was fire blank ammunition into the air to disperse the crowd.

    Omata said, “On arrival at the tollgate at about 7.30pm, I met a rowdy situation. I also met the Commanding Officer, 65 Battalion (Bello), who briefed me on the situation. He briefed me that he met a hostile crowd, hoodlums mixed with the protesters, who were chanting and throwing stones at them. I was able to disperse the crowd by firing blank ammunition into the air.

    “At this point, stones and sticks were being thrown at us. Then I moved to a safe area and briefed General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Maj Gen Godwin Ahamefuna Umelo by phone.

    “The General Officer Commanding directed me to pacify the hostile crowd and move the troops back to base. However, the crowd still continued chanting #EndSARS. I then instructed the troops to withdraw to base.”

    Giving his own account of the incident, Bello said while he was moving towards the Lekki-Ajah Expressway at around 6.45pm, he heard gunshots before the tollgate and on coming down he saw that “the crowd had turned from peaceful protesters to a mob, infiltrated by hoodlums.”

    He said, “On getting to the tollgate, I persuaded the crowd to go home and observe the 24-hours curfew declared by the state government. But surprisingly, the hoodlums continued throwing stones, bottles and other dangerous objects at us and were burning tyres. I again fired some blank ammunition upward to scare the hoodlums away. But some protesters who were still at the tollgate sitting down quietly were given water and drinks by me while pleading with them to go home.”

    Bello stressed that “we did not fire at the protesters. Blank ammunition were fired upward to scare the hoodlums from the crowd. Nobody was shot dead at the Lekki tollgate, there was no massacre as claimed. The claim that the military took away dead bodies was not true. The protesters were happy to see us as indicated in some of the video clips of 20th October 2020.”

    The sitting of the Lagos State Panel of Judicial Inquiry probing the alleged shooting of #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki tollgate was frustrated on Saturday due to the absence of the two youth members of the panel, Oluwarinu Oduala and Temitope Majekodunmi.

    Oduala, who is one of the promoters of the #EndSARS protest, failed to show up for the Saturday sitting in protest against the freezing of her bank account by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

  • Kogi PDP guber candidate, Wada heads to A’Court over Bello’s tribunal victory

    Kogi PDP guber candidate, Wada heads to A’Court over Bello’s tribunal victory

    Engr. Musa Wada, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in last Kogi Governorship election, has vowed to appeal the victory of Governor Yahaya Bello at the electoral tribunal on Saturday.

    The Kogi Governorship Election Tribunal had on Saturday dismissed the case filed Wada, against the election of Governor Yahaya Bello.

    However, in an interview with Channels Television in Abuja on Saturday, Wada said he would appeal the judgment.

    Musa had filed a petition challenging the election of Yahaya Bello as the Governor of Kogi State.

    But in a judgment of two to one, delivered by the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Kashim Kaigama, the tribunal held that the petitioner had failed to prove the allegations of over-voting, massive thumb printing, voter intimidation, and other electoral malpractices.

    The tribunal also awarded a cost of one million naira to be paid by the petitioners, PDP and Musa Wada to INEC, Yahaya Bello and APC who are the respondents.

    Meanwhile, in a dissenting judgment, Justice Ohimai Ovbiagele nullified the election of Governor Yahaya Bello and ordered INEC to conduct fresh elections in seven local government areas where the petitioners proved their allegations of over-voting, thuggery, voter intimidation, massive thumb printing, and other electoral malpractices.

    In reaction, Wada said the dissenting judgment by Justice Ovbragele is a clear indication that the election of Governor Bello was flawed.

    He, therefore, insisted that the majority judgment of the Tribunal is not a true representation of the events of November 16, 2019, in Kogi State

  • BREAKING: Bello declares 8am-6pm curfew in Niger over coronavirus

    Niger Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has announced a shut down in the state, declaring restriction of movement from 8am to 8pm.

    The restriction of movement, according to the Governor in a state broadcast on Monday, would begin from Wednesday.

    He said that this move became necessary due to the new cases emerging from Abuja, of which Niger state is very close to.

    Details shortly…

  • Just in: Supreme Court affirms Okowa, Bello, Ikpeazu’s elections

    The Supreme Court has just affirmed the election of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as Governor of Delta State.

    It dismissed the appeal of Great Ogboru and the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the state.

    Similarly, the apex court upheld the elections of governors of Abia, Niger and Taraba states.

    The Supreme Court has A five-member panel of justices, on Wednesday, said Governor Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia State, PDP); Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta, PDP), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger, APC); and Darius Ishaku (Taraba, PDP) were duly elected.

    In Niger, Governor Abubakar Bello’s election was also reaffirmed as the apex court in dismissed the appeal of Mohammed Nasko of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

  • Kogi 2019: 45 parties endorse Bello for second term

    Ahead of the November 16 governorship election, 45 political parties in Kano have endorsed Governor Yahaya Bello for the second term in office.

    Bello is contesting for a second term of office under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The Coalition of Political Parties (CPP) in Kogi, at a news briefing, in Lokoja, the capital, said that its endorsement of the governor was sequel to his good works in the last four years.

    The CPP chairman, Dr Sani Teidi, said the various political parties have objectively analysed all the parties and candidates contesting the 2019 Kogi state governorship elections and realised the incumbent governor is “head and shoulders above the rest.”

    He said that the first term of Governor Bello has been very successful.

    He said that the administration has improved Kogi State in the various indices of development, and eliminated ethnic, religious and class differences among the people.

    He lauded the governor for his policies of inclusion and proportional distribution of appointments and projects among all constituencies of the bstate, adding they are minded to help in the actualisation of the governor’s quest for a second term.

    “In view of the following, we warn in the strongest term possible that the increasingly ethnic coloration which some other parties and their candidates are giving to their campaign is serious disincentive, both to the coalition and to voters in Kogi State.

    “We appeal to all political parties to bind themselves to respect for the rule of law by playing according to the rules before, during and after the election,” he said.

    The CPP however charged the governor to see his endorsement as a call to provide even more transformational leadership to Kogi State, rather than a victory over the opposition.

    The APC deputy governorship candidate, Chief Edward Onoja said that the endorsement of his principal was for the unity, interest and the development of the state adding that, it will go a long way to show what election is all about.

    Read Also: Kogi 2019: Bello’s Chief of Staff resigns
    He said that Bello has continued to unite Kogi State, stressing that, his first term in office has broken the barriers of ethnic and religious differences in the state.

    The former Chief of Staff to the Governor said that with over four million people, it is imperative to break the long existing oligarchy in the state.

    He admonished all to go out and advocate for a violence free election in November.

    Political parties that endorsed Bello’s return bid include: KOWA, DA, APA, LP, NNPP, YES PARTY, AGAP, MMN, ABP, AA, SNG, NPC, NAC, BNPP, DPP, ABDP, PDC and CAP.

    Others are: AP, AD, GPN, PPN,NCP, YDP, JMPP, ZLP, PPP, HDP, AAC and PRP.

    Also included in the endorsement spree are the NPM, ACPN, UPP, ACD, NEPP, NDLP, NRM, AGA, DPC, NUP, RBNP, RAP, CNP, PDM and NDCP.