Christmas: FG Declares Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th Public Holidays

Christmas: FG Declares Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th Public Holidays

The federal government has declared Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th December 2021 and Monday, 3rd January 2022 as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year Day celebrations respectively.

Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, on Wednesday morning.

He felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Aregbesola enjoined Christians to practice the doctrines of Christ, which include but are not limited to faith, hope and love.

“We must emulate the life of Jesus Christ in His practice and teachings on humility, service, compassion, patience, peace and righteousness that His birth signifies.

“This will be the best way to portray Christ and celebrate his birth,” he noted.

He emphasized that peace and security were two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity.

 

He urged Christians and Nigerians to make the best use of this festive period to pray for the total eradication of insecurity bedevilling the country.

Aregbesola also charged Nigerians not to be lulled into a false sense of security on the COVID-19 pandemic but to note that it is increasingly assuming a very dangerous and harmful dimension with the emergence of a virulent variant, Omicron.

 

“This calls for deliberate responsibility and discipline on the part of all,” the Minister stressed.

The Minister enjoined all to adhere strictly to and observe all the stipulated non-pharmaceutical protocols and guidelines such as wearing of facemasks, frequent washing of hands with soap and water, using of hand sanitiser and avoidance of large groups.

Also, he urged quick report to medical authorities of any respiratory illness observed in self and others before, during and after the Yuletide.

Speaking further, the Minister said this Yuletide calls for spartan discipline in order to prevent the spread of the virus in communities and the nation as a whole.

“Moderately celebrate the festival without large groupings and observe all the protocols stipulated by medical authorities. Take it as a point of personal responsibility to prevent the spread of the virus,” the Minister enjoined.

Dowen suspects bail: Oromoni reacts, calls on FG, IGP, others to ensure Justice over son's death

Dowen suspects bail: Oromoni reacts, calls on FG, IGP, others to ensure Justice over son's death

 

Mr Sylvester Oromoni (Snr), father of the late 12-year-old student of Dowen College Lagos has said that he is surprised that bail was granted to five arrested suspected before completion of the police investigation.

Oromoni while addressing journalists on Wednesday in Delta insisted that the 21-day remand period granted the police to investigate the death of his son is not due until December 28, 2021, and he was surprised to hear that they have been released on bail.

“The police are saying that they are not done with their investigation and granting these boys bail will not help with their investigation and they were even planning that after the 21 days if they are not done with the investigation, they will ask for an extension.

“We are surprised that they were granted bail when the days they gave them have not expired. As a parent we are not comfortable with that, although we cannot question the judge,” he said.

Oromoni added that the autopsy results are ready and will be made public in due time.

He also alleged that the school authorities in connivance with the parents of the accused may be working against his quest in seeking justice for his late.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari, Inspector General of Police, the Lagos State police commissioner, and the Delta State government to ensure that justice prevails on the matter.

A Chief Magistrates’ court in the Yaba area of Lagos on Tuesday granted bail to five students of Dowen College following a charge of conspiracy and homicide made against them by the Police.

 

The police charged the minors following the alleged murder of their schoolmate, Sylvester Oromoni, aged 12.

On December 9, the five minors were remanded in a juvenile home over the death of their schoolmate who was allegedly attacked in a case of bullying while in school.

Yusuf Buhari Turbane As District Head of Kwasarawa in Daura

Yusuf Buhari Turbane As District Head of Kwasarawa in Daura

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and other top government functionaries were among the dignitaries that stormed Daura, Katsina State on Saturday for the turbaning ceremony of President Muhammadu Buhari’s son, Yusuf.

Some other lawmakers as well as the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje were also in attendance at the event.

As earlier reported by Naija News, Yusuf, son of President Muhammadu Buhari, is now the new District Head of Kwasarawa, Duara in Katsina State.

Yusuf Buhari was turbaned as Taliban Daura by the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk, on Saturday 18th December in Daura.

Meanwhile, President Buhari and his wife, Aisha are both unable to attend the ceremony as they are currently away in Turkey for a summit.

Yusuf Buhari turbaned as the District Head of Kwasarawa, Duara in Katsina State.

It will be recalled that the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk stated that the reason for offering Yusuf the title was to prevent him from strolling around Abuja and Yola, his mother’s hometown.

He said: “We are giving him this title to reciprocate all the good things his father, President Muhammadu Buhari, has done to Daura.

Why We Conferred Title On Yusuf Buhari – Emir Of Daura

“Even if you don’t like Buhari, you know that Daura of today is different from what it were six years ago. So, to reciprocate this gesture, we gave him the title of Talban Daura, which he gave to his only son, Yusuf. This will prevent him from strolling around Yola (his mother’s hometown) and Abuja.

Customs Intercepts Container Filled With Assorted Guns In Lagos

Customs Intercepts Container Filled With Assorted Guns In Lagos 

A container filled with arms and ammunition have been seized by officers of the Nigeria Customs Service attached to Tin Can Island Command.

We gathered that the container was intercepted on Friday during a routine check by some customs officers.

Speaking with reporters, spokesman of the Tin Can Customs, Uche Ejesieme, said the container was seized when the owner couldn’t give a satisfactory answer to the officers on duty.

Ejesieme said the owner claimed that the consignment contained electronics and other items.

He stated that the officers became suspicious of its content and upon close examination of the cartons discovered that they were filled with guns.

 

Ejesieme said that the service will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter with a view to unravelling the criminal gang behind arms importation.

He said, “The Command wish to confirm very categorically that during routine examination at the terminal B2 (Vehicle) of the TICT on Friday, 17th December 2021, our operatives stumbled on a suspected container laden with arms and possibly ammunition.

“But as we speak, what we have done as a command is that we have written to the terminal to evacuate the container immediately to enforcement unit for 100 per cent examination so that we can actually ascertain the quantity and other relevant information.

“So, as we speak, we expect the terminal to evacuate the container to the enforcement unit where we intend to strip it, and the quantity, names of people involved and other further information would be available.

“In line with service protocol, the command would inform the Customs high command in Abuja after the container had been thoroughly examined at the enforcement unit of the command.

“This is why we have not issued an official statement regarding the seizure. As we speak, we do not have full details of who is behind the import, the country of import and the model of guns. All these will be made known at the end of the investigations.

“Most times, the suspect you see is those freight forwarders and agents coming for examination, but we are more interested in getting to the importer and everyone involved in that criminal importation to nip it in the bud.

2023 Presidency: Pius Anyim Visits Clark Over Presidential Ambition

2023 Presidency: Pius Anyim Visits Clark Over Presidential Ambition

..........As Clark canvases for lgbo presidency in 2023

Former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim has visited the leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark, at his Abuja residence on Friday, December 17.

Reports had it that different political groups have declared support for the presidential ambition of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

This development follows the public declaration of his intention to contest in the upcoming 2023 presidential election on the Peoples Democratic Party platform.

 

2023 Presidency: I Will Run For President ― Pius Anyim

Speaking during his visit to the PANDEF leader, Anyim said he came to seek Clark’s wise counsel on his presidential bid and to seek his opinion on the state of the nation.

The former SGF promised to work for the development of the country and to advance the unity of equity of the nation.

Anyim asserted that if elected as the next President, he will ensure the peace and prosperity of all citizens.

He stated that he wants to become President Muhammadu Buhari’s successor because he understands the challenges facing the country and is competent enough to address them.

“I thank God that Chief Edwin Clark will soon be 95 years old and yet he is blessed with phenomenal memory, lucid and curious mind, a benevolent heart, and boundless goodwill for all men. I thank God for your health and will forever cherish your counsel.

 

If I Become President, You Will Be Proud To Be Nigerian – Anyim To Nigerians

“I will dedicate myself with full enthusiasm and conviction to advance the vision of equity in Nigeria, the unity of our nation, the peace and prosperity of all citizens,” he said.

In his remark, Clark canvassed for an Igbo presidency, saying that the next President should come from the South East.

He asked various political parties to zone their presidency to the Southern part of Nigeria and indeed to the South-East zone.

The elder statesman, however, advised Anyim to work hard with other leaders across the country to build consensus for equity and unity in Nigeria.

Clark also asked Anyim to continue to persuade and reassure other Nigerians to share that vision of unity and progress.

Tonto Dikeh Demands Made Public of Autopsy result of late Sylvester Oromoni

Tonto Dikeh Demands Made Public of Autopsy result of late Sylvester Oromoni

 

The autopsy result of late 12-year-old dowen college student, Sylvester Oromoni Jr. has reportedly surfaced.

 

This was alleged by popular Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh who appealed to the family to make the result public since it’s now a general matter.

According to Tonto Dikeh, Nigerians have been fighting for justice and it would be best if the public is made aware of the result of the autopsy.

Tonto Dikeh wrote:

“Autopsy result for captain Sylvester is out. We would appreciate if it’s made public because this is a public case and we are all his family now. We have/need to know all that can be told," she stated.

RE: SYLVESTER OROMONI, A REJOINDER TO DR. KEMI OLUNLOYO'S STATEMENT

RE: SYLVESTER OROMONI, A REJOINDER TO DR. KEMI OLUNLOYO'S STATEMENT

A Press Statement

17 December, 2021

Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho is a Child’s Rights Activist mandated by law to act in the interest of children in Nigeria.

This Press statement is issued by Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho for himself and not on behalf of Chief Femi Falana, SAN nor his chamber.

My attention has been drawn to the statement issued by one Dr. Kemi Olunloyo on 16/12/2021 at about 8:45 on her Facebook page as it concerns the respected legal practitioner, Chief Femi Falana, SAN and the late Sylvester Oromoni.

I have also perused through the said hogwash, gibberish and bunkum statement issued by Dr. Kemi Olunloyo with no iota of veneration to the legal icon but, however, without joining issues with the utterances and exclamations of Dr. Kemi Olunloyo touching on the personality of Chief Femi Falana, SAN, but on the rights of the affected children, I freely state as follow:

Dr. Kemi Olunloyo was quoted thus, “Falana investigate the children Police have in custody. One of them is holding a document that Sylvester consented to and his Family are well aware…I have information that could make or break this case ….”

The issue to determine here is whether, late Sylvester Oromoni can give his consent to participate in a criminal organization while as a child? 

My response to Dr. Kemi Olunloyo’s reckless and rash statement will be not far fetch from the provisions of the law since the statement was touching on the rights of a child, late Sylvester Oromoni who died in a mysterious circumstance.

It will be recalled, Dr. Kemi Olunloyo has earlier claimed that the late Sylvester Oromoni drank engine oil as part of the cult initiation process, adding that Oromoni was not bullied.

“Sylvester Oromoni death involved Hazing he allegedly participated in. It is important for Nigerians to know that hazing is a crime in many countries but NOT in Nigeria. The bulk of the investigation should focus on adult supervision when this was going on”, Dr. Kemi Olunloyo said.

It should be noted at this juncture, hazing involves forced or coerced alcohol or other drug consumption, beating, paddling or other forms of assault. Branding, forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances or concoctions. If charged as a felony, hazing is punishable under the criminal code Act of Nigeria.

The Criminal Code Act provides at section 337: “Any person who unlawfully does and with the intent to injure or annoy another, causes any poison or other noxious thing to be administered to, or taken by, any person, and thereby endangered his life, or does him some grievous harm, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for fourteen years.”

The consent Dr. Kemi Olunloyo was referring to was the alleged consent she claimed was given by the late Sylvester Oromoni to be initiated into a cult group which is a violation of the rights of a child.

Section 26(1) of the Child’s Rights Act provides “No person shall employ, use or involve a child in any activity involving or leading to the commission of any other offences not already specified in this part of the Act”.  It should be noted here that offences not already specified in the Act includes but not limited to grievous harm.

Section 26(2) of the Child’s Rights Act provides “A person who contravenes the provisions of Subsection (1) of this Section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of fourteen years.

Dr. Kemi Olunloyo’s action of placing the blame on the late Sylvester Oromoni for causing his own death is very worrisome and disturbing.

The ace journalist’s averment that Hazing is not a crime in Nigeria is infuriating, a ploy to mislead unsuspecting members of the public and the Police as hazing is punishable under the criminal code Act and the Child’s Rights Act respectively.

Signed

Comrade Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho

Child’s Rights Activist

IPDI, Ozobo, Comrade community threaten legal action against Burutu lawmakers over bill on night burial

IPDI, Ozobo, Comrade community threaten legal action against Burutu lawmakers over bill on night burial 

.....Say bill is animalistic

Timi Black

The Ijaw People's Development Initiative IPDI, Comrade Ozobo Austin, a Niger Delta foremost rights activist and Delta Ijaw Comrade community have threatened to challenge the bill proposed by Burutu legislative arm to prohibit night burial in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta state, adding that the bill is animalistic and inimical as it was meant to invade Ijaw tradition.

The Ijaw rights groups said Burutu Local Government Council lawmakers lacked power to abolish Ijaw tradition, noting that issues of Ijaw nation can't be determined by few lawmakers in Burutu Local Government Area as Ijaw cuts across nine states of the federation.

Speaking to newsmen in Warri, Comrade Ozobo described the bill as frivolous, mischievous, baseless and barbaric, stressing that it was promoted by mediocre and kindergarten lawmakers who lack mentorship on lawmaking.

The Ijaw born foremost activist said the Bill when passed to law will enfreeze the rights of the Ijaw people, maintaining that night funeral is a long standing tradition of the Ijaw people and can't be overrided by a mere local legislation.

Acccording to the activist, there has not been any security challenge in night funerals in Ijaw nation to have intervene by some local busy body lawmakers who do not understand the business of lawmaking.

Ozobo said the Bill is needlessly as night funeral is done in discretion of people in Ijaw land, noting that no one is under any obligation to conduct night funeral which to have been prompted legislation.

"It is insanity for anyone to think that stopping night burial will serve as a solution to increase level of promiscuity and immorality in the society", Ozobo averred.

He reiterated: "those who want night burial and others who want day burial should be at liberty to do so, as it is experienced in Ijaw land today".

The Comrade leader said that it's only in Banana republic that someone will think of using legislation to abolish a tradition, asserting that Burutu lawmakers should retrace their steps.

Ozobo further said that night funeral being a tradition across Ijaw land in nine states of the Nigeria federation can be upturned by any local legislation by lawmakers in a single local government area in Delta state.

He advised the Burutu Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Angele Godknows who also cherish night funeral not to assent to the bill as it remained frivolous and mischievous, stressing that they will rubbish the bill in court.

Delta2023: Deltans Be wise, Urhobo's at it again, Move to deceive Deltans about Edevbie as they did for Ibori

Delta2023: Deltans Be wise, Urhobo's at it again, Move to deceive Deltans about Edevbie as they did for Ibori

.......As Ex-Convict Ibori goes desperate for Edevbie, Meet Obasanjo to push for Okowa's acceptance

As the Delta 2023 Guber elections draws  close, the political atmosphere has found many desperate aspirants, making last resort clamours in order to attain victory.

Even those with staggering records of criminality and theft are seeking aids from higher authorities in order to get into power in Delta State come 2023.

For example, Chief David Edevbie, one aspirant with damning records of embezzling state and national funds, falsification of local government of origin and other atrocities against the people of Delta who still clamours for the Governorship Seat.

Edevbie's cohort, former governor, Chief James Ibori in his bid to aid his partner in his aspiration, visited the political living-ancestor, Obasanjo and pleaded that Obasanjo coerces Gov. Okowa to accept Edevbie as his successor.

This was a pathetic attempt at gaining goodwill in the heart of the former President as the stench of their past crimes still wafts wherever they thread. Meeting with Okowa over the Ibori/Edevbie issue, Obasanjo recognized Edevbie for the criminal and chronic financial rapist of the State that he is.

Apparently, the desperate appeal Ibori made is a failed attempt as every literate citizen is aware of the actions that led to Edevbie being barred from setting foot in London, and they are aware that part of some repatriated loot was traced to Edevbie.

Information from a credible source also revealed that Ibori, brought about the infamous Warri crisis that drove all investors from the state, thereby depleting the State's economy.

Whilst Ibori made amunitions available for Itsekiri's to kill Ijaws, he was also busy looting the state with the express approval from Edevbie who was the commissioner of finance and James Manager as the commissioner of works and transportation.

Edevbie and Ibori must not plunge this state into another economic darkness again.

Concerning the accurate local government of origin of Edevbie which is still being debated, an independent investigation  necessitated a disclosure.

As the dubious politician from Isoko Delta South Senatorial District who appropriated and covered up N40 billion of Delta State funds that was stolen. After Ibori left office as governor in 2007 Edevbie is now claiming to be an Urhobo man, Deltans are not fools. 

 

Edevbie has peddled this  deceitful claim while in reality, he is paternally full blooded Isoko Man from Owehlogbo, Isoko North Local government area of Delta State.

Knowing that it was the turn of Delta central, Ughelli South to Produce the Delta State Governor 2023, according to a ‘gentleman’ agreement under the People’s Democratic Party PDP, he despirately worked against the arrangements even contested the primaries against Governor Okowa in 2015, using the money he stole as Delta State as commissioner of finance under Former Governor James Ibori.

At that time he claimed to be an Isoko-man. 2023 this same David Edevbie is now claiming to be an Urhobo man from Afiesere, Ughelli North, Delta State where he forcefully buried his late father, that has generated unending disputes and generational abnormalities in their families.

It is pitiable that such man who has excused all moral sense of reasoning, after stealing billions from the state, schemes to govern the people by putting in another dubious conduct of falsifying his local government of origin.

His feeble attempt to vilify the political prowess and leadership charisma of the Urhobo people will not be tolerable. No politician in Delta State would toe the line of such insult on Urhobo people.

Just-ln: EFCC Uncovers Fresh $72.87m of Diezani ln Fidelity Bank, Arrests Ex-MD

Just-ln: EFCC Uncovers Fresh $72.87m of Diezani ln Fidelity Bank, Arrests Ex-MD

As part of the ongoing investigations of the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a former Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo, over an alleged additional $72.87m still in the coffers of the bank.

Okonkwo and Charles Onyedibe were currently being quizzed by operatives over the latest discovery.

Okonkwo, who is the chairman of First Bank Holding, alongside others, had earlier been grilled over $153m and another $115m by the commission.

While all the $153m were recovered by the EFCC, the cases involving $115m, as it relates with the Independent National Electoral Commission bribery matter, are in various courts.

The EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed these in a statement on Wednesday, titled, ‘Diezani: EFCC uncovers additional $72.87m in Fidelity Bank.’

It said, “Okonkwo, who is currently the Chairman of First Bank Holding, alongside others, had earlier been grilled over a sum of $153m and $115m by the commission.

“Okonkwo and Charles Onyedibe are currently being detained by the EFCC over the whereabouts of the new $72.87m.”

Popular Enugu born Native Doctor Who Had 59 Wives, Over 300 Children, Grandchildren Dies At 74

 Enugu born Native Doctor Who Had 59 Wives, Over 300 Children, Grandchildren Dies At 74

Mr Simon Odo, a native doctor popularly known as ‘King of Satan’ who married 59 wives and had over 300 children and grandchildren is dead. He was aged 74.

The late Odo, who hailed from Aji in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, died in the early hours of Tuesday after a brief illness.

Mr Emeka Odo, one of the sons, who confirmed the death of his father to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in their family house, said that the father died at the age of 74.

Odo said burial arrangements for his father were already in progress in compliance with his father’s instruction to the wives and children that his remains should not be deposited in mortuary when confirmed dead, but should be buried as soon as possible.

“Yes, my father popularly known as King of Satan is dead; he died on Tuesday morning as he had been sick for the past three weeks.

“We are having family meeting to perfect arrangement for his burial since he instructed us not to put his body in mortuary,” he said.

He lamented that the death of his father was a big blow as he had a loving and caring father in spite of the large number of family members.

“Since this morning that my father died, kinsmen, friends and well-wishers have been trooping in shock and surprise to come and sympathise with our family,” he said.

Unusual As 62-Year-Old Man Marries 55-year-Old Virgin in Osun

Unusual As 62-Year-Old Man Marries 55-year-Old Virgin in Osun 

A 62-year-old bachelor, Isaac Bakare, ties the knot with a 55-year-old spinster, Esther Bamiloye, who is still a virgin in Osun State.

The couple who were celebrated by many on their wedding day revealed that indeed, God answered their long-time prayer by bringing them together.

When asked about the history of their relationships, the bride said, “The devil had plans to stop me from getting married. When I felt I was ready, there was no man coming for me. I kept waiting on God for a miracle till I reached 55-years.

“I never dated anyone till I got married. Initially, I thought the problem was from my former church and I left, but I give glory to God. He did it for me in my new church and all the barriers were removed”.

Narrating the story of how the couples met, and what came about the attraction, Esther stated: “God had been revealing his picture and personality to me and speaking to me about him through some people for over three years.

“Exactly on the day it reached three years that I first got the revelation, God sent the message again through a prophet. The description of his looks, where he would come from and others matched perfectly when I set my eyes on him at Ilesa.

“My church is in Osogbo, but we had an event in Ilesa where I met the man destined for me.

“God even revealed our wedding date, which was October 29, 2021. The period between our meeting and wedding was really short. I give God all the glory for remembering me after all these years," the bride narrated.

Delta2023: Ibori Allegedly Begs Power Brokers to Appeal to Okowa to Accept his Candidate Edevbie

Delta2023: Ibori Allegedly Begs Power Brokers to Appeal to Okowa to Accept his Candidate Edevbie

Information reaching our news desk is indicative that former Governor James Onanefe Ibori of Delta state is reportedly making frantic efforts to woo the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to anoint his political godson, Olorogun David Edevbie, for the 2023 guber race in Delta state.

Available reports revealed that Governor Okowa is not favourable disposed to Edevbie as possible successor for the office of the governor. This is even as recent reports revealed that the governor has decided to turn to Urhobo ethnic nationality to take over the office in 2023.

 

Edevbie, a former finance commissioner in Okowa’s first term and a chief of staff in the governor’s second term was axed from office by the governor following his ambition to run for office of the governor in 2023. Sources close to powers have also hinted that the DC-23, a lobby group of a select Urhobo people is surreptitiously moving to anoint Edevbie as its utmost objective.

Okowa’s perceived unwillingness to go the way of Edevbie may not be unconnected with the 2014 PDP primaries where David Edevbie slugged it out with him and clinched second position in the primary election that produced Okowa as PDP candidate.

The action of Edevbie was contrary to the PDP zoning arrangement where it was clearly the turn of Delta North to produce the governor. It was not expected that Edevbie should join the race with the governor. Edevbie’s entrance into the race, despite the zoning arrangement is reportedly displeasing to the governor.

 

In the 2023 general elections, Ibori is believed to have pitched his tent with Edevbie, on whose auspices the DC-23 is allegedly lobbying for Urhobo governor, though covertly working for Edevbie.

Within the last few days, Ibori is reported to have made moves to speak to powerful figures in the country to help appeal to the conscience of Okowa to anoint Edevbie for the 2023 governorship race.

 

One of the names, sources mentioned, is former President Olusegun Obasanjo who was civilian president from 1999 to 2007. According to our source, Ibori reportedly met with Obasanjo in Lagos to help talk to Okowa to look the way of Edevbie for the 2023 race.

While Ibori is making underground moves, the people of Delta are of the opinion that the era of godfathers in the state must come to a close. Okowa’s emergence did not come through godfathers.

Deltans are of the opinion that Ibori should give way to allow people of independent minds, selected by the majority take over the rein of power.

2023: PDP Will Not Impose Candidates_ SEN. AYU

2023: PDP Will Not Impose Candidates_ SEN. AYU

..... As Ortom backs him, says imposition is undemocratic 

National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu says the party under his leadership will not give room for imposition of candidates. 

Ayu spoke just as the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom aligned with the National Chairman, insisting that imposition of candidates is undemocratic and will not augur well for the party in 2023. 

Senator Ayu spoke Saturday,11th December, 2021 at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi while addressing stakeholders of the PDP during his first visit to the state as National Chairman of the PDP. 

He stated that under his tenure, whoever emerges as candidate for any elective position will be protected, pointing out that he has a competent team that has been carefully elected for the enormous task ahead. 

The former Senate President charged party faithful to go back to their wards and work hard to ensure victory for the PDP in all elections in 2023, stressing that the party must rescue Nigeria from APC's misrule. 

The National Chairman acknowledged the support shown him before and after his emergence by Governor Ortom, Senator David Mark and other critical stakeholders, saying it's an indication of a united Benue. 

He said with the commitment shown by leaders who stood behind him for his election, it is a clear indication that Benue can win anytime but "when we fight against each other, victory will elude us." 

Senator Ayu pledged the commitment of the National Working Committee of the PDP towards rescuing and rebuilding Nigeria, stressing that the party is poised to reclaim power at the centre in 2023. 

Governor Samuel Ortom in a remark, corroborated Ayu's position against imposition of candidates, saying, transparency, justice and equity should be allowed to play out, even as he encouraged consensus arrangement. 

The Governor advised the NWC of the PDP to work as a team in order to ensure victory for the party at all levels in 2023, saying the APC's failure is an opportunity for the PDP to reclaim their position and rebuild Nigeria. 

While thanking Senator David Mark and other Northern leaders for standing firm to ensure the emergence of Ayu, Governor Ortom announced that the PDP in Benue will be receiving other ranking politicians into its fold in the days ahead. 

Former Senate President, Senator David Mark acknowledged the degree of responsibility the nation has placed on the PDP, saying the party has no excuse but to succeed. 

He prayed God to grant Ayu the wisdom and courage to lead the party in the right direction, saying Benue people will reciprocate the gesture by standing firmly behind him. 

Senator Ayu and other members of the NWC of the PDP were later decorated in the Benue unity attires by Governor Samuel Ortom and other top government officials.

Dowen College: Falana Asks Police to Invite Blogger, Kemi Olunloyo Over 'Reckless' Comment On Sylvester's Death

Dowen College: Falana Asks Police to Invite Blogger, Kemi Olunloyo Over 'Reckless' Comment On Sylvester's Death

A human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has petitioned the deputy commissioner, Lagos police command to invite controversial blogger, Kemi Olunloyo over a comment she made regarding the death of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni Jnr. 

Sylvester's case generated public outrage some weeks ago when one of his relations lamented his death on the microblogging platform, Twitter. 

He alleged that the young boy was tortured to death at Dowen College over his refusal to join a cult. 

News of Sylvester's death has continued to attract the outrage of Nigerians as many have asked the authorities to bring the culprits to justice.

No fewer than five persons have been grilled by operatives of the Lagos State police command in connection to the death of the deceased.

However, Olunloyo, in her reaction to the events, claimed that the deceased drank engine oil as part of the cult initiation process, adding that Oromoni was not bullied.

#Justiceforsylvester Sylvester Oromoni’s death involved HAZING he allegedly participated in. It is important for Nigerians to know that hazing is a crime in many countries but NOT in Nigeria. The bulk of the investigation should focus on adult supervision when this was going on.

— Journalist Dr Kemi Olunloyo📡 (@KemiOlunloyo) December 11, 2021

Olunloyo via an audiotape reiterated that the late Sylvester Oromoni who died under controversial circumstances at Dowen College willingly wanted to join the boy’s gang and drank engine oil.

Her comment sparked angry reactions from Nigerians who condemned her for making such a comment against the deceased who cannot defend himself.

Meanwhile, Falana, in the petition signed by Taiwo Olawanle, a lawyer in Falana & Falana Chambers firm, called for an investigation into the comment made by Olunloyo.

The human rights lawyer said Olunloyo’s comment has exacerbated the pains of the deceased’s parents and family.

Falana asked the police to invite Olunloyo to explain her “false information” and be charged to court if she cannot substantiate the comment.

The petition reads, “Although the students and staff of the college suspected to have played a role in the brutal murder of Sylvester Oromoni have made useful statements to the police, one Ms Kemi Olunloyo has just introduced another twist to the incident.

“According to a false statement credited to her, Ms Olunloyo claimed that Sylvester Oromoni wanted to join the cult, he agreed to be beaten and drank engine oil as part of the initiation process.

“Ms Olunloyo recorded her false statement and has been circulating the same on social media in a wicked manner with the sole purpose of diverting attention from the ongoing investigation by the police.

“Apart from attempting to destroy the name of Sylvester Oromoni, Ms Olunloyo has exacerbated the tragedy of his parents, family members and friends without any justification whatsoever.

“Even though the reckless statement is a figment of the imagination of Ms Olunloyo, we are of the strong view that she ought to assist the police in the ongoing investigation into the cause of the death of Sylvester Oromoni.

“We are therefore compelled to request the police to investigate the allegation of false information being circulated by Ms Olunloyo on the gruesome circumstances surrounding the death of Sylvester Oromoni.

“If she cannot substantiate her reckless allegation, Ms Olunloyo ought to be charged with false information in the Magistrate Court in Lagos State,” the statement adds.