Explosion rattles Kogi LG; government claims saboteurs behind attack

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed an explosion that rocked the administrative office of Okehi Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that unknown gunmen had stormed the secretariat around 5pm on Monday and planted the explosion that ripped through the administrative block of the secretariat.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, told our Correspondent on Tuesday that the explosion occurred on Monday evening.

Also confirming the explosion, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omadara, said that the incident had been traced to saboteurs who wanted to cause panic during the election to prevent people from coming out to vote

Aya said officers had been deployed to the area to ascertain the extent of damages.

He urged for calm and stated that adequate security personnel have been deployed to the area while normalcy has since been restored to the area.

Middle Belt Generals: General Theophilus Danjuma, Gen. Zamani Lekwot (retd) – others under NCEF endorse Peter Obi

General Theophilus Danjuma, a former minister of defense, and other elder statesmen through the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF), has endorsed Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, ahead of this weekend’s presidential election.

The Christian Elders claim that it is important to take seriously the accusations that some areas were purportedly planning to use violence during the elections.

The NCEF urged Nigerians to elect officials based on their qualifications, skills, honesty, and general health since “a sick country demands hearty leaders.”

Its chairman, Dr. Samuel Gani, and secretary, Pastor Bosun Emmanuel, signed a statement with the title “Resolutions towards 2023 elections: Think new” that contains this information.

Ret. Gen. Zamani Lekwot, Dr. Saleh Hussaini, Vice Chairman (North), Elder Shyngle Wigwe, Vice Chairman (South), Mrs. Osaretin Demuren, Prof. Joseph Otubu, Hon. Justice Kalajine Anigbogu, Ret., Dr. Kate Okpareke, Ret. Dr. Ayo Abifarin, , Ret. Hon. Justice James Ogebe, Ret. Elder

Others are Elder Nat Okoro, Solomon Asemota (SAN), Elder Matthew Owojaiye, DIG P. L. Dabup, Sir John W. Bagu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dame Priscilla Kuye, Prof. Deborah Ajakaiye, and Dr. Taiwo Idemudia.

“In view of the need to ensure that democracy survives in Nigeria and the culture of corruption, incompetency, lawlessness, and impunity, which assailed the country in the past 24 years is eradicated, NCEF encourages Nigerians to think new.

“Nigeria requires new leaders, new methods, new policies, and new political parties. In view of the above equity, justice, inclusiveness, and unity produce the preferred future for Nigerians.

“The National Christian Elders Forum is endorsing Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party as the Presidential candidate to be voted for. NCEF encourages all Nigerians of voting age to exercise their civic duty and ensure that they vote for capacity, competency, integrity, and good health. Nigerians, think new!” The statement reads.

Furthermore, the Elders disclosed that Nigerians are beginning to attach importance to capacity and integrity rather than the primordial emotional choices which afforded unqualified and incompetent people access to leadership positions.

“NCEF commends the Federal Government for taking steps to curb vote-buying during the 2023 elections. While the policy of currency change has brought some inconvenience to the people, the long-term benefit should be appreciated. It is crucial that vote-buying must be prevented at all costs to prevent unqualified and incapable persons from bribing their way into power,” the statement added.

I’m Ready To Sacrifice My Senatorial Ambition For Peter Obi To Win – Ortom

In order to guarantee the victory of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom says he is willing to give up his desire to run for the Senate in this Saturday’s elections for the National Assembly.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Ortom is running for the Benue North-West senate seat.

After months of refusing to back Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, whose emergence in May 2022 was regarded by numerous high-ranking party members as unfair, he finally endorsed Obi in January.

While speaking to members of the Igbo community in the state on Monday, the governor of Benue reaffirmed his support for the former governor of Anambra State.

“For me, the issue isn’t even that I’m running for office. Yes, the citizens of Benue State purchased the form for me. I’ve visited them, and they have agreed to vote for me,” he stated.

I am aware that the Igbo are the most interconnected people in the world, he continued. This is your chance to claim that the president is an Igbo man from the South-East.

Ortom identified with those who believed in the unity of Nigeria and working together, saying it was for this reason that he accommodates everybody.

“Then let’s not waste this chance that God himself is giving us. Young people, members of my own community, traditional leaders, and party members from different parties have all told me this. Obi’s situation has nothing to do with the APC, PDP, SDP, or any other party. It concerns Nigeria.

He described Obi as a species that is not bound by ethnicity.

“That is why when I hear some prominent Igbo personalities castigating Peter Obi for contesting the election – is it not you people that have been saying you have been marginalised since after the war?

“The opportunity has come today and you’re still complaining. What do you want?! What are you looking for?  

“The whole country – North, South, East, and West – are saying Peter Obi, and you hear some people say, ‘We don’t want it.’ Haba! Those people should be outcasts.”

Williams and Solomon break the national record and triumph in the Jos cross country race

Kefas Williams and Blessing Sshambor Solomon, two runners from the Plateau State, have won the Jos Cross Country, the first-ever cross-country race in Nigeria sponsored by Nilayo Sports Management Limited.

Kefas finished first among men in 31 minutes, 38 seconds. He received a cash award of $300.

Stephen Joshua, who finished in second place, did it in 31 minutes, 28 seconds. He received N200,000.

Emmanuel Gyang, who finished in third position, did so in 32 minutes, 01 seconds. He received N100,000.

The men’s race was so fiercely fought that elite Nigerian athletes took first place through sixth place.
Paul James Pam (32:39:08), Solomon Nyango (33:19:69), James Gyang Gwon (33:25:93), Simon Markus (33:26:10), Nyango Gyang (33:31:49), and Iliya Pam (33:39:69) were among the pre-event favorites who ran 33 minutes or less.

Pam, led the field for four lapses out of five, only to be overtaken by Solomon in the fifth lap. The Plateau state athlete didn’t look back to cross the finish line at 38minutes 36:12 seconds. She got N300,000.

Pam, who finished at 38minutes 47:37 seconds blamed fatigue from road travel from Lagos as hindrance. She got N200,000.

In third place was Grace Dalum, who finished at 39minutes 10:91 second. She got cash prize of N100,000.

Winners from the 4th place to 10th positions all got cash prizes from the sponsors, Nilayo Sports Management Limited. A total N2million cash prizes was shared among the winners.

The Zonal Coordinator, North Central in the Sports Ministry, Mrs. Deborah Pitman represented the Honourable Minister of Sports at the event.

All the Elite runners that participated in the Jos Cross Country Championship together with the event’s Coordinator, Chief Tony Osheku, commended the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Chief Bukola Olopade, for sponsoring the Jos Cross Country competition, which has opened the eyes of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, and indeed the Sports Ministry to host a championship that would benefit the fortunes of Nigeria long distance performances in international races.

‘Strange herdsmen have invaded our lands’ – Ondo Communities

Traditional leaders in Ondo State’s Ose Local Government Area have urged security organizations to increase security in the area’s villages due to an invasion of what they have dubbed “strange herdsmen”.

Eight people were killed in an attack on three towns last month, according to Adetunji Adeleye, commander of the Ondo Amotekun Corps, who claimed that several herders were driven to neighboring states after the attacks.

The traditional rulers, in a message to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, after a stakeholders meeting, said there was a spike in attacks on farmers, kidnapping, rape and the destruction of farmlands.

They said activities of the strange herdsmen have been hindering preparation for the new planting season

The traditional rulers of the region, including Olute of Ute, Oba Oluwole Akinrongbe, Olumoru of Imoru, Oba ‘Rotimi Obamuwagun, Arujale Ojima of Okeluse, Oba Oloyede Akinghare, and Odibiado of Ijagba, Oba Andrew Okioya, claimed that farmers who were supposed to mobilize for the new farming season had been driven from their farms by heavily armed miscreants.

The state administration and security agencies were urged by the royal fathers to act quickly to put an end to unjustified attacks on nearby towns, villages, and settlements.

“That the frequency, intensity, and scope of unjustified attacks on cities, villages, and communities in the southern Ose Local Government Area are extremely ominous and humiliating.

“These recurring/constant attacks typically leave in their aftermath huge destruction of lives, properties, fires, rapes of married women, teenagers, and minors, kidnapping, murder, etc.”

SOKAPU cautions against taking El-Rufai’s ‘Naira desperation’ for granted

The Southern Kaduna People’s Union stated on Friday that Nasir El-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna State, should be probed for his objection to the Federal Government’s order declaring that the old N1000 and N500 notes will no longer be accepted as legal money as of February 17.

President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd) had declared that the old N500 and N1,000 banknotes were no longer accepted as lawful tender when addressing the nation. He urged Nigerians to deposit their old N500 and 1000 notes with the CBN, but said that the old N200 note would be legal tender for the following 60 days, or until April 10, 2023.

However, in complete disregard to the President’s directives on the N500, N1000 naira notes to be deposited in the various branches of the Central Bank of Nigeria across the country, El-Rufai mandated residents of the state to continue the use of the old naira notes, pending the determination of the matter which is before the Supreme Court.

The governor gave the directives in a state-wide broadcast on Thursday night.

But the SOKAPU in a statement by its Spokesperson, Luka Binniyat, argued that El-Rufai’s “desperation was not ordinary”, declaring that he (El-Rufai) should be investigated.

According to Binniyat, SOKAPU has been observing the curious ongoing drama between Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State and the Federal Government over the new Naira policy.

“The desperation of el-Rufai is not ordinary and we suggest that he should be investigated. However, El-Rufai has gone overboard in his reaction to the response of Buhari to the Supreme Court order.

The statement stated that El-Rufai looked to be heading a gang of APC governors bent on reversing the controversial Naira redesign.

“In his broadcast to the State last night, el-Rufai sounded desperate; he became unduly emotional and abusive and spoke with a lot of braggadocios in the typical manner that has been his public image. He even alleged that there was a plot to stop the 2023 general election and its place an interim government installed.

“He called on Kaduna State citizens to disobey the directives of President Buhari. He insisted that the N500 and N1000 notes are still legal tenders in Kaduna State, contrary to the position of the Federal Government and promised dire consequences on anyone who refused to make transactions with them in Kaduna State.

“It will therefore look like el-Rufai has declared himself a rebel. If this is not treason, then we need another definition of the word.

“If El-Rufai has such goodwill towards the people of Kaduna State why has he not approached the Supreme Court to force the Federal government to wipe out the so-called bandits that have taken over a large portion of Kaduna State creating their own government right under his nose?”

“We are yet to see el-Rufai make a case at the Supreme Court forcing the National Emergency Management Agency to give relief materials to the millions of IDPs in Kaduna State. SOKAPU does not know el-Rufai for charity towards his electorates; we have no records of him on empathy and sympathy to the suffering people of Kaduna State.

“From all accounts, el-Rufai’s most important concern is the flow of raw cash for seamless spendings during elections. But there may be more than meets the eyes. It has been said that there are a few powerful individuals and families that have stashed away billions of stolen Naira which they can’t put in the bank without raising suspicion.

“So, we want to appeal to our members not to be charmed by El-Rufai’s bravado towards the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Government as a genuine act of concern to the citizens.

“He cannot hide under the cover of the suffering we are going through as a result of the new Naira policy and wage his war.”

Governors insisting on the continued circulation of old naira notes do so with the intention of utilizing them to buy votes – SAN

According to Senior Advocate of Nigeria Muiz Banire, the governors’ insistence on the continued use of all old naira notes as legal tender is an attempt to buy votes.

In order to “purchase voters’ conscience,” according to Banire, the governors planned to deceive the public into accepting the “already stocked old notes in their custody.”

“A lot of us might not understand why the Governors are insisting on the old notes being legal tender,” the SAN wrote.  “Certainly, it is not that they don’t know that they do not have the power to declare what is legal tender, neither did they not know that [they] … lack the capacity to enforce any Supreme Court judgment.

He claimed that their true intentions were to deceive naïve prospective voters into taking the already stocked old notes in their possession in order to buy voters’ conscience.

Banire advised people to demand “the true legal tender as stated by the apex bank” in all cases

In his letter, he advised prospective voters to either insist on the real legal cash declared by the apex bank or use any other form of payment they found acceptable.

But he cautioned, “Your conscience is not worth purchasing; if you must collect the money, which is primarily taken from the Treasury, insist on acceptable legal tender and still vote your conscience.

I am working for Peter Obi — Ortom

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Thursday declared that he is working for the emergence of Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, as the next president of Nigeria.

The Governor was a guest at the conference that brought stakeholders from the 276 Council Wards of the state where he stated that his decision was premised on his conviction that Mr. Obi was mentally and physically prepared for the task of getting the country working again.

The Governor received a standing ovation from the attendees who went wild singing his name and the name of the LP presidential candidate when he made the open statement.

Ortom stated that “We must, in this 2023, fashion a new Nigeria, Nigeria that will give the people equity, fairness, and justice.

“The PDP has failed Nigerians, APC has failed Nigerians, political parties have failed Nigerians, even Labour Party has failed Nigerians. We must therefore look at individuals, those people who can deliver.

He stated that the time had come for Nigerians to jettison political affiliation and loyalty and choose a God-fearing, capable and competent hand who would rescue the country from its present sorry state.

He said, “we have come to a time where we must leave out sentiments and save Nigeria by looking at individuals who can lead with the fear of God and provide gainful employment for the youths.

“So, this is not about party, I am not in Labour Party but I am working for Peter Obi. Peter Obi will make sure that we sleep with our two eyes closed. These unnecessary killings that are going on in our country will stop.

“I have chosen to support him. I appreciate you all for choosing Peter Obi. Of the three presidential candidates, Peter Obi has the character, competence to lead Nigeria.”

Mr. Obi, who was supposed to attend the meeting in person but was unable to do so because of adverse weather that caused him to cancel his travel, spoke to the group remotely in the meantime.

The presidential contender commended the people of Benue, in particular Governor Ortom, for their support in ensuring that their efforts will not go in vain.

Mr. Obi stated that he would make every effort to travel to Benue before the polls but added that he would make sure that the state did not remain the same once he took power.

Middle Belt Forum: El-Rufai denying Buhari to run away from APC’s failure

According to the Middle Belt Forum, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna is desperately attempting to separate himself from the disastrous policies of the All Progressives Congress, APC, of which he is a member.

National President, Dr. Pogu Bitrus stated, “Governor El-Rufai has constantly been mischievous and egocentric.

Under the previous administration, Obasanjo, he started criticizing everyone outside of that administration. When he joined the group that would eventually form the All Progressives Congress, APC, he started by making announcements about any and all issues pertaining to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to which he had previously belonged.

“Today he’s within the APC in which he’s one in all their top notch leaders and the APC has failed woefully, he’s desperately looking to distance himself with the aid of using pronouncing Buhari is that this and that.

“He forgets that he has also performed badly in Kaduna state. People have lost their lives and lands taken over and all of that. 

“So El-Rufai will continue to be a selfish and self-centered person. And remember just before now, this same El-Rufai said the Governors are the “leaders in the North”. He is not a person you can rely on.

So you can forget about his statement and let posterity judge him.”

Current and former governor of Plateau State trade words over Wike/G-5 Governors 

The former governor of Plateau State, General Jonah David Jang, released a statement on Sunday which was signed by his media consultant, Clinton Garuba, in response to a purported false claim made by Lalong that General Jonah Jang rtd was supporting the APC presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Tinubu because he is a member of the G-5 PDP Governors.

He called Lalong a daydreamer for believing that the G5 PDP governors and allies, including former Governor Jang, would support the APC.

“It seems however that, Governor Lalong has just woken up from his slumber of almost 8 years and discovered he has spent these years doing nothing in the interest of Plateau people, hence the degeneration to day dreaming.

But for the misleading statements he made, there was no need to dignify him with a response since we know that anything outside his written speeches are not only disjointed but profane babbling that makes no semantic sense.

Plateau Media and Publicity of the APC PCC, Sylvanus Naman had then responded stating that Jang got it wrong over his comments on Lalong’s claim.

The statement reads: “To say that the G5 Governors have not taken a position on their support for the APC Presidential Candidate is a confirmation of his fear for a Bala Ahmed Tinubu unstoppable victory at the polls. He stated that Wike “has suddenly remembered how Jonathan lost out in 2015, which he was at the centre of”.

“One does not need the service of a political pundit to tell us that the G5 or Integrity Group have since called it quits with the Atiku ticket. Do we need a better confirmation of Governor Lalong’s assertion than the one coming from the horse’s mouth and pillar of the G5 himself, the steely Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike when he recently responded to a statement by allegedly stating that:

 ” Yes it is true that I have directed all Local Government Chairmen,  Commissioners, Board Chairmen, Senior Special Advisers, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants,  DGs, Board Members and all my aides to work for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and I owe no one any apology”?

The statement by Sylvanus Naman added: “The G5 Governors are patriots who have decided to go with a very patriotic Nigerian in the person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu rather than presidential candidates with divisive tendencies. It ended by saying that,

“Jang should stop boiling his adrenaline over his morbid condemnation of anything coming from his immediate successor.”

Earlier, General Jang rtd, berated the current Governor in a statement where he said – “For someone who has spent all these years as governor not doing what makes for the welfare and wellbeing of his people; in addition to the dismal performance in terms of basic infrastructure, healthcare, tourism, education and all the sectors necessary for the people, he should be hiding his face in shame rather than trying to denigrate the former governor whose records of performance dot the Plateau landscape.

He further added that, “Nigerians have been subjected to tortuous life never imagined and they are willing to express their anger through the ballot box. Thinking of delivering APC top to bottom by Lalong and his ilk is mere wishful thinking. No right thinking person will consider an extension of the present situation we have found ourselves in. That is the kind of hardship that Lalong and co want to perpetuate just in the name of seeking relevance.”

He justified the monies he spent during his administration and questioned why Lalong was still owing salaries with no infrastructure to justify despite the huge allocation the state received in addition to the mindless borrowings Governor Lalong engaged in.

“Governor Lalong should stop referring Plateau citizens to what happened in 2015 and market himself and his so called candidates through his performance of his nearly 8 years administration. The people are watching and they will hold you accountable at the poll for your inept leadership, underperformance and the shame you have brought to Plateau.” He stated.