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President Tinubu bars Asari, other agitators from visiting Aso Rock Villa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has barred a Niger Delta agitator, Alhaji Mujarhedeen Asari-Dokubo from paying a courtesy call on him at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The development followed the militant’s request to pay a visit to the villa, but which was rejected, according to the Leadership Newspapers.
It was also reported that President Tinubu will not grant audience to any ethnic militias from the oil rich region who intends to pay a visit to the Villa.
The ban may not be unconnected to utterances of the leader of the defunct Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force which was considered a national security risk after he had paid a visit to the Villa on June 16.
Dokubo had in his utterances accused the military of getting engaged in oil theft which has attracted a response from the military hierarchy for a proof.
The source said, “The president has given a directive that he would not like to meet any Niger Delta warlord or ethnic militia after the horrible experience when he granted an audience to Mujarhedeen Asari-Dokubo. You know the man Asari is a strong supporter and adherent of Mr. President. But the management of the fallout of his visit to the Villa was a nightmare to the Presidency.
“You can recall that he came out of the president’s office to lampoon the Armed Forces, accusing its personnel of being the arrow heads of illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta. He has been seen arrogantly going about with many gun-wielding youths, boasting about the prowess of his private army to deal with constituted authorities, including the military and a sitting governor, precisely Rivers State Governor, Mr. Fubara.”
Meanwhile, the special adviser on media and publicity to the president, Ajuri Ngelale said that he is not aware of the issue, let alone, the president’s directive on the matter.
“I have not heard any of such speculation going around within the State House. While we appreciate the desire for intriguing reportage, I think we should avoid speculative assumptions that have no verifiable basis in fact,” Ngelale.
News
Austin Okai retracts N13. 4 billion LG fund diversion allegation against Governor Ododo [See letter]
His Excellency,
Alhaji Usman Ododo
The Governor of Kogi State
Government House
Lokoja, Kogi State
Formal Retraction of Media Statement Regarding Alleged Diversion of N13.4 Billion.
Your Excellency, I would like you to accept this letter as a formal retraction of the statement that I, Usman Okai Austin, Comrade Okpanachi Jacob and Peter Onuma made during a press briefing of last month, as it has to do with the matter titled “Group Demands Immediate Refund of N13.4 Billion Allegedly Diverted from State Coffers by the Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo.”
Upon further review and diligent comparison of the relevant facts, particularly those provided by the State Government concerning the disbursement of funds intended for local government development, I came to the realization after much briefing and clarification of the significant discrepancies in the information upon which the previous statement was based on at the material time. Specifically, I now understand that the funds in question amounts to Three Billion Naira (N3,000,000,000.00) and that the State Government has provided documentation outlining the approved sharing formula for these released funds, which are hereby attached for your kind perusal.
Consequently, I acknowledge that our previous comments may have inadvertently caused confusion and were based on inaccurate information about the financial details *available to us* at that material time.
I hereby apologise on behalf of myself, Okpanachi Jacob, and Peter Onuma, who were invited as part of the press conference and withdraw the said statement in its entirety.
Furthermore, we wish to categorically state that our activities within Kogi State are devoid of bigotry or Party differences as alleged by some quarters, rather a sincere participation in ensuring that you write your name in the golden history of our dear State.
Our collective intention has consistently been to provide an opposing voice and contribute to holding the government accountable, a role we believe is vital in a democratic society.
We have no personal animosity, hatred, or ill feelings towards your Government, Personality, Tribe, or any member of your family. We hold your Excellency, Governor Usman Ododo, in high regard as the duly elected Governor of our esteemed state.
It is never our intention to demean your Excellency in Person, your Family or Office. However, we take full responsibility for any damage or inconveniences my assertions may have caused.
This retraction is made in good faith, and we deeply regret any distress or harm the previous remarks may have caused to your Excellency, the administration, or the good people of Kogi State.
Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.
Long live Kogi State!
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Yours Faithfully,
Comr. Usman Okai Austin, CCA
Documents outlining the sharing formula of the N3 Billion local government development funds.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has denied that its Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has bèen sacked by President Bola Tinubu.
The statement issued by the Spokesman of the elctoral body, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi to address social media reports which went viral on Monday described the reports as fake.
The report which began to trend in afternoon of Monday said, Prof. Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Olamilekan.
“INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu,” the message, which had no attribution, read.
Rotiminurges Nigerians to disregard the sack rumour, “Please, disregard. It is not true.”
Yakubu, who is rounding off his second tenure in office, is expected to exit the system towards the end of the year.
The process of appointing an INEC chairman is the President nominating a candidate and forwarding his particulars to the Department of State Services, DSS, for profiling.
After such screening, the President thereafter takes the name to the National Council of State for its advisory review. Based on the outcome, the President sends the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has extended warm felicitations to the former Governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris on the occasion of his 76th birthday anniversary.
In a congratulatory message to the elder statesman and political icon, Governor Ododo described Alhaji Ibrahim Idris as a patriotic leader and a bridge-builder whose contributions to the growth and development of Kogi State remain enduring and exemplary.
The made available to CAPITAL POST in Lokoja by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismaila Isah describe ex-governor, “Alhaji Ibrahim Idris as a leader of uncommon wisdom, humility, and foresight. His years of service as Governor of Kogi State were marked by inclusive governance, peaceful coexistence, and remarkable infrastructural growth across all parts of the state. He remains a father figure to many of us in leadership today, and his legacy continues to guide the path of governance and unity in our dear state.”
The Governor further noted that the former Governor’s calm disposition, ability to mentor younger leaders, and his unwavering belief in the unity of Kogi State are values worthy of emulation.
Governor Ododo also expressed appreciation for the former Governor’s continued support and wise counsel, especially in matters of governance, peace building, and political stability in the state.
He prayed that Almighty Allah (SWT) grant Alhaji Ibrahim Idris long life in good health, renewed strength, and continued fulfillment in service to humanity and the nation.
Alhaji Ibrahim Idris served as the Executive Governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2012.
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