News
Ekiti 2022: Bamidele concludes Campaign tour across 16 LGs, begins grassroots consultations

A leading governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has concluded consultations across the 16 local government chapters of the APC in the state and set to meet all critical stakeholders from ward to Ward.

Senator Bamidele who gave this hint about the ward to ward meeting with stakeholders reiterated that he took care of the party when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in charge of the state for seven and half years between May 29, 2003 till October 16th , 2010 when Governor Kayode Fayemi was sworn-in .

He said, “By the Special Grace of God, I, Sen. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (M.O.B), alongside some other party leaders and chieftains, had been responsible for the sustenance of our dear party from May 29th, 2003 when our dear Leader, Otunba Niyi Adebayo left office as first Civilian Governor of Ekiti State. and 16th October, 2010 when Dr. John Kayode Fayemi was sworn in as Governor of Ekiti State.
“I had paid the rent of the building’ housing the party Secretariat for more than seven years and during the Yuletide, annually, I did make provision for welfare packages in terms of food stuff and gift items which are usually distributed across the 16 local governments in the State”.
“On various occasions, I had also paid the rent of various Local Government Secretariats of our dear party across Ekiti State”.
“It was also in the course of my service to our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the Director-General of the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organization that the ghastly shooting incidence of 1st June, 2018 happened to me but we thank the Almighty God for saving my life to survive the incidence.
“Between 2000 and 2002, I served as the National Director of Publicity of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and have also deployed my God-given talents, professional skills and wealth of experience in the service of our dear party from AD to AC, ACN and APC.
“While I was aspiring for Senate in 2010, my friends and I had the privilege to donate seven (7) brand new buses to our dear party (the defunct ACN) in Ekiti State.
“As a thorough-bred party chieftain and grassroots mobilizer, I know how to take good care of our party, our leaders, stalwarts and teeming members and this shall not be at the detriment of Ekiti people’s growth and development.
“Ekiti people are waiting to vote for me; what I need is the ticket of our dear party to coast home to victory as APC Governorship Candidate in June 2022.”
He urged all the aspirants to be careful of what they are saying during the party’s primary because opposition parties will catch in on that during the Governorship general election, adding that it is important to run a campaign that is scientific, issue-based and one that is violence free, and promises that we would be able to fulfill.
Bamidele said, ” Our party must remain united and be careful about what we say about each other because of primary election, at the end of the day, opposition parties will be waiting to catch-in on that.
“It is important for us to run a campaign that is scientific, a campaign that is violence free, a campagn that is driven by issues and promises that we will be able to fulfill, most importantly victory of our party should be our focus.”
He also thanked the leaders and stalwarts of the APC in Ekiti for the rousing welcome they gave him and for the smoothness of the exercise in which there was no single act of violence during the local governments tour which signify his acceptability among the stakeholders in the State.
He, therefore, appealed to the leadership of the party both at the national and the State levels to create a level playing ground for all aspirants in the State because the outcome of the primary election would determine the performance and chances of the party in its quest to win the Governorship election slated for June 18, 2021.
Bamidele submitted that the Ekiti people were waiting for him to massively vote for him as Governor of the State, adding that none of the other Governorship aspirants had the kind of experience, he had acquired in governance because he served in all three arms of government in which he performed excellently.

News
We are vindicated by ex-Rivers HoS revelation – APC

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.

The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.

The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.

News
CSOs demand urgent probe into ex-Rivers HoS allegations against Gov. Fubara

A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.

The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.

News
Deputy Speaker, Kalu appoints Hart as new Chief of Staff

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).

Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).

Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.

-
Security5 days ago
New Commissioner of Police in Niger, Elleman sends strong warning to criminals
-
News4 days ago
Abia: LG Chairman, Iheke accused of using soldiers to detain IRS agent, claims Governor Otti’s support
-
News5 days ago
Kogi Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo salutes Tinubu at 74
-
News5 days ago
Plateau LP stakeholders endorses Barr Gyang Zi’s defection to APC
-
News2 days ago
Kogi government bans rallies ahead of Natasha’s homecoming slated for Tuesday
-
News5 days ago
Akpabio pays historic visit to office of SA to President on Senate Matters
-
News2 days ago
Iran may secure a deal before Trump’s deadline – or face Israeli strikes in Tehran – analysis
-
Business5 days ago
FCT Minister reveals how he would aggressively pursue revenue collection, tours infrastructure