SDP Presidential Candidate, Adebayo Raises Five Critical Questions Ahead March 11 Polls

Prince Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Candidate has raised five questions ahead of the March 11 governorship and state legislative elections.

Prince Adewole Adebayo raised the questions in a tweets at the weekend.

He maintained that he has observed what he described as the “remorseful tone” of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “over inglorious commissions and omissions of Feb 25 elections”, but insisted that the only redemption for the commission “is clean, clear March 11 elections.”

“I have taken note of remorseful tone of @inecnigeria over inglorious commissions and omissions of Feb 25 elections. Redemption is clean, clear March 11 elections. Nothing less! The big question is, will @OfficialAPCNg @OfficialPDPNig @NgLabour @OfficialNNPPng etc stop cheating?

“Also, (2) will voters still sell votes for money or barter for foodstuffs, cloths, soaps, ‘maggi’ etc?

(3) Will security operatives be fully loyal to the law and Country? 

(4) Will the media expose frauds and infractions conscientiously?

(5) Will observers be neutral and ethical?”, Prince Adewole Adebayo asked.

Adeyemi  Adewuyi  leads lagos state youths as they declare support for Sanwo-Olu

A grass-rooted and prominent youth leader in Lagos State who is also the Lagos State Chairman, of Nigerian Youth Congress, NYC, has led millions of Lagos state youths to declare their support for the re-election of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The support declaration ceremony coupled with Press Conference at the NYC Office in Lagos on Saturday had youths in attendance from all nooks and crannies of Lagos state.

The adoption and support declaration which took a series of meetings in hours came to a mutual resolution after the overwhelming population of youths examined the capacity, capabilities, and track records of all the party candidates in the 2023 Lagos state Gubernatorial election.

As part of the meeting, strategies were mapped out as to how to make it a reality so that what happened in the Presidential election doesn’t repeat itself.

While addressing the press, Comr. Adeyemi Adewuyi said Lagosians are much aware of Sanwo-Olu’s achievements which include; the N1.15 trillion budget to tackle youth unemployment and security, the construction of over 308 roads, the repositioning of the health sector through the building of more health centres at the grassroots, and a free health policy for children below 18 years and adults above 65 years of age.

“The state recently took delivery of new trains from Milwaukee, United States, for its red line rail project. This is another major milestone in the drive by the governor to deliver the operation of the red line rail system by first quarter 2023 as promised.

“In the area of infrastructure, some of the projects Sanwo-Olu carried out are; the Lagos-Ogun boundary roads, Lekki-Oniru Traffic circulation projects, Pen Cinema Flyover and road networks in Somolu, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island. The Lekki-VGC Regional Road and Lekki-Epe-Ibeju Road expansion projects are transformational infrastructural projects that will improve the quality of life.

Rehabilitation of inner-city roads in 57 local council development areas, as well as local governments, and commissioning of BRT lane in Oshodi-Abule Egba, among others, bear eloquent testimony to his record of performance.

“Before he took over the government of Lagos, refuse disposal and management was a huge challenge. Sanwo-Olu re-organised Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and empowered them to do their job. Within weeks, refuse disappeared from the streets.

“Also, following in Asiwaju’s steps, The governor takes the environment as a highly important sector of the state and therefore donated 60 units of 24 cubic meter trucks, 12 loaders and 30 units of 12 cubic meter trucks to further enhance effective and efficient service delivery across the state.

“One of the projects which caught the World Health Organisation’s attention and placed Nigeria as the fourth-best country in the world was how Lagos State impressively curtailed the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I can go on and on, but for the sake of time. This is the kind of governor we need in Lagos State. And we the Lagos State youths have resolved to work for him and make sure he secures the office for a second term”, he added.

Speaking on the organization, NYC, he has this to say, “The Nigerian Youth Congress (NYC)is a registered non-governmental, non-partisan, and a not-for-profit organizationfounded in 2016, recognised by the federal government, and is saddled with the responsibility of coordinating and regulating the affairs of all youth associations within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The NYC is under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Students Affairs, it seeks to empower young people to take action through community

“The Nigerian Youth Congress is a major stakeholder in the implementation of the youth agenda of the Federal government, and, as such, will be strengthened by the government. Government at all levels shall endeavour to fund the activities of the youth body through subvention annually without necessarily controlling or interfering in the day-to-day running of the youth congress. Government shall provide some oversight functions to the congress.

Voluntary youth organizations and groups, youth NGOs and CBOs shall partner with the congress for proper collaboration. As the coordinating body for all youth organizations across the country, the NYC shall endeavour at all times to pursue democratic norms, embrace the principles of accountability and transparency in all its conduct, avoid partisanship, initiate and execute activities that are in consonance with the goals of the Federal government youth agenda”, he added.

Surulere, Others Agog for Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat ahead Saturday Election

…As Prince Jelili Adams Group Intensifies Campaign with 3-day mobilisation

Iponri and the entire axis of Surulere area of Lagos State came alive on Monday and stood still as a group in the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressive Congress APC organised road show and house to house mobilisation to sensitise residents on the forthcoming gubernatorial election on Saturday March 11 and why Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat should be re-elected.

The program which was to flag off the three-day intensive series of campaign activities kicked off around Iponri central mosque and Bode Thomas road, and covered the entire area of the local government.

Powered by Prince Jelili Adams movement aka Oju Eko, Boluwaji Ogunde and Hon Rilwan Layode, the event featured entertainment, music and other side attractions as residents were engaged on the over five thousand significant projects undertaken and completed by the current administration as well as the benefits to the people.

The campaign will continue on Tuesday to other parts of the state including Yaba and neighbouring areas and ends on Wednesday.

Many party faithfuls and leaders witnessed the event which revs up excitement for the election build up.

The incumbent Governor Sanwo-Olu and his deputy seek to pilot the affairs of the state, famous as the centre of excellence; as governor and deputy governor for the next four years, until another round of elections in 2027.

While speaking at the event, party leaders and other stakeholders said as the incumbent, the capacity, capability and competence of Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Obafemi Hamzat, have been tested.
 
They added that in the face of the peculiar situations Sanwo-Olu handled perfectly and still performed creditably well; starting with Abule Ado explosions, Covid-19 pandemic and #EndSARS in quick succession.

Prince Jelili Adams, an APC faithful said Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat have demonstrated capability and commitment to making Lagos a place that works for all, adding that it was the reason everyone was campaigning for them to ensure that the state continues to benefit from their exemplary leadership.

He noted that under them, the state has witnessed tremendous growth and development, and after reelection, they will do more.

“With about five thousand projects commissioned across education, environment, health, infrastructure, security and welfare, and more than 70 percent of them already in use; the incumbent has proved beyond doubt that they are committed to making Lagos the absolute best city for every Lagosian – indigenes and residents alike, ” he noted.

NIGERIAN ARMY COMMENCES INVESTIGATION ON SOLDIER WHO SHOT COLLEAGUES IN RABBAH SOKOTO

The Nigerian Army has instituted investigations into the unfortunate incident of a soldier, who killed his colleagues and himself at Forward Operations Base (FOB) Rabbah, Sokoto State. The sad and rare incident occured in the evening of Sunday 5 March 2023 at the FOB, where troops were deployed for Internal Security Operations.

According to Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, in a press release on the
6 March 2023, said, the circumstances leading to the incident could not be immediately ascertained, as the soldier who killed his colleagues also shot himself immediately, terminating his own life.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army, who also doubles as the Commander Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin  Daji Major General Godwin Mutkut and other senior officers have visited the location,  where he commiserated with troops for loosing their colleagues in such an unfortunate situation. He urged them to be their brother’s keepers and report any anomaly observed amongst their colleagues in order to forestall such  incidents. He also encouraged them to remain calm and committed in the discharge of their duties.

The authorities of the Nigerian Army are deeply concerned about this unusual and ugly development and have therefore instituted a Board of Inquiry (BOI) to  unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is envisaged that the findings of the BOI will help forestall such ugly and bizarre occurrence in the future.

Prince Adebayo asks key questions ahead of Saturday polls

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) Presidential Candidate in 2023 polls, Prince Adewole Adebayo has raised five questions ahead of the March 11 Governorship and State Legislative Elections.

Prince Adebayo raised the questions in a two page tweet at the weekend.

He maintained that he has observed what he described as the “remorseful tone” of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “over inglorious commissions and omissions of Feb 25 elections”, but insisted that the only redemption for the commission “is clean, clear March 11 elections.”

“I have taken note of remorseful tone of @inecnigeria over inglorious commissions and omissions of Feb 25 elections. Redemption is clean, clear March 11 elections. Nothing less! The big question is, will @OfficialAPCNg @OfficialPDPNig @NgLabour @OfficialNNPPng etc stop cheating?

“Also, (2) will voters still sell votes for money or barter for foodstuffs, cloths, soaps, ‘maggi’ etc? (3) Will security operatives be fully loyal to the law and Country? (4) Will the media expose frauds and infractions conscientiously? (5) Will observers be neutral and ethical?” Prince Adewole Adebayo asked.

Amidst tears PDP FCT chairman laid to rest

USMAN ALIYU

Hon. Sunday Zakka the PDP FCT chairman   died on the 25th of February in a Gastly motor accident in the early hours of the election day on his way to the KUJE area council after having a party meeting with his PDP family at the city center.
Hon. Sunday zakka left behind his aged mother, wife, three kids, and other siblings.

Present at the burial service was the entire PDP family both national and state chapters headed by Sen. Philip Aduda.

The distinguished senator who address the gathering in tears out of emotion said the death of Hon. Sunday zakka left a hole in his heart as the late Hon. Sunday was the captain of his political ship.

Africa security investigation further gathered that Hon. Sunday zakka JP was currently running his master’s program at the university of Abuja despite his tight schedule.

It is worth knowing that the university of Abuja department of public administration, masters students 2020/2021 academic session were fully on ground to pay last respect to Hon.Sunday Dogo zakka JP

Hon. Sunday zakka who died at the age of 43 was buried in his resident Sudaba at KUJE area council FCT Abuja.

NiMet SIGNS MoU WITH INDIA MET DEPARTMENT AS IT EXPLORES ENHANCED PRODUCT/SERVICE DELIVERY WITH WIGOS

As the 76th Session of World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Executive Council (EC) meeting taking place in Geneva, Switzerland draws to a close, one of the high points for Nigerian Meteorological Agency NiMet is the signing of an Memorandum of Understanding MoU with the Indian Meteorological Department.

The MoU signing which took place yesterday at WMO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland  is basically to facilitate the collaboration between both organisations to build capacities in order to promote activities relating to meteorology and climate change adaptation and planning.

The MoU is for the mutual benefit of both organisations in the conduct of Scientific & Technical Research & development of practical skills that benefit International Community, specifically in the following areas
Numerical Weather Prediction Capability, Meteorological Sensor Designing, Satellite Meteorology, Scientific research on meteorology and its applications in various sectors.

The NiMet team also had a meeting with the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) team to facilitate data exchange among WMO Members in the region and ultimately improve Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) forecast for Multi-Hazard Early Warnings. 

The WIGOS is a core WMO activity and a basic WMO infrastructure element supporting all WMO programmes and application areas. It enables WMO and its Members accomplish their shared mission to help save lives, protect property and increase prosperity everywhere on the globe, and provide relevant data and information for policy- and decision making in support of sustainable development. 

WIGOS provides the global framework, the management and design tools so that all providers of meteorological and related environmental observations can optimize their investment in user-driven measurement capabilities that in combination will help meet as many requirements as effectively and efficiently as possible. 

WIGOS is requirements-driven with a clear orientation to public health, disaster risk reduction, water resource management and food security, renewable energy, tourism, travel, insurance, to mention just a few, as an enabler for sustainable development. Hence, the application and involvement in WIGOS will help NiMet enhance its product and service-specific deliveries.

PMB COMMISSIONS 700 TROOPS VEHICLES : CALLS FOR SUSTAINANCE OF PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE COUNTRY

The President and Commander- in- Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria ( AFN), Muhammadu Buhari today, 3 March, 2023 commissioned 700 Ashock LeyLand Troops Carrying Vehicles for the AFN. The President while commissioning the vehicles said that the procurement of the vehicles is a testimony of the commitment as well as importance the Federal Government attaches to the welfare of the AFN and other security agencies.
President Buhari who addressed the audience at the occasion held at the Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited in Abuja, via virtual medium added that, his government has over the years, intensified the training and equipment acquisition for the Armed Forces.
He therefore charged the AFN to consolidate on the gains of peace and stability already recorded in the country and gave an assurance of his administration’s continuos respect and improvement on the welfare of members of the Armed Forces.
The Honourable Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retired) while speaking at the occasion stated that the procurement of the vehicles is a signicant milestone of many initiatives of President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly his quest towards tackling security challenges in the country. He added that the country is faced with mirage of daunting challenges. In his words, “The challenges are however, being confronted head-on by the President’s resilience”. He noted that the process of transforming the AFN is not easy, given the multi- dimension of the challenges. The Minister also seized the opportunity to pay tributes to members of the AFN who payed the supreme prize in the course of defending the territorial integrity of the nation.

Also speaking at the occasion, the permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar pointed out that the vehicles were produced in Nigeria by Nigerians. He emphasized that
with the advent of various faces of insurgency being experienced in the country, it is imperative for the country to look inwards and provide local preventive mechanism to fortify her critical assets, formations, borders and various camps across the nation.
Dr Abubakar explained that the engagement of Stallion Motors Nigeria limited by the Ministry of Defence, was based on the Honourable Minister of Defence convictions on upholding the President’s desires to promote the utilisation of indigenous technology as enshrined in the Executive Order 5 signed by Mr President.
It could be recalled that the procurement of these vehicles was initiated since 2014 by the office of the National Security Adviser to facilitate the operational activities of the Armed Forces.
The Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief of Staff to the President, Ministers of Finance, Police Affairs and Interiors were among the dignitaries that graced the occasion.

SDP stands by election outcome, sets agenda for Tinubu

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has called on the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, to unite the county through a government of national unity and fast-track a process of national reconciliation.

The party also submitted that notwithstanding the obvious challenges that were associated with the election and the concerns expressed by aggrieved stakeholders, the party stood by the outcome of the electoral process.

The National Chairman of the party, Shehu Gabam, disclosed this on Thursday at a press briefing held at the party’s headquarters in Abuja while congratulating Tinubu for winning the keenly contested presidential election. He also lauded the party’s presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, for his impressive outing in the election.

He said, “We call on the President-elect to take deliberate practical steps in uniting the country, to bring the country together through a government of national unity; to fix our obvious national cracks, address the failings, heal the land and fast-track the process of national reconciliation.

“The SDP heartily congratulates all Nigerians for the peaceful and successful presidential and national assembly elections that took place on Saturday, February 25, 2023, and Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress Candidate for winning the keenly contested presidential election.”

While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission, under the leadership of Mahmood Yakubu, for pulling through in the face of all odds, the party also saluted the good show of the runners-up and all the presidential candidates in the election, for putting themselves forward to serve the country, and for making the contest to be very competitive.

Finally, EFCC Arraigns Zaura for Alleged $1.320m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission today March 1, 2023 arraigned Abdulsalam Saleh Abdulkarim before Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court Kano.

The defendant, popularly known as A.A Zaura, was arraigned on a four count charge of obtaining by false pretense.

One of the charge read “That you, Abdulkarim Saleh Abdulssalam, sometime in August 2014, at Kano within the Kano Judicial Division of the High Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($200,000.00) from Dr. Jamman Al- Azmi when you represented that you have the capacity to partner with him for a joint venture business, which representation you knew to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1[1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.

Zaura pleaded not guilty to the charges when it was read to him.

In view of his plea, counsel for the prosecution Aisha Tahar Habib asked for a trial date.

Counsel representing the defendant, Ishaq Mudi Dikko, SAN, applied for bail on behalf of his client.

After a brief argument between the parties Justice, Yunusa ruled that the defendant continue with the bail terms earlier granted to him by the court.

The matter has been adjourned till May 2, 2023 for the commencement of retrial.

The defendant’s trial is starting afresh after the Court of Appeal nullified his discharge and acquittal on fraud charges by Justice A. L Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Kano. Zaura is alleged to have defrauded a Kuwaiti Citizen of the sum of $1,320,000 (One Million Three Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars) under the pretext that he is in the business of building properties in Dubai, Kuwait and other Arab countries