The independent national electoral commission (INEC) has declared the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the Edo governorship election. Details later…
The President of the International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), Mogaji Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode, has declared that for any Yoruba monarch to establish territorial and social authority in their domain, the Oro deity is an essential tool. Fakayode said any Oba that fails to give the Oro adherents their due respect will lose control of his domain and become irrelevant. He said this on Saturday evening at a special lecture organized to commemorate the 2024 World Oro Festival at the Aseyin palace, Iseyin, Oyo State. Dr. Fakayode added that any Yoruba community that gives recognition to Oro has the opportunity of being in peace, because evil-minded people will desert such area. While discussing the topic of the lecture, titled: “Waning Moral Values and The Role of Tradition and Yoruba Culture,” the ICIR President opined that the prevalence of electoral crisis, contract killing, economic downturn and insecurity, reflected a society that is at the threshold of anomie and according to historical facts, the Yorubas of old used Oro to reverse the trend. “Our bad attitude towards the way of our ancestors is responsible for our current ordeal, our ancestors have invented a system to implant peace and harmony in the society. Oro festival is one of the devices that our fathers of old developed to make the land conducive for living. “Oro is a male Orisa, he is one of the Orisas who descended from the celestial realm. Therefore, Oro is an Imole, whose real name is Ita. When he was co-existing with other Orisas, he liked emphasizing the relevance of sacrifices initiations and rituals to maintain development and ward off iniquities, which made him popular and well respected among his peers. “It is important to note that Oba, the King, owns the land, he is the second in command to the Òrìṣà. This means Oba is the authority on earth, because he is the representative of the ancestors and the Òrìṣà. If the Oba is the authority, how does his authority be effective? “Here we are talking about real Obas in Yoruba land like Aseyin of Iseyin, Alaafin of Oyo, Oonirisa of Ile-Ife, Olubadan of Ibadan and Soun of Ogbomoso, we are not referring to the misfit who call himself Emir in Yorubaland, besides Ilorin on which we need to beg our ancestors to reclaim for us. “Oro has become a symbol of the King’s authority. This is why the Kings of towns where Oro is celebrated are always powerful and have strong authority. Whenever people want to render a King powerless, whenever they do not want him to have control of his domain any longer, they will campaign against Oro festival of the town. If they are successful in their evil plan, the King has lost his authority, which will reflect in prevalence of social vices and predominace of dangerous crimes and people will manifest. “Oro is a system of security and protection of the community. Those who don’t understand our tradition think it is a thing of darkness. Even nowadays, the Police, the Army and others who provide security for our communities must always keep their activities confidential.” Mogaji Fayemi called on political, religious and leaders of thought in Yorubaland to urgently seek the help of Oro and other Isese adherents to right the current wrongs that he said have become pervasive and bearing damning consequences. Present at the event were traditional Chiefs, youths organizations, Civil society members and students from public and private schools, who provided entertainment for the audience.
The Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) has issued a stern warning to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Security Agencies to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process in the collation of the Edo State Governorship Election Results as the consequences of compromise will be dire to Nigeria’s democracy. In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Alhaji Ali Abacha, on Sunday, the coalition of over 75 Civil Society Groups, Community-based Organisations, and Socio-political Pressure groups, noted that “the 2023 general elections exposed INEC’s glaring inefficiencies and blatant disregard for democratic principles”, saying that the “Edo election presents an opportunity for redemption as any attempt to subvert the will of the people will be vehemently resisted.” The Civil Society organizations in the Press Statement says, We demand that “INEC conduct itself in a manner that inspires confidence in the electoral process. This includes strict adherence to electoral guidelines and laws, transparent collation and announcement of results, and neutrality and impartiality. “Compromising democracy invites anarchy. Edo voters, not INEC or external forces, must decide their next Governor. The era of court-decided elections is over. The people’s decision must prevail, and their voices must be heard loud and clear in Edo State. “We equally caution Security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the NSCDC, the Military, and the DSS, against succumbing to political pressure or inducement of any kind aimed at thwarting the electoral outcome in the State. Your role is to safeguard democracy, not undermine it. Maintaining professionalism throughout the electoral process is non-negotiable. “To the people of Edo State, we urge continued vigilant participation. Protect your vote; ensure your voice is heard. The world watches, and history will judge the actions of INEC and the Security Agencies in the ongoing governorship election. “We will not tolerate any form of manipulation or rigging. The Edo election must be free, fair, and credible”, the Civil Society Coalition insisted.
Daniel Dubois flout all expectations as he knocked down Anthony Joshua in five rounds at Wembley Stadium. Dubois retained the IBF heavyweight world title but it was a stunning upset as he took apart the acclaimed former two-time world heavyweight champion. A monstrous right hand to the chin dropped Joshua heavily in the first round. In the second, Dubois swarmed all over him and Joshua was shipping severe shots. Joshua was saved by the bell at the end of the third round. A massive left hook had sent him tottering into the ropes, stunning him, and Dubois then unleashed a ferocious onslaught, hammering him down to the canvas again. He made it upright on the bell to end the round and passed a close examination from referee Marcus McDonnell. But a Dubois left hook tipped him over at the start of the fourth round. Joshua lost his footing afterwards which was not ruled a knockdown but he was in desperate danger. Dubois’ left hook continued to find Joshua, but remarkably the former champion steered himself through the rest of the round. After such a frenetic start there were hints that Dubois was starting to tire. His output became a touch less ferocious. Joshua sensed something. He roared back at Dubois for a moment in the fifth round and slammed a right in. He sent another over, a full-power right cross streaking at Dubois. He felt it but threw it back. Joshua shrugged off that punch with half a smile and unleashed another attack. Just for an instant it looked like Joshua, with his strength, could turn the tables. But with Dubois retreating to his corner, and Joshua stepping to him, Dubois lashed a right down into his chin. It spun him away, crumpling Joshua headlong onto the canvas. There was no recovery from that, although Joshua tried. He attempted to heave himself upright, but the ending was utterly decisive. It was over. Wembley Stadium, the scene of Joshua’s greatest triumph when he beat Wladimir Klitschko long ago now in 2017, had become the scene of his most devastating defeat. Meanwhile, In front of a record crowd at Wembley Stadium, the occasion was spectacular. For Joshua winning Dubois’ IBF title would have made him a three-time heavyweight world champion. It would also no doubt have put him in prime position to take on the winner of December’s Oleksandr Usyk-Tyson Fury rematch for the undisputed championship. That has all been ripped away. Instead, Dubois, an unlikely heavyweight star, has seized that place. Dubois will be hugely gratified to have stamped his mark on the division. Questions have haunted him since his defeat to Joe Joyce almost four years ago. A fractured eye socket saw him take a knee and the referee’s full count then. He continued to test himself and took the ultimate challenge against unified champion Usyk in Poland last year. Usyk halted him too but Dubois has bounced back, building confidence in his victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic. In the process, he picked up the IBF’s interim belt and saw that upgraded to the full world title when Usyk’s commitment to the Fury rematch meant he could not make a mandatory defence. But this victory will take him to a whole other level, smashing through a British boxing superstar at Wembley Stadium is an astonishing accomplishment. “I’ve only got a few words to say: Are you not entertained?” Dubois exulted afterwards. “It’s been a long journey, I’m grateful to be in this position. “I’m a gladiator, I’m a warrior to the bitter end. I want to reach the top level of this game and reach my full potential. “I’ve been on a rollercoaster ride. This is my time, this is my redemption story, and I’m not going to stop until I reach my full potential.” Admirably Joshua took the microphone in the immediate aftermath of that crushing defeat. “Credit to him and his team. We rolled the dice of success, but we came up short,” he said. “You know I’m ready to kick off in the ring, but I’m going to keep my cool, keep very professional, and give respect to my opponent. “I had a sharp opponent, a fast opponent and a lot of mistakes from my end, but that’s the game. “I’m always saying to myself I’m a fighter for life… We keep rolling the dice.” Some of boxing’s biggest stars were in attendance, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk watching out for a potential rival, Roberto Duran and Terence Crawford taking ringside seats, Rory McIlroy, Conor McGregor, and figures from other sports as well as celebrities from the world of entertainment, not least with Oasis superstar Liam Gallagher performing three songs before the main event to add to the sense of occasion
Israel’s Civil Defence Agency has ordered the closure of all schools in the northern part of the country following renewed rocket fire from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, as cross-border violence between the two sides continues to escalate. The directive was issued by the military’s Home Front Command on Sunday, announcing that all educational institutions and activities in the northern region would remain closed until at least Monday at 6:00 pm (1500 GMT). The decision follows a series of rocket attacks from Lebanon, which have heightened tensions and triggered fears of a broader conflict. The closure affects thousands of students, as authorities scramble to ensure the safety of residents in the region amid the growing volatility along Israel’s northern border. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have responded to Hezbollah’s rocket attacks with counter-strikes, but the situation remains tense with no immediate signs of de-escalation. Local officials urged citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to the guidelines provided by the civil defence authorities, as both sides brace for further hostilities.
The Federal Character Commission (FCC) has issued a clarification regarding the denial of a job placement for former Senate President Adolphus Wabara, stating that the request fell outside its operational mandate. This comes in light of Wabara’s allegations that the FCC refused job placements for constituents in his wards, claiming that his efforts were hindered due to his unwillingness to provide monetary inducements. Wabara expressed his frustration, asserting, “You won’t believe that up till now, nothing has been done for the simple reason that I have not dropped any money and that they cannot even ask me to drop money.” In a statement released by the FCC’s Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Dr. Chuks Okoli, the commission clarified that Wabara was informed during a March 2023 meeting with FCC Executive Chairman Dr. Muheeba Dankaka that the FCC does not act as a recruitment agency. The Commission emphasized its primary role is to monitor recruitment processes across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to ensure fairness and equity. The FCC challenged Wabara to substantiate his claims, urging the public to disregard his accusations of a “bribe for FCC job slot.” The statement highlighted that Dr. Dankaka has maintained a commitment to the principles of Federal Character in all recruitment practices since taking office. “To address this serious allegation, we ask the former Senate President to provide the names of individuals who purportedly solicited bribes from him for job placements for his family. We strongly encourage the public to dismiss his unsubstantiated claims of bribery in relation to FCC job placements,” the statement read.
The statement emphasized that the decision to embark on a “total and comprehensive indefinite strike” was made after several attempts at negotiation yielded no results. Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Imo State University (IMSU) chapter, on Friday, September 20, 2024, declared an indefinite strike to push for the resolution of long-standing issues related to their benefits. In a joint statement signed by the Chairperson and Secretary of ASUU-IMSU, Comrade Odinakachukwu Ejiogu and Comrade Lazarus Chikwendu, the union expressed frustration over the failure of authorities to address concerns that have persisted for several years. The statement emphasized that the decision to embark on a “total and comprehensive indefinite strike” was made after several attempts at negotiation yielded no results. The statement read, “We are embarking on a total and comprehensive indefinite strike effective from Friday, 20th September. The decision stems from several unresolved issues persisting for years.” “We demand an end to promotion without financial benefits since 2016, ASUU-IMSU staff salary disparity with other tertiary institutions, undue delay in staff assessment and promotion, selective salary payment, and non-payment of arrears of salaries”. “Non-payment of earned academic allowance since 2009, non-remittance of Union check off/welfare dues from 2020-2021, non-remittance of pension deduction from May 2016 to date, non-payment of annual increment in salaries, the inclusion of IMSU into Treasury Single Account, funding of the University and erosion of the University autonomy.” It said, “We have made several attempts through letters, rallies, meetings and press releases and no concrete action has been taken by the university administration, governing council, and the visitor to the university”. “We issued 21 days’ notice on the 18th of July this year so that the University could resolve all the issues but no solution came. We were compelled to proceed on indefinite strike to press home our demands.” However, they called for the understanding and support of the public as they stand for justice improved conditions and a brighter future for the university.
The woman seen in a viral video, undressed and tied to a chair at the Top View hotel in Abuja, has recounted her harrowing experience with suspected fraudster Joseph Efe. On Friday, September 20, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command announced the arrest of the 30-year-old suspect. FCT Commandant Olusola Odumosu revealed that Efe specializes in luring women from dating sites known as “coded runs” to rob them of their phones and access their bank accounts. In his confession, Efe admitted to meeting the victim on a “hookup site” before inviting her to the hotel. The victim, Olivia Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, shared her ordeal with reporters, acknowledging her presence on the hookup site. “I met the suspect a few months ago. I live in Enugu but visit Abuja for business,” she said. Upon arriving at the hotel, she recalled, “The suspect asked me if I was afraid of death. He said if I cooperated, he wouldn’t hurt me like other girls. He claimed his friend was outside and that he would inject me if I made any wrong move.” She described how he slapped her, demanded she undress, and when she attempted to escape, he locked the door and held the keys. Efe initially used her dress to tie her hands, but when that was insufficient, he switched to cellophane tape. “He turned the television volume up very high and stuffed a handkerchief in my mouth,” she said. He then stole her phone, unlocked it by forcing her thumb on the screen, and asked for her bank account details. When he discovered that her account had no money, he warned her to remain silent and left the room. After some time, she noticed movement outside and recognized the hotel staff’s uniform, feeling a wave of relief. “I struggled to reach the window and banged on it. Fortunately, someone heard me, and I signaled in the direction the suspect had gone,” she said.
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, faces mounting pressure to resign after being linked to terrorism and banditry in Zamfara State. The allegations surfaced after Dauda Lawal, the current Zamfara State Governor, claimed Matawalle procured vehicles for bandit leaders, including the notorious kingpin Bello Turji, during his tenure as state governor. Speaking on TVC, Lawal urged Matawalle to resign and face the accusations, stating, “From all the information we are getting, my predecessor was fully involved in some of this banditry.” He further alleged that terrorists were housed in the government building, and ransom payments were funneled through the state’s administration. These claims add to a series of allegations against Matawalle, including a lingering investigation into the misappropriation of N70 billion. Despite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) handling the case for over a year, no resolution has been reached. Lawal expressed surprise that Matawalle was cleared to serve in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet despite these allegations. Matawalle has also faced accusations from Islamic cleric Bello Asada, who claimed in a video that the minister procured over 30 vehicles for bandits, including a 2019 Hilux for Turji. Asada questioned why the notorious bandit had yet to be captured despite his visibility on social media. Matawalle’s camp dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. Dr. Suleiman Shuaib, an aide to the minister, refuted the claims, stating that Matawalle only engaged in dialogue with bandits as a peace effort during his early days as governor. Shuaib emphasized that the accusations were part of a smear campaign led by Governor Lawal. Analysts, however, view the situation as part of a broader trend of insecurity being weaponized for political gain. Kabir Adamu, Managing Director of Beacon Consulting Limited, criticized the contrasting approaches between the federal and state governments, noting the federal government’s alleged negotiations with bandits. Calls for Matawalle to resign are growing, with the New Nigeria Peoples Party spokesperson, Ladipo Johnson, questioning President Tinubu’s decision to appoint Matawalle to the Ministry of Defence. Johnson expressed concern over the government’s silence on these allegations, arguing that Matawalle should address the accusations and clarify his position.
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Friday, implored residents of the state to abide by the environmental laws and patronise the waste contractors assigned to their communities instead of disposing waste indiscriminately. The governor stated this at an event held to commemorate the World Cleanup Day tagged “Make Room for Life, ” organised by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. At the event held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the governor, who spoke through the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal, equally reiterated that the Rule of Law Enforcement Agency, which was established recently to enforce environmental laws and bring defaulters to justice, has been equipped to perform effectively. Speaking on the theme, the governor implored the people to desist from indiscriminate waste disposal and complement government efforts in ensuring safe and clean environment. He added that abuse of the environment through human activities is on the increase with its attendant consequences on the collective well-being of everyone. He, however, maintained that the Governor Makinde-led administration, having realised that making room for life means taking deliberate steps to preserve the ecosystem that support life, has been proactive in tackling issues related to climate change by promoting the use of renewable energy and encouraging tree planting campaigns across the state. In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Oyo State House of Assembly Commitee on Environment, Honourable Gbenga Oyekola, assured of more support and collaboration to enact and enforce environmental laws to make the state more environmentally safe. Delivering their lectures separately at the event, the Chief Operating Officer, Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC), Dr Adamu Garba and former Head of Department, Environmental Health Sciences, University of Ibadan, Dr Shade Akinsete lauded Governor Makinde’s policies on environmental protection and cleanliness, which they noted have continued to attract investors and tourists to the state. They both explained that making room for cleaner and safe environment is about the future and sustainability, communication, change of attitude and individuals’ mindsets. Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, said the event is an opportunity not only to clean up the environment but also to clean up the people’s mindset- replacing indifference with compassion, wastefulness with efficiency, and neglect with stewardship. He added that the theme for the year as declared by the United Nations (UN), “is appropriate at a time the planet experiences challenges of climate change occasioned by reckless burning of fossil fuel, improper waste management techniques, forest degradation and deforestation, among others.” He stressed that the Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has intensified efforts to implement strategies and policies that promote effective waste management, recycling, environmental education, and sustainable development, enjoining all to also intensify their efforts to clean, protect and preserve the planet to make it better and habitable. Also speaking, the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekini Abass, expressed appreciation to the government for the laudable exercise, saying continuous effort to clean up and sanitise the state by the government is for the best interest of all residents. He pledged the continuous support of market leaders in the state. The event had in attendance the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo ably represented by the Director of Maintenance, Mr Solomon Bamigbola; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni (mni); Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Solihu Adelabu and the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State chapter, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, among other stakeholders.
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