Protest trails Uduaghan’s re-election

Incumbent Govenor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan, on Thursday, emerged the winner of the gubernatorial election by polling a total of 525,793 votes to beat his rival, Chief Great Ogboru of Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) who had 433,834 votes. Obarisi Ovie Omo Agege of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) placed third with 15,526 votes while a former member of the state House of Assembly and candidate of All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), Dr George Oyefia, came fourth with 7,893 votes.

Kwara ACN heads for tribunal, rejects gov results

FOLLOWING the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the just- concluded gubernatorial election in Kwara State, the state chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has said it will not accept the results, as the party head for election tribunal.

Addressing newsmen at the state secretariat of the party, on Thursday, the state chairman of the party, Mr Kayode Ola-wepo and the gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Muhammed Dele Belgore, said there were evidences to back up all their claims of electoral malpractices and brigandage by the PDP, which was desperate to perpetuate itself in power by all means, despite its dismal record of performance in the last eight years.

“The people of the state were totally tired of misrule and corruption and most of them voted for change, despite that PDP thugs, in active connivance with the police and, in some instances, soldiers, were everywhere intimidating the people.

“People were beaten up in some places, such as in Baruten, Malete (in Moro) and Marafa Safele (in Ilorin East), where police and State Security Service (SSS) operatives looked the other way while students and voters were being manhandled by PDP thugs,” they said.

The chairman alleged that in Irepodun, there was inflation of accredited voters, multiple thumb-printing and intimidation of voters and opposition, also by PDP thugs.

Arrival of lady’s corpse from S/Arabia creates scene

A drama played out at the interntional wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, on Thursday, when the family members of a 27- year- old lady who died under mysterious circumstances in Saudi Arabia rejected her corpse.

The body of the lady, which was flown to the Lagos airport from Saudi Arabia at 12.30 p.m. aboard Emirates SkyCargo, was left unclaimed for hours by the family at the Gate 1 of the airport where it was displayed for family’s identification until 4.40 p.m.

The family members were said to have engaged themselves in a duel on how to receive the remains of the lady until some heavily armed police officers and soldiers came to intervene in the matter that would have resulted in a big chaos at the airport.

The deceased’s sister, simply identified as Sade explained that they suspected foul play in the circumstances that led to the death of the deceased she named Itunu Comfort Ogunkola, which she said led to the refusal of the family to accept the corpse.

Sade, in her explanation, alleged that the late Ogunkola was kidnapped by one Mrs Ibitoye who secretly processed her travel documents and took her to Saudi Arabi to work for one Mrs Olukoko who had a hair dressing salon.

According to her, everything, from the time of processing the deceased’s travel documents up to the time of her death, was shrouded in secrecy.

In her words:‘’The woman, Ibitoye presented herself as her mother when they were processing Ogunkola’s documents for the trip.”

According to her, the late Ogunkola, who was staying with one of her relations at Shangisha in Lagos, was not seen for about a week, but she suddenly called her mother, Florence Adeosun, with a foreign number and explained that she was already in Saudi Arabia with Mrs Olukoko.

Ladoja lambasts OBJ ‘He caused PDP’s defeat in S/West’

THE governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, on Thursday, blamed former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, for the defeat suffered by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West zone.

The former governor told newsmen in Ibadan that such ‘evil’ befell the PDP because Obasanjo, who was the architect of the party’s downfall, was an ungrateful man before man and God.

Ladoja, who recalled how Obasanjo was invited to run for the presidency in 1999, even when he (Obasanjo) was penniless, said he soon became a monster, lording it, not only over the party, but also over those who made him to be what he is today.

“I have not seen him today but I know that wherever he is now, he is a sad man,” he said, listing the perceived wrongdoings of the ex-president, whom he described as not only ungodly but also sinful before man.

“You must be good at home but he did not only lose his polling booth in 1999 but equally lost his ward and could not win a single councillorship seat when God, through us, made him president. The man who was penniless then in 1999 is today the richest black man in the world.

‘FG spends N52.5bn on fuel subsidy monthly’

THE Federal Government has disclosed that gas flaring will end in 2012, as it spends a whopping $350 million monthly on petroleum subsidy.

Mr Chime Ibenechie, Managing Director of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), speaking at the opening ceremony of the fourth annual conference of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics, which began, on Thursday, in Abuja, disclosed that the government spends, on a monthly basis, a whopping $350 million on fuel subsidy

Disclosing that this is quite unacceptable, Ibenechie said the huge money spent on fuel subsidy could be deployed in other areas of needs, such as the provision of infrastructure and gas projects.

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US rates Nigeria’s elections high •Says country made history with April polls •INEC has done Nigeria proud – Soyinka

NIGERIA has made history by organising a credible, transparent, free and fair general election for the first time. The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Terence McCulley, gave Nigeria kudos at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja, during the presentation of the United States President Award to a

Naval officer, Commodore Adeniyi Osinowo, who distinguished himself while serving as Africa Partnership Station (ARS) West Deputy Commander from November 2009 to May 2010.

According to him, this is “really a historic opportunity for Nigeria to consolidate its democracy and further expand its voice on the world stage.”

While congratulating the Nigerian government and the people in achieving this rare feat, the US Ambassador noted that the men and women of the State Security Service, the Army, Navy, Air Force and the police really performed creditably well.

He said that the Navy contributed to the peaceful atmosphere that ensured that Nigerians could go out and vote and that their votes would count.
McCulley added that the world was watching and Nigeria did not disappoint it by making history with the election.

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The ambassador noted that the cooperation the US enjoyed with the Nigerian government and the Navy was exemplary and saluted the commitment of the naval officers and sailors to its partnership with the US in maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea.

He said that the partnership his country enjoyed with the Navy was exemplary and was a model, not only for the cooperation in the region, but worldwide, adding that this had led to the decision of the US government to transfer a coast guard craft to the Nigerian Navy to further contribute to maritime safety in the Gulf of Guinea and work together in achieving and consolidating regional awareness capability.

PDP sweeps Assembly polls in Bayelsa

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has won 23 of the 24 House of Assembly seats in the election held on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 losing just the one seat to KOWA. In the results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, 11 members of the House were returned including the incumbent Speaker, Nestor Binabo who is going for his third term in the 24-member legislature. The list of successful candidates, their constituencies and parties was signed by the public affairs officer, Priscilla Imoudu Sule and showed that only one female, Agatha Goma won in the elections.

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The PDP also won in the rescheduled National Assembly election in Bayelsa Central Senatorial District with incumbent Emmanuel Paulker I polled 106,279 votes to defeat seven other contestants. Kpokpowei Gospel Appolo of the Labour Party came second with 25,953 votes, rufus Abadi Osiri of the Action Congress of Nigeria came third with 5,116 votes while Christopher Pere Ajuwa of the All Nigeria Peoples Party was fourth with 3,516 votes. Meanwhile, INEC said in a statement signed by Imoudu Sule that the rescheduled election in Bayelsa West Senatorial District has been put on hold, but that of Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency would go ahead. Both elections were to be held Thursday, but incumbent Heineken Lokpobiri sought a court order restraining INEC from conducting the election pending the hearing of the substantive motion.

I’ve no plan to vie for Fashola’s seat –Ikuforiji

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji has denied speculations that he has declared his intention to vie for the state governorship position in next year’s general elections.

Speaking with Assembly Correspondents in Lagos on Monday, Ikuforiji explained that it is not right for him to declare his intention to run for the number one seat in the state unless his party, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) allows him.

He added that he has chosen to remain active politician to make life bearable for his people.

He however stressed: “I am eligible to vie for any elective post right from the councillorship”.

He said that Nigeria has every reason to celebrate 50 years of independence, but condemned the huge amount earmarked by the Federal Government for the event.

Jonathan begins seven-day retreat

President Goodluck Jonathan will today begin a seven-day working retreat at the Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River State.
The retreat, besides enabling him to take a rest after about two months of travelling round the country canvassing for votes in the just concluded presidential election, is aimed at strategising for the beginning of his new administration come May 29.
A statement issued by his media aide, Mr Ima Niboro said the President would be accompanied by some senior government officials and aides.

Imo faces prospect of emergency rule

Save for an intervention today, Imo State may be the first state to face an emergency rule on account of a failure to meet the election deadline. Under the amended constitution and the Electoral Act, all elections must be completed one month before the inauguration date, May 29.

As at today, April 29, Imo State remains the only state yet to conclude its gubernatorial election. Election was held on Tuesday in the state, but the results were declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

INEC said a rerun will be conducted in three local government areas of the state before a winner can be determined between incumbent, Ikedi Ohakim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and front runner, Rochas Okorocha of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

For a commission pressured with several deadlines after repeated rescheduling of elections, conducting fresh polls in the affected areas of the state today, just two days after the shift was announced, is "unlikely", INEC officials said yesterday.

Opposition accuses PDP of intimidation in Bauchi, Kaduna

The gubernatorial elections in Kaduna were peaceful while Bauchi State saw a low turnout of voters, the scanty presence of security forces, and at least 20 agents of the Peoples Democratic Party at each polling station.

In Kaduna State, there was a large number of armed soldiers, police officers, civil defence personnel, and officers of the State Security Service at most polling stations while a Nigerian Air Force helicopter provided air surveillance.

Fashola dedicates victory to slain youth corps members

After he was declared the winner of the gubernatorial election in Lagos, Babatunde Fashola on Wednesday gave special thanks to "the young men and women of the National Youth Service Corps" in his acceptance speech. He also appealed to political officeholders to remember that the death of some youth corps members made their political ambitions possible and that those deaths must not be in vain.

INEC moves hundreds of staff to Bauchi, Kaduna

Hundreds of officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission left the commission's head office in Abuja yesterday to Bauchi and Kaduna states to handle today's governorship polls, replacing youth corps members who withdrew after last week's post-election riots.

More than half a dozen luxury Marco Polo buses lined up outside the commission's office in Maitama on Wednesday before departing with large numbers of staff in the late afternoon, within a heavily guarded convoy to the two states.

"We don't want to leave anything to chance," said Emmanuel Umenger, the commission's director of Public Affairs, shortly before the start of the five-hour trip.

The commission conceded on Tuesday that it faced a real threat of massive boycotts of the elections by the corps members in the state where at least four serving members died in the violence last week.

Amosun triumphs in Ogun

Senator Ibikunle Amosun candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has been declared winner of the April 26th gubernatorial election in Ogun State by Independent Electoral Commission (INEC).

The INEC returning officer for Ogun State, Professor Balogun said Amosun won with 377,489 votes to beat Adetunji Olurin of PDP who polled 188,698 votes. Gboyega Isiaka of PPN garnered 137,051 votes to come third.

ACN wins in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti

With results outstanding from only Oshodi/Soomulu, the ACN has 1,373,987 votes to PDP's 251,556 for governorship polls (83 percent to PDP'S 16 percent). ACN also won all Lagos House of Assembly seats.

ACN has also won governorship polls in Ogun and Oyo; but in Oyo the margin of victory is just 30,000 votes. The party has also won 24 out of 26 seats in the state assembly elections in Ekiti, losing just two to the PDP.

Voters protest over missing register

A mild protest occurred at Ward 5, Unit 2, Ijemo-Eleja Polling Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Voters at the unit were not happy with the announcement from officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that their register was missing.

The officials had told the voters that the previous voter register could not be located, hence, the need to use a new one. The voters insisted on using the old register. They further said voting will not take place at the unit unless the old register was produced. It took the intervention of the police before the situation was brought under control, while the INEC officials had to be smuggled out of the area by the security agents.

In Odelemo town of Sagamu Local Government, a party leader and six others were apprehended for alleged electoral offences. The suspects were said to have stormed a polling booth, scattering the ballot boxes around in an attempt to frustrate the exercise. The Ogun Sate Commissioner of Police, Olayinka Balogun confirmed the incident and subsequent arrest.

Ngige floors Dora Akunyili for Anambra senate seat

Dr Chris Ngige of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) was this morning declared winner of the Anambra Central Senatorial election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ngige defeated former minister Dora Akunyili of the All Progressive Grand Alliance(APGA). The election took place in some wards of the senatorial districts where the INEC ordered a rerun.
The exercise was dogged by hitches in some of the polling units.
At Obosi and Nkpor in Idemili North Council Area, election materials arrived late while accreditation and voting started late, despite a low turn out.
At Aguata, Igwe Dr. Martins Eze called for the cancellation because of the hitches.
As at 2:30p.m. yesterday, members of both ACN and PDP were still protesting at the INEC office at Aguata, threatening a showdown over harassment of their members.

Ex-LG boss slaps information commissioner in Ondo

The state House of Assembly election was almost disrupted in Ose Local Government area of Ondo State as a former chairman of the local government, Dennis Alonge-Niyi, allegedly slapped the state commissioner for Information, Ranti Akerele.

Besides, four persons, who impersonated as local observers were arrested in Owo town and detained at the ‘A’ Division police station in Owo.

The face-off between the former local government boss and the commissioner, which occurred at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) distribution centre at Ido-Ani, was said to have taken place after materials were posted to the polling units.

It was learnt that the ex-council boss had attempted to take the policemen posted to his hometown, Afo in the local government to the town in his personal vehicle for their election duty.

However, Akerele was said to have objected to the decision of the former local government chairman, who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying it was unethical.

It was at this stage that altercations ensued between the two of them, which allegedly led to Alonge-Niyi slapping the commissioner in the presence of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area.

Polls peaceful in Edo, Oshiomhole, alleges malpractices –

ELECTIONS in Edo State yesterday was held in a peaceful atmosphere even though there were pockets of mild violence in some areas, which was quickly brought under control by combined security agencies.

Also, the House of Representatives polls into Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency was held under a peaceful atmosphere.

In Uneme Nkehua Ward Nine, voting was going on smoothly at the time The Guardian visited the area at about 3 pm.

But in Aiyegunle, Ward seven, the House of Representatives Majority Leader, Tunde Akogun alleged that the election was being skewed in favour of his major opponent, Peter Akpattason of the ACN.

He alleged that some traditional rulers in the area had engaged town criers to publicly announce their endorsement of the ACN candidate.

In Benin City, the state capital, voting went on smoothly without serious challenges.

Electoral fraud: Police arrest six women, 9 others in Lagos

Police in Lagos on Tuesday arrested 15 persons, among them six women for alleged electoral offenses during the governorship and state assembly elections in the state.

The women specifically were apprehended while attempting to snatch ballot boxes at unit 10 Falomo polling centre.

Jonathan: We may declare state of emergency in Kaduna, Bauchi – Daily Trust

President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday that the Federal Government might be forced to declare a state of emergency in Kaduna and Bauchi states if the security situation in the two states do not improve to allow the conduct of the rescheduled governorship and Houses of Assembly elections billed for tomorrow. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had deferred elections in the two states out of the states that recorded post election violence.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after casting his vote in his hometown of Otuoke in Bayelsa State, Jonathan said there was no reason why the elections could not go on as scheduled as there was adequate arrangement in the two states.

He said that even if the emergency would be imposed, it may not necessarily lead to the ouster of the state governors, who are all from the ruling PDP.

Jonathan explained that even though Nigerians have a misconception about state of emergency, its imposition was an extreme measure applicable only as last resort, noting that the people of the states were of the belief that the situation has gone very bad.

He said, “Elections will take place on Thursday. Let us observe what will happen today first before the state of emergency.

ACN raises alarm over polls’ materials for A’Ibom – The Guardian

THE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has raised alarm over an alleged absence of Form EC8 and lack of serial numbers in the ballot papers brought to Akwa Ibom State for today’s governorship election.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, the party also alleged an on-going mass arrest of Ibibio chiefs and clan heads to intimidate and arm-twist them to vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Soldiers to escort NYSC members to polling units

There were indications on Monday that soldiers would join policemen in escorting election materials and National Youth Corps members to the 120,000 polling units across the country for today’s governorship and state assembly elections.

A top source in the Independent National Electoral Commission said many state governors had approached the Army high command to assist in protecting election materials and beefing up security around the corps members as well as other officials of the commission.

The source, who declined to have his name in print because he was not mandated to do so, said, “ I confirm to you that all staff of INEC that will be involved in tomorrow(today) elections will have soldiers and policemen escorting them to their designated places of work.”

He explained that the measure was specially aimed at ensuring that the corps members, who are ad-hoc staff of INEC, were adequately protected during the polls.

President Goodluck Jonathan had during a nationwide broadcast on Thursday directed state governors to take personal responsibility for the safety of the corps members.

INEC staffs threatens to boycott poll

KANO, Nigeria, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of adhoc staffs of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have expressed fear of attack by mobs during the elections prompting many to threatening not to participate in the election.

The INEC recruited thousand of Nigerian university graduates on one year mandatory service under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program as adhoc staffs for conduction the election. The graduates of the south are usually deployed to the north, while those from the North deployed to the south as a way of forging a national integration and cohesion.

Scores of the university graduates members from the south deployed to the north were killed in mob attacked in violence that followed the presidential election last week in many parts of the north.

The Lagos state government on Monday evacuated 84 serving students from northern states of Kano and Jigawa state ahead of the Tuesday's government and state legislative election for the safety of their lives.

Official of the election body in charge of Kano Ahmed Umar Danyaya said there is total arrangement to ensure the safety and security of the serving youth graduates employed as adhoc staffs for the exercise.

Police arrest journalists in Akwa Ibom

The police yesterday arrested some journalists during a morning raid on a printing establishment in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

In what some people have described as the effort of the state government to muzzle media establishment known to be strong critics of government ahead of today’s state elections, policemen numbering about 12 were said to have stormed Aswill printing press ,located along Akpan Etuk Street, in Uyo at about 12am on Monday.

Managing Editor of Pivot Newspapers, Clifford Thomas, who was one of the persons arrested by the police at the printing press, said the men came in fully armed and asked to see the manager and director of the establishment.

The manager, the director and some other staff of the press were taken away by the police. Mr Thomas and his staff were subsequently released when no incriminating evidence against the government was found in their publication.

During the raid, Mr Thomas and his men were ordered to sit on the floor, their phones and other communication gadgets were seized. Narrating his experience to NEXT, Mr Thomas said the leader of the police team told him that the deputy commissioner of Police instructed them to come to the printing press and check for anything that might be construed as an attack on the state governor.

Post-election violence: State govts evacuate corps members from troubled spots

By Kenneth Ehigiator, Kolade Larewaju, Chidi Nkwopara, Jimoh Babatunde, Emmanuel Ebeleke and Daniel Etegbe
In what appears to be ademonstration of being their brothers’ keepers, state governments in the Southern part of the country have been responding to distress calls from members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, from their various states who are serving in the north and were trapped in the violent protests that greeted the announcement of the results of the last presidential election.

LAGOS

In Lagos, the State government commenced evacuation of its youth corpers from Kano and Jigawa whose parents and guidance are resident in the state.

See photos of evacuated corps members here

The 84 corps members who constitute the first and second batches of the evacuation, arrived the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Sunday aboard Arik Air flight from Kano, and were received by the state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Mr. Tunde Balogun,

General Manager/Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Osanyitolu, told Vanguard yesterday that the state government was targeting to evacuate no fewer than 350 corps members from the troubled areas.

The corps members, who lamented the ordeal they were put through in their states of deployment, said the intervention of the governor save them from being slaughtered by the anarchists.

They also expressed their appreciation to the military who provided a safe haven for them in Kano, pending their evacuation, adding that were it not for the military, they would have been killed, as the police had given up on them.

“Daddy, what will I say than to say thank you. When I thought there was no hope, God used you for me. I pray God will surprise you and reward you bountifully,” said Miss Simiat Afe-Ire, one of the corps members evacuated from Kano.

Explaining the circumstances surrounding the evacuation of the stranded corps members, LASEMA General Manager, Dr. Osanyitolu, said the agency received an emergency call from the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, asking for help, adding that this prompted Governor Fashola to issue a directive that the corps members be evacuated to prevent harm from coming their way.

Police uncover bomb factory in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command said yesterday it has uncovered a bomb-making factory at the Rafin Guza area of Kaduna metropolis where already manufactured explosives and other weapons were recovered. These weapons were believed to have been used in the plethora of violence that had attended the recent elections conducted in the state and neighbouring ones.

Conducting newsmen round the residential house where a bomb exploded on Saturday night in Kaduna, killing one person and injuring three others, the Police Commissioner in charge of election duties in Kaduna State, Haruna John said eight persons have been arrested, three of whom were critically injured during the blast which he said occurred at about 6.00pm on Saturday.

In a similar development, the interim Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Ammama John Abakasanga yesterday paraded 68 suspects arrested in Bauchi North Senatorial Zone in connection with the raping and killing of some female National Youth service Corps members who were on electoral duty as INEC ad hoc staff. Also paraded were looters and arsonists who looted and burnt people’s houses, shops, and churches following the announcement of the results Presidential Election held last Saturday.

Police Commissioner Haruna John in Kaduna disclosed that the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim has constituted a high-powered investigation team which will soon arrive in Kaduna to investigate the various bomb explosions in the state and other parts of the country in recent times with a view to bringing the culprits and their sponsors to book.

Man Arrested With 5,000 Voter Cards, Computer

A man was arrested, on Thursday, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State after being found with about 5,000 voter cards and an electronic device.

Zakari Acha, believed to be a student, was arrested by some members of Agwara community and, then handed over to the police in the area.

The suspect was subsequently transferred with the exhibits to Kontagora Police Station.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Richard Oguche, who confirmed the development, said that the device found with the suspect was not a Direct Data Capture (DDC) machine, as earlier claimed, but a laptop belonging to the personal assistant of the member representing Agwara-Borgu Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

According to Oguche, the police had been unable to operate the computer because its owner was yet to be contacted to provide the password.

Meanwhile, chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the state, Umar Shuaibu, accused a certain political party of being behind the development, saying the aim was to rig Tuesday’s gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections.

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate the matter and unmask those behind the act.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Fasehun, Dokubo, Others Appeal Against Reprisal Attacks

LEADERS of ethnic nationalities, including the founder of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, have appealed to all the ethnic groups in the country not to launch reprisal attack over the violence going on in the Northern part of the country.

Addressing a joint press briefing in Lagos, which had in attendance the leader of Hausa communities in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed Dan Lado; Seriki Hausawa in the state, Alhjai Aminu Yaro; leader, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Sanni Yerima; leader of Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Mujahideen Dokubo-Asari and leader of Igbo Youth Congress, Bright Ezeocha, they said that the mayhem going in the North was uncalled for, just as they urged members of their groups to remain calm and should not launch any reprisal attack.

They noted that Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic nationalities or their place of abode, should learn to live in unity, and that was the only way to keep the country together.

Dokubo-Asari also appealed to those behind the killings in the North to desist from the act, just as he berated politicians who were not willing to accept defeat.

Dr Fasehun noted that Nigerians were too good a people to be involved in self-destruction, and therefore appealed to all and sundry, saying that all fighting and any thought of fighting by any group or individuals should cease in order that democracy, peace and progress, happiness and contentment and good governance may reign.

Jonathan, Mark, governors preach peace at Easter

President Goodluck Jonathan, governors, politicians and Christian leaders yesterday called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful co-existence in the spirit of Easter. They spoke in their Easter messages to the nation. Jonathan said Easter offers ample opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on renewal and sacrifice.
He said the lessons of peace, love, selflessness and sacrifice for the common good must be imbibed by all Nigerians for national progress. Jonathan appealed to Nigerians to forsake hate and violence.
He tasked Christian and Muslim leaders to preach harmony, peace and co-existence for the good of all.
The Senate President, Senator David Mark, urged Nigerians not to allow partisan politics and other considerations undermine sanctity of the nation’s unity and cohesiveness.
Mark, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, said: “In all we do, no matter the short or long term interest, we must put Nigeria first and should not do anything to undermine the corporate existence of the country”.
He implored Christians to use the period of Easter to pray against negative tendencies likely to affect the peace and unity of Nigeria.
He described the post-election violence that engulfed some parts of Northern state as senseless and needless.
“Life is sacrosanct. Life is precious. None of us can make life, we do not need to kill each other to live or achieve our ambitions. Let’s change our attitudes, let’s love one another and build our nation,” he said.
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, urged Christians to embody the virtues of sacrifice, tolerance and love in their relationship with fellow Nigerians.
Abubakar reminded Christians that till the point of death, Jesus Christ showed love and compassion to all those he encountered including the robber who had the privilege of sharing the stakes with him.

The letter that killed ACN/CPC alliance

The refusal of Tunde Bakare, the vice presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), to sign a postdated letter of resignation, has been largely blamed for the collapse of the alliance talks between the CPC and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). NEXT has obtained an exclusive copy of the contentious letter. Had Mr Bakare signed the letter, dated June 7, 2011, the clergyman would have been under compulsion to step down as vice president after eight days in the post if his party had won the last presidential election.

In an arrangement that would have made Mr Bakare the briefest occupier of the vice presidential office in Nigeria's history, a nominee of the ACN would have succeeded the clergyman, in line with the terms of the alliance agreement.

But while the presidential candidate of the CPC, Muhammadu Buhari, and other chieftains of his party were satisfied with the letter, according to a source close to the talks, Mr Bakare refused to sign the letter despite entreaties from Mr Buhari, other party chiefs, and the ACN delegation to the talks. Some unnamed northern elders were also said to have "begged" Mr Bakare to sign the letter in the interest of the nation and democracy.

The one-page message, written under the letterhead of the CPC, was entitled ‘Resignation from Office as the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria', and addressed to the "President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria," whom the party believed would be Mr Buhari, its presidential candidate.

The letter read, "I have to this end appreciated the need for me to promote the desired national interest which by my principles override any other individual interest to make a supreme sacrifice of resigning my position as the Vice President of Nigeria to allow for the accommodation of the broader alliance that I strongly believe is required to move our country forward."

Bakare writes his own letter

But the CPC vice presidential candidate spurned the letter, preferring to write a different one which the ACN delegation believed would have given him room to renege on the terms of the alliance deal. The other signed letter written by Mr Bakare, also exclusively obtained by NEXT, was dated April 13, 2011 and addressed to Mr Buhari.

In it, Mr Bakare told his principal that "if at any time during the course of our joint efforts to move our country forward to the promised land, you consider it necessary for me to step down as the Vice President, please feel free at your sole and absolute discretion to accept this unilateral offer of resignation from me to that effect."

The source stated that the ACN refused this letter.

"They said it did not demonstrate enough willingness by Mr Bakare to vacate office," the source said. "They said the letter leaves everything to the discretion of Mr Buhari and wondered why Pastor Bakare simply refused to resign."

Jonathan suspends Interior minister

President Goodluck Jonathan has suspended the Minister of Interior, Emmanuel Iheanacho.

Mr Iheanacho has been directed to hand over to his counterpart in the Ministry of Labour, Emeka Wogu, who will, in addition to his present portfolio, oversee that ministry.

This development may be connected with the protests in some parts of the country after Mr Jonathan was announced winner of the presidential polls. It may also be seen as the beginning of an imminent shakeup of his cabinet.

The Imo State born minister, a retired Navy Captain, was appointed substantive Minister of Interior on April 6, 2010, when Mr.Jonathan, as Acting President, announced his new cabinet

A statement by the spokesman to the president, Ima Niboro, said that the suspension comes "as a result of a number of lapses in the political leadership of the ministry traceable to his personal and official conduct. For now, his continued manning of the ministry is not in the interest of the nation."

Buhari: Tinubu Sold South West Votes to PDP, Jonathan

The controversy surrounding the failed alliance deal between General Muhammadu Buhari’s party and Bola Tinubu’s have just refused to go away. The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) presidential candidate, Major General Buhari has accused former Lagos State Governor Bolaji Ahmed Tinubu of trading off the South West region to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in the last Saturday’s Presidential election in a secret deal struck shortly before the poll. 

Buhari spoke through his spokesperson, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, alleging that Tinubu struck a deal with President Jonathan to deliver all the South Western states to the ruling PDP in the last presidential election. Though Buhari withheld details of the deal, he said Tinubu sealed the deal with Jonathan a few days before the presidential election. 

THEWILL has however reliably gathered that the founder of the ACN pushed to nominate candidates for the two most strategic positions in the Federal Executive Council–Offices of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Petroleum Resources. Bola Tinubu would also nominate Ministers for the slots allocated to other states in the South West, while he also sealed a deal that would see President Jonathan quash all investigations and allegations of corruption against him by the anti-graft agencies. In a phone chat with THEWILL on Monday, Buhari urged Tinubu “to stop hiding under false excuses after striking a deal with President Jonathan.

Jonathan to use private sector to drive economy, gets business community endorsement

President Goodluck Jonathan said on Tuesday that he would use the private sector and Nigerians in the Diaspora to drive the nation’s economy in the next four years if given the mandate during Saturday presidential election.

Jonathan who spoke at a special breakfast meeting and endorsement by the business community, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, also gave his commitment to ending rice importation in the next four years.

He said “Any leader who wants to build this country must use people. I will use you and our sons and daughters in the Diaspora to develop this country so that the whole world will be proud of us.”

The President also maintained that he will focus on key sectors of the economy; such as road, rail transportation, stable power supply, job creation, education agriculture and security noted no investor would venture into Nigeria if the security of lives and property are not guaranteed

Foreign observers praise election conduct

Saturday’s National Assembly election has drawn rare praise from major international observer delegations including the Commonwealth and the American-led National Democratic Institute.

Ahead of the presidential and governorship election, both teams yesterday in Abuja separately issued formal preliminary verdicts on the April 9 parliamentary poll now acclaimed as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and well conducted.

“In our experience, the National Assembly elections generally took place in a peaceful and orderly manner. The required staff and stakeholders were present and the various stages of the electoral process on polling day broadly proceeded smoothly and transparently,” read a statement by Festus Mogae, former president of Botswana, who leads the Commonwealth mission.

The American NDI said in a statement, “In contrast to past elections in Nigeria, last Saturday’s National Assembly polls provided a real opportunity for citizens to exercise their right to vote.”

WikiLeaks cable: Politicians, military - not militants - behind most Nigeria oil thefts

Politicians and military leaders — not militants — are responsible for the majority of oil thefts in Nigeria's crude-rich southern delta, according to a U.S. diplomatic cable quoting a Nigerian official and released by WikiLeaks.

A member of a government panel on troubles in nation's Niger Delta implicated Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, a general whose brother became president, and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as being the biggest forces behind the thefts, the cable claims. Those thefts also fuel arms sales to the restive region while causing environmental damage and cutting production in a nation crucial to U.S. oil supplies.

"It is in the interests of these people to make it appear that the Niger Delta problem is intractable," the Jan. 2009 cable quotes panel member Tony Uranta as saying. "As a result, they prop up the militants, including some who have an ideological basis for their actions."

Abubakar, who ran unsuccessfully this year as a presidential candidate in a ruling-party primary, denied the allegations Monday.

ACN recruits 5,000 volunteers in Ondo •To campaign for presidential election

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), on Monday intensified efforts to win the presidential election in Ondo State with the recruitment of 5,000 volunteers/canvassers to reach 50,000 houses across the state before Saturday’s election.

The coordinator of the Ribadu Campaign Organisation in the state, Bola Ilori, said at the training of the leaders of the canvassers in Akure that the party was poised to win the state.

According to him, the campaign organisation had already consulted the political parties that would not be fielding candidates for the presidential election in the country to support the Ribadu/Adeola ticket.

He said the result of last Saturday’s National Assembly election had shown that the ACN was a great player in the presidential game in the country.

He said, “We know that as things are now, the ACN has a good chance of emerging a major player in the presidential game and we have every opportunity if proper realignment is done. The report of the last election showed that ACN is not only popular in the South-West, it is also a party of the entire Nigeria, it has won outside of the southwest.

Police nab 3 suspected inter-state robbers

LAGOS - Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command Special Anti-Robbery Squad, have arrested three suspected members of a notorious robbery gang that operate outside the state.

However, a suspected female member of the gang earlier arrested with a bag full of arms and ammunition, denied being a member of the gang .

Rather, she claimed that the weapons was handed to her by her boyfriend, whose identity she gave simply as Charles.

The 25-year-old lady, Mary Onwuka, was arrested at Agboju park two weeks ago while trying to board a bus to Koko, Delta State, where the gang reportedly planned to carry out a robbery operation

Corps members threaten to withdraw from elections in Delta

Some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving as electoral officers in Delta State have threatened to withdraw their services in subsequent elections in the ongoing general election because of the ugly experiences they encountered during last Saturday’s National Assembly election in the state.

Those who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune recounted their experiences, saying they were harassed and humiliated during the conduct of the exercise by thugs and some political youth leaders for their resolve not to compromise and dance to their tune.

Incidentally, some of them succumbed to intimidation to save their lives by allowing the youth leaders in some wards in Uvwie Local Government Area who allegedly forced the electorate to vote for the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the area.

A female youth corps member, who preferred to be anonymous, lamented to the Nigerian Tribune that she was thoroughly beaten and her skirt torn to shreds at one of the units in the local government area for refusing to cooperate with some political leaders in the area.

”Some political leaders in the unit I served in Uvwie said I should allow them take the election materials into a room to thumb print but I refused. I insisted that the people must be allowed to vote.

Ogun Education Commissioner, 6 others docked for firearms’ possession

AN Akure Chief Magistrate Court has ordered that the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Elder Yemi Akinwoni and six others be remanded in prison custody till April 27.

Akinwoni and his team were docked for being in possession of one double barrel gun; one cut-to-size gun; two live cartridges; and four expended cartridges during the National Assembly polls.

Other items found on them included; 92 voters cards; one extra number plate with registration number Ogun: AV 897 AAB; and six wraps of Indian hemps.

Other accused persons including; Wasiri Buari, Ikuajuwajo Oluremi, 38; Salami Morufu, 43; Oluwole Oluwaseun, 26; Olorunsola Fadugba 44; and Omokuwajo Fadugba, 44; were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Siji Akinsola.

Nigerians abroad score INEC high

Nigerians living in South Africa on Sunday scored the conduct of Saturday’s National Assembly election high, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has reported.

General Manager, Africa, Hay Group, based in Johannesburg Mr Gbenga Odusanya said the conduct of the elections showed that the country was putting the days of election rigging behind it.

He said: “We seem to be entering a new phase and politicians will begin to come to terms with the fact that the days of rigging elections in Nigeria are being done away with.

Odusanya said INEC’s adoption of the Modified Option A4 was an indication of its determination to ensure transparency in the polls.

Anambra govt denies bribery allegation

The Anambra State Government has debunked media reports alleging that government officials attempted to bribe an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mr Alex Anene to announce Professor Dora Akunyili as the winner of the Anambra Central senatorial election conducted on Saturday, April 9, 2011.

A release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Mike Udah made it clear that the Anambra State Government under Mr Peter Obi did not offer any bribe to any person or attempted in any way to thwart the genuine efforts of INEC to conduct a free, fair, credible and violence-free election in the state.

It noted that Governor Obi is civil, peaceful, democratic and humble and has never in the course of his political journey so far committed any fraud of any sort, not even when his mandate was brazenly stolen in2003 by Dr Chris Ngige. Udah observed that the present attempts by Dr Ngige to give the impression that the State Government and APGA are striving to shortchange him did not arise and will not fly.

Suswam denies arrest of ADC

The Benue State governor, Dr Gabriel Suswam, on Sunday, said that his aide de camp (ADC), DSP Dickson Pawa, was neither arrested nor detained by security operatives in the state.

Suswam made the clarification at the Government House, Makurdi, to debunk the rumour that his ADC was arrested, interrogated and detained by military men in Katsina Ala Local Government Area of the state for carrying arms.

”At no time was my ADC arrested or detained by military men,” he said.

He told journalists while reacting to the allegation that his aide was stopped by soldiers on his way to Harga, his village, to cast his vote and when his aide explained who he was, the soldiers authorised him to embark on his journey.

The governor stressed that the allegation levelled against his aide was an extension of what the opposition knew best to do.

Reactions as Lagosians review Fashola’s 1,400-day stewardship

Last week, traders, farmers, transport operators, artisans and public servants were among those that gathered at Onikan Stadium to mark Governor Babatunde Fashola’s 1,400 days in office.

The meeting provided an avenue for participants to evaluate the performance of the Fashola-led administration and its impacts on their lives.

Also, an array of officers of the state service agencies, and voluntary associations had a colourful parade.

Mr. Kunle Hassan said he could have died of kidney ailment if the state government did not intervene in his case. He narrated how the state government sponsored his medical trip to India, where he underwent kidney transplant successfully at the cost of N5m.

Another resident, Mr. John Omokolawole, said he took advantage of Lagos State Agriculture Youth Empowerment Scheme (Agric-YES), which empowered him to eke a living after wandering about streets after graduation in 2008 because he could not get a job. “I keyed into Agric-YES. The form was even free. I was selected after the exams. Now, I am living a meaningful life.”