Author: oduduwanews

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Anti-Party: Suspension of Fayose from PDP, others a nullity – Wike Tells Ayu

Rivers State governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has said his Benue State counterpart, Dr. Samuel Ortom will not appear before National Disciplinary Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over his alleged involvement in anti-party activities.

The governor, has also described the suspension of former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose and others for anti-party activities by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP as a nullity.

The governor stated these in Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday while reacting to NWC decision to refer governor Ortom to the party’s disciplinary committee and suspension of Fayoye and others.

“I want to state clearly and let members of the party and Nigerians hear it clearly, the National Working Committee made up of Dr Iyorchia Ayu, who they say is the chairman of the party; Sam Anyanwu, the national secretary and other members of NWC, cannot suspend Ayo Fayose, not to talk about referring governor Ortom to national disciplinary committee.”

Governor Wike explained that the decision of the NWC to refer governor Ortom to the party’s National Disciplinary Committee is the height of all insult.

“Referring a governor to your so called national disciplinary committee is the height of all insult, and we will not take it. Therefore, be ready for whatever you see as far as this our party is concern.”

Governor Wike stated emphatically that the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom will not appear before the PDP National Disciplinary Committee.

“Governor Ortom, who has stood firm for the unity of this country, governor Ortom who has come out openly to say that Nigeria must be one is not the type you will say you’ll refer to that your kangaroo committee.”

The Rivers State governor said if anyone deserves to be suspended from the party, that person is Dr Iyorchia Ayu, who he accused of contravening the PDP constitution on the zoning of elective and appointive offices.

“If there is any person deserving suspension it should be you (Ayu), who played anti party by refusing to obey the constitution of the party on zoning of political offices as is required. So, whoever tells you can suspend people, please tell the person that he is not serious.”

He further added, “if you are talking of anti-party it is you who could not even deliver your unit, deliver your ward that is involved. Because of the fraudulent activities you are involved in, people have lost hope in you. That is why you cannot win your unit, win your ward.”

Governor Wike cautioned Ayu and the NWC to desist from threatening the G-5 governors and members of the Integrity Group with suspension. According to him, Ayu has by his recent action opened up a new chapter of political war in the party.

“You cannot cage any of us. Ortom will not appear before any of your so called disciplinary committee. Ayodele Fayose will also never appear before any disciplinary committee.

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Secondary School Students Remanded For Allegedly Raping Female Colleague In Ibadan

ODUDUWA NEWS has gathered that a Family Court sitting in Iyaganku had ordered that four students of Eleyele Secondary School, Eleyele, Ibadan in Oyo State be remanded for allegedly raping a female colleague, who was mentally challenged.

NAN reports that the defendants are minors.

The police charged them with conspiracy and unlawful sexual intercourse.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Sumbo Adetuyibi, did not take their plea due to lack of jurisdiction.

Adetuyibi ordered that they should be remanded in Abolongo Correctional facility if the juvenile correctional facility at Ijokodo, Ibadan, does not accept them.

She adjourned the matter until May 11

Earlier, the Police Prosecutor, Insp Folake Ewe told the court that the students allegedly conspired together to commit the offence.

Ewe said the minors, between January and March 15, defiled a 16-year-old female colleague, who was mentally challenged.

She said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 516 of the Criminal Code and section 34 of the Oyo State Child Rights Law 2006.

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Ooni Attends Isese Day In Brazil, Addresses Special Parliamentary Session

Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife Kingdom in Nigeria, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, was on Tuesday hosted by the President of Brazil, His Excellency Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in Brasilia, Brazil’s Federal Capital Territory as Royal Guest of Honour during the official launching of annual African Religion Day(ISESE DAY) which held inside the banquet hall at the President’s office in Brasilia, Capital of Brazil.

Ooni, an African foremost and dynamic king of youth development who has been in Brazil’s states of Sao Paulo , Rio De Janeiro, Salvador Bahia and Brasilia on a 5 day working visit in continuation of his global tour for African People’s Peace and Progress Agenda also while in the country unveiled some initiatives for the reunification of the over 100 milion Afro-Brazilians via his program tagged “Back To Home”

In their talks after the event, Ooni Ogunwusi explained that Afro-Brazilians like their other counterparts in Brazil have done a lot to prove their love and support for the country, urging President Lula not to renege on his promise of an inclusive pro African government.

“I can remember very vividly when your visi to Nigeria in 2003 during the former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s term, you still have the love and respect of the African people. We have you in our prayers and we pray that the Almighty Olodumare(God) continues to be with you, with your darling wife who is my daughter and your administration. Africa is proud of you.

In his response, President Lula da Silva thanked The Ooni for his love for him and his wife who he referred to as “Ooni’s daughter” lauded the king for his mission towards reunification of not just the Afro-Brazilians but also Africans worldwide which he believes means well for the global peace.

President Lula told Ooni Ogunwusi that the efforts of the Afro-Brazilians towards nation building in Brazil can not be over emphasized, adding that his government is committed to strengthening the ties between Brazil and Africa which is the home continent of his people.

“My wife is here me always calls you “My father” Your love for us and for our country is indeed well appreciated and I promise you of my continued love for Africa. I have visited 44 countries in Africa and opened 19 embassies because Brazil of my administration has an historic pact to Africa.

My wife and are extremely fulfilled as your presence here today assures that this ISESE DAY has come to stay” President Lula said.

Earlier in the day, the Ooni was at the Federal House of Representatives Chamber in Brasilia where he addressed a special parliamentary session organized in his honour.

At the event which was well attended by the federal lawmakers, Cabinet Ministers and top Brazilian dignitaries, Ooni Ogunwusi called for unity of African descendants across the world, urging the legislative arm of Brazilian government to support President Lula with necessary pro Afro-Brazilian legislations.

“We can not afford to be divided again. We are one, irrespective of colour and race. President Lula is our pride, he remains determined to do well for Africa, and you must support him with legislations helpful to his mission for Africa. That’s all I beg of you if truly we are one big family. What we need now is to unite for growth of all persons and be good to all regardless of religious and cultural differences.

“Look at the good-looking Afro-Brazilians in this chamber who have stormed here to honour me.They all look like my first cousins back home in Nigeria and in other African countries, we are one people and the earlier we recognize the strength in our unity the better for us all.

“I am sitting on an ancient throne of over hundreds of centuries, a sacred throne of the Kingdom where most of you all migrated from. Beyond here in Brasil, I am delighted to inform you that you all have a home in my Kingdom and there are free lands for you to come and build your homes across Africa.

“I vow never to forget you, you are a major part of us in my Kingdom of Ile-Ife and we hope to receive you home soon as possible , in fact ,I have deliberately mapped out free land for you all to come and live, invest and reside.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the Parliament’s Deputy Speaker, Hon. Deputado Vicentinho Requerente, who led other lawmakers to receive the foremost African monarch in the parliament, described the Ooni as a caring father whom the Afro-Brazilian community holds in a very high esteem.

The lawmaker who expressed his heartfelt joy in Portuguese, said, “Your presence here today has added to the dignity of people of African origin in Brazil and this day will remain a history making day for life.”

After the parliamentary session, the Arole Oduduwa was hosted at the Nigeria House in Brasil by the Nigerian Ambassador to the country, Amb. Ahmad Muhammed Makarfi who led other African Diplomats to receive the Spiritual Leader of the Yoruba people and the Oduduwa race worldwide.

Accompanied by his amiable queens; Olori Mariam Anako Ogunwusi and Olori Aderonke-Ademiluyi Ogunwusi, the Ooni who is Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) was on the trip with about 40 entourage including notable Yoruba kings like The ALARA of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, The Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Joseph Adewole, The Alapomu of Apomu Kingdom, Oba Afolabi Kayode Adenekan and The Alayemore of Ido-Osun, Oba Adedapo Aderemi. Others on the entourage include his brother who is the Sooko Laekun of Ife Kingdom, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi, CEO of Ife Grand Resort in Ile-Ife, Princess Kemi Fadojutimi and a retinue of his aides.

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Suspected Hoodlum Terrorizing Osun Residents Arrested By Amotekun

Amotekun Corps said it has arrested a suspected hoodlum, 37, terrorising residents of Ikoyi-Ile town, in the Isokan Local Government Area, Osun state.

The Corps Commander, Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi (ret.d), in a statement, said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday following complaints by residents of Ikoyi-Ile.

Adewinmbi said, “A complaint was lodged at our Isokan Local Government command that the suspect unleashed an attack on residents of the town with cutlass and charms.

“Our operatives immediately swung into action and the suspect was apprehended.

“The suspect admitted to acting in an unruly manner and causing unrest in the community, thereafter pleaded for forgiveness.”

However, the Commander said the suspect had been handed over to the police for subsequent investigation and possible prosecution.

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Naira crisis: DSS arrests lawmaker-elect for masterminding the destruction of banks, properties in Sagamu

A lawmaker-elect for the Ogun State House of Assembly, Damilare Bello, has been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services.

Bello, a Peoples Democratic Party member, was alleged to have masterminded the Sagamu mayhem that left several banks vandalised during the naira scarcity protest.

Our correspondent gathered that the suspects had spurned several invitations by the DSS.

Bello, popularly known as Dre, was said to have been on the run since the incident happened but surfaced for Saturday election.
A source at the DSS confirmed Bello’s arrest to our correspondent on Wednesday.

The source said, “Preliminary investigation has commenced and the suspect may be prosecuted for crime relating to arson and disturbing of public peace, amongst others upon conclusion of investigation.
“The arrest is not politically motivated as it was being reported.”

However, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State, Oladipupo Adebutu, has reprotedly visited the DSS office.

The source told our correspondent that the PDP had sent three different delegations, led by its chairman, Sikirulah Ogundele, and other chieftains over the matter.

The source said, “Adebutu himself visited the command today, (Wednesday), with a view to mending fences with the service and as well clear the past misconceptions about the office and realised that the service is a credible institution that must be reckoned with.”

Adebutu’s media aide, Afolabi Orekoya, confirmed to our correspondent that his principal was at the DSS office.

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Lagos High Court Orders Discos To Give Three Days Notice To Customers Before Disconnection

A High Court in Lagos has mandated electricity companies to give consumers three working days’ notice before interrupting their supply.

The suit was filed by a Lagos Lawyer, Bolaji Ramos against Eko Electricity distribution Plc (EKDP).

The judgment made it a legal duty for DisCos to always give customers a minimum of three working days’ notice before taking or interrupting the power supply in line with NERC’s Customer Service Standards of Performance for Distribution Companies 2007, made pursuant to Electric Power Sector Reform Act (No.6 of 2005).

Ramos had questioned whether by the clear provisions of Regulation, four of NERC’s Customer Service Standards of Performance for Distribution Companies 2007 made pursuant to Electric Power Sector Reform Act (No.6 of 2005), the Defendant is under mandatory obligations to give its customers a minimum of three working-day notice before causing any planned power supply interruption.

He also sought whether by the unambiguous provision of Regulation, four of NERC’s Customer Service Standards of Performance for Distribution Companies 2007 made pursuant to Electric Power Sector Reform Act (No.6 of 2005), the Defendant could interrupt its customers’ power supply other than for planned maintenance of its equipment, same which must still be preceded by a minimum of three (3) working-day notice to its customers.

Ramos, therefore, asked the court to make it a legal duty to always give the customers three working-day notice before taking or interrupting the Claimant’s power supply in line with NERC’s Customer Service Standards of Performance for Distribution Companies 2007, made pursuant to Electric Power Sector Reform Act (No.6 of 2005).

Ramos, among other pleas, said any interruption of the Claimant’s electricity supply by the DisCos without a minimum of three working-day prior notice is illegal, unlawful and in violation of NERC’s regulations.

Delivering the judgment, the court held that the Claimant’s claims succeeded in part and declared amongst others that DisCos owes a legal duty to always give the customer and other customers a minimum of three working-day notice before taking or interrupting the Claimant’s power supply in line with NERC’s regulations.

The court also declared that any interruption of the Claimant’s and other customers’ electricity supply by the Defendant without a minimum of three working-day prior notice is illegal, unlawful and in violation of NERC’s regulations.

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Autonomy in electricity, railways will empower Lagos take charge of her growth ― Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for signing into law the constitution amendment bills granting states more autonomy in key areas like electricity, railways, and the judiciary, saying the move would empower Lagos to take charge of her own growth.

Sanwo-Olu made this known on his Twitter handle, describing as a historic move, the Constitutional Alteration Bill No. 33 that granted states across the country authority to regulate electricity generation, transmission and distribution.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the constitutional amendment will create a Lagos Electricity Market, leading to increased access to electricity, investments and job opportunities.

Besides, he said the new law would promote efficiency, leading to better service delivery, pointing out that Lagos State had been preparing for this by launching an electricity policy, publishing its off-grid strategy, presenting an integrated resource plan and drafting a law to establish the Lagos Electricity Market.

“A few days ago, President @MBuhari signed bills granting states more autonomy in key areas like electricity, railways, and the judiciary, empowering Lagos to take charge of our own growth.

“Thank you, Mr President. The Constitutional Alteration Bill No. 33 is a historic move that grants us authority to regulate electricity generation, transmission and distribution.

“This will create a Lagos Electricity Market, leading to increased access to electricity, investments and job opportunities.

“The new bills will promote efficiency, leading to better service delivery. We’ve been preparing for this by launching an Electricity Policy, publishing our off-grid strategy, presenting our Integrated Resource Plan and drafting a law to establish the Lagos Electricity Market,” the governor stated.

The governor assured of his administration’s commitment to achieving 1GW of solar energy in Lagos by 2030, saying towards that end, it had engaged with the World Bank for suitable funding.

“With the creation of the Lagos Electricity Market, we’ll fulfil our potential as Africa’s model mega city,” he said.

On railways, Sanwo-Olu described as a significant move in the devolution of powers in that sector under the Constitution Fifth Alteration Bill No. 32, saying it was targeted towards promoting local economic growth and development.

According to him, it will open up investment opportunities and improve the transportation of goods and services.

The governor expressed excitement about the next few years as Lagos takes more responsibility for her growth and the fulfilment of her potential, urging Lagosians to join hands to work together to make the state the best it can be.

“I’m excited about the next few years as Lagos takes more responsibility for our growth and the fulfilment of our potential.

“Let’s work together to make Lagos the best it can be!” Sanwo-Olu said.

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‘May You Meet Up With People’s Expectations’, Says Ladoja In Congratulatory Message To Makinde

A former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, has congratulated Governor Seyi Makinde over his over his victory at Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland in his congratulatory message prayed wished the governor success in meeting people’s expectations.

The text of the message reads below :
“My dear governor congratulations on your reelection for another term of four years.
“By now

the campaigns are over
the outbursts are over
the various lies are over
the abuses are over
the curses are over
the deliberate misinterpretations are over
the jostlings for spaces are over.

“All the dramatis personae have quit the stage with their laurels and bruises leaving you alone.

“What are now left are your promises and stark realities.

“May God help you succeed to the people’s expectation, your satisfaction and fulfillment in this selfless job before you.”

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Lagos guber: PDP’s votes, not reflection of our worth, figures allocated – Jandor

The Lagos State PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran (aka Jandor) says the outcome of the Saturday’s gubernatorial election is shocking and not a reflection of the party’s worth.

Adediran, who reacted to the outcome of the polls at a news conference on Monday at his Campaign Office in Ikeja, vowed to pursue the process to the end before letting out his next step of action.

Stating that an election is not an event but a process, Adediran said that residents had not seen the last of the Saturday’s poll as he was ready to follow the process till the end.

The candidate said: “It is so sad to see some leaders trying to force themselves on people.

“We need to let everyone know that Saturday’s election was the end of another process (in INEC timetable for the 2023 elections) and the process continues.

“We will know what action to take when we see the last of this process. We have not seen the last if it. Yes, a supposed winner has been declared but the election is a process not an event.

“So, we will see this to the end before we begin to say what decision are we taking as a party.

“We went into this election against all principalities in Lagos State. We ran this election against INEC, the Police, the APC and as a matter of fact, we ran against some of our leaders within the PDP.

“We feel so proud that as lone rangers, we were able to stand on our feet and put up a good fight to set Lagos free.”

Highlighting some flaws in the process, Adediran said that the Saturday’s election became like a war adding that majority of PDP agents and those of other opposition political parties were chased away from collation centres.

He said: “Everybody is Lagos saw what happened and knew what happened on the street of Lagos.

“There were voters’ suppression everywhere, intimidation, harassment, violence, some people were killed while several other harmed in the process of them trying to express or exercise their franchise.

“For us, we know that the election was already predetermined because before the election, we tried everything to ensure we bring all threats and compromises to the notice of the security formations in Lagos.

According to him, some of the INEC Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) used for the polls were already contained number of accredited voters before getting to the polling units among other infractions.

“We have cases of this in Ikoyi and Lagos West. We caught few and asked the INEC officials to clear them before election but this show that a lot happened unnoticed. Figures were allocated at the end of the day.

“We have collected enough evidence to enter into the next process. The process is ongoing and we are going to follow it to letter,” he said.

Adediran, who noted that with his brand and the amount of work he put in place, it was shocking to hear that he only polled 3,000 voter in his LGA in Ojo.

He revealed that before the poll, he was called to return to the APC when some people started moving and if he refused, he would be disgraced.

“And this what we find in the predetermined figures here and there,” he said.

The candidate explained that he ran the poll all by himself and his team, saying, “not a single N1 from the party at the state level or the national level, after Feb. 25 Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

He expressed condolences to families of those who lost their lives in the election and sympathised with those who were wounded in the process because they wanted a better Lagos.

Adediran said that he felt so proud that in the face of huge suppression and rumours about him being a mole in PDP, he had been able to justify that he was in the race to truly bring a breath of fresh air.

He added that he was still standing “even when some respected leaders, supposedly, in the party had to leave us for crumbs in the ruling party.

“We stayed behind to see this to the last. Even when some left the party to form a false alliance, we stood our ground to see this to fruition.

“I want to commend people of Lagos, all loyal PDP leaders who stayed to see that the election came to the logical conclusion,” he said.

Adediran said that if elections had been free and fair, he would have been the first to issue a congratulatory message to the winner.

He urged the “depressed and demoralised” party loyalists and followers to remain resolute, keep heads up and wait for the next decision.

“I am assuring them that at the end of this process, we will be triumph. This is not fighting anybody but exercising our constitution rights. I am here to continue to lead,” he said. — with Shakky Onilude and 3 others in Lagos.

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