Fani-Kayode, the Director, New Media sub-committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, slammed the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ben Llewellyn-Jones, on social media, over visa ban threat he made.
During an interview with Nigeria Info FM on Sunday, March 26, Llewellyn-Jones condemned some Nigerian politicians for making “derogatory” remarks.
He said: “Yes, let’s be specific, there were some people, like Femi Fani-Kayode, what is he saying and why is he saying it? I don’t understand.
“It is wrong from my perspective that he will speak on behalf of a party and that party does not distance itself from him and say stop doing that. It is wrong to say that,” Llewellyn-Jones said.
Llewellyn-Jones also reiterated the fact that the UK government will issue visa bans to people undermining democracy.
Llewellyn-Jones said there are about 10 persons already on the watchlist.
“We have a list, we are working through our list but we don’t publish those names. I know people say we should, but we have laws, and the law prevents us from doing that.
“At the moment the list is between 5 and 10 and it is growing,” he added.
Femi Fani-Kayode took to Instagram and Twitter to react. He slammed the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, asking him to “keep his dirty nose out of our internal affairs.”
About 80 Point of Sales (PoS) agents, suspected to be buying and selling money to members of the public with higher interest were arrested by the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in Ondo over the weekend.
It was gathered that the anti-corrúption agents who moved around the state capital, Akure, discovered some agents charging higher rates and arrested some of the agents.
Some residents who spoke to our correspondent alleged that some PoS agents have been buying cash from banks, and they charge their customers exorbitantly while selling the money to them.
According to an eyewitness, who said the operatives stormed the popular Oja-Oba market along Oba Adesida road in Akure and arrested about 80 PoS agents.
“They have arrested about 80 PoS attendants in Oja Oba area, they visited these PoS centres to find out the amount they are charging customers and also ask customers at the centers. If it’s above the normal amount, they will be arrested.
“Some PoS attendants, who got wind of the development before the security agents get to the center, flee and close for the day.
A neighbour to one of the POS agents arrested, said: “She was here attending to customers when a woman came and asked how much he charges for every thousand naira.
The Accord Party gubernatorial candidate who contested in the last governorship election in Oyo State, Oloye Bayo Adelabu has made his next political move known to the public.
Adelabu in a statement made available via his Twitter handle said, he is weighing possible option of returning to his erstwhile political party, All Progressives Congress APC and the possibility of throwing his hat into the ring in 2027.
Adelabu was quoted as saying, “It’s now exactly one week after the 2023 Guber elections and i believe we must have all been well rested and digested the reality of the results of that election.
“My appreciation goes to all the hard working and committed members of our great party for a well fought battle in the last eight months. I cannot thank you enough for all your efforts, prayers and commitment of all your financial and other resources during our campaigns leading to last weekend guber elections. We ran the best and most organised issue-based campaign and achieved the widest reach in our consultations, house to house, rally and road shows during the campaign period. We have cause to be grateful to the Almighty Allah for his untainted protection over the team during our various tours across the state. No single accident was recorded in spite of the size of our regular convoy and no life was lost. I appreciate you all for your commitment and the belief, trust and confidence you have in me and our guber project. I implore you all not to be dejected or depressed in any form as we have moved further in this project and we are surely getting closer. Politics is a marathon and we must be resilient to ensure we get to the very end. 2027 will be the year we get to our destination, Insha Allah.
“We must continue to remain as one in Unity and Progress as this is the only way our team will remain formidable. We all know that the results of the election is not a true reflection of the strength of our team. A lot happened towards the tale end of the election period leading to cracks in our team and quite a number of our members waivered and it’s quite unfortunate. It’s a known fact that betrayal, backstabing and inconsistencies are part of politics and must continue to be assimilated and managed when they occured. God knows best and will surely do his will in our lives at his appointed time. When the time comes, everything will work for our good.
“Regarding the way forward, i want to assure you that discussions will soon start among our leaders immediately after Ramadan on the modalities of managing our party, Accord and possibility of a return to APC. It’s not something to rush as it must be a calculated move with a joint agreement on the purpose and modalities of our return. One thing that must be clear with everyone is that it is only in unity that we can remain formidable. I implore our members not to rush into taking a decision on whether to remain in Accord or return to APC. Let’s exercise a little patience and wait for the overall decision of our leaders which i can assure you will be in the interest of all.
“Our consolation lies in the fact that Oyo state people have seen the quality of the candidates we displayed at all levels of the election except that the political circumstances didn’t favour us as a third force party. It is however heartwarming that the electorates are already expressing preference for us come 2027 and will surely be ready to vote for us. I will also not hesitate to let you know that it is not automatic as we must be ready and prepared to work towards it by remaining relevant in the political space till the next election.
“I want to round up by thanking the good people of Oyo state for their support and acceptance at all levels. I pray for God’s protection over our lives by granting us good health and long life to witness our eventual victory and success at the next polls. In 2027, Awa lokan!!!. Amen”.
President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has raised the alarm over plots by some aggrieved partisans to truncate the transition process, particularly his expected swearing-in on May 29.
Tinubu in a statement by his Director, Public Affairs and Minister of State Labour and Employment, Mr Festus Keyamo SAN also warned the presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and that of the Labour Party LP, Mr Peter Obi against taking to the streets while also pursuing their cases in court.
In the statement issued Saturday in Abuja, the President-elect noted that those who have taken to the streets protesting against his mandate are fixated on having an Interim National Government ING.
Part of the statement reads; “We have watched with great concern the condemnable activities of some persons and groups who are desirous of truncating our democracy.
“For reasons best known to them, these persons have remained embittered that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was declared winner of the 2023 General Elections.
Repeatedly, but unfortunately, these misguided individuals have called for either the cancellation of the results or that the President-elect should not be inaugurated on the 29th of May, 2023.
“We wish to reiterate and emphasise that these positions are not in tandem with our constitutional provisions or our electoral laws. We would have taken these as mere wishful thinking, however, because of their implications for national security and public order, we have therefore considered it necessary, if not expedient, to call them to order.
“We are aware of the intentions of those engaged in these treasonable and subversive acts. We also know those involved in the many plots being contrived to undermine the transition in particular and democracy in general. They are fixated on an Interim Government. They have done it in this country before and it threw the country into avoidable crises for many years and they want to do it again. They are bent on delegitimizing the new government. Some have made treasonable insinuations and openly called for military take-over. It is for these reasons that they are desperate to incite the people against the incoming Government.
“It is perplexing to see that those contesting the results want to be in the courts and on the streets at the same time. However, if their intention is to truncate the inauguration of the President-elect and Vice-President-elect, they should immediately bury the thought. It is gratifying to note that the President has set in motion steps for the actualisation of the swearing-in ceremonies. In this regard, the Presidential Transition Council has remained focused and committed to its Terms of Reference in respect of organizing a hitch-free handover”.
The statement noted that on many occasions after the declaration of Tinubu as the winner of the election, his public speeches and utterances have centred on reconciliation, forgiveness and a greater vision for Nigeria.
It added that the President-elect knows those who are sponsoring violent protests against his mandate as well as their sponsors from within and outside Nigeria and shall be working closely with the security agencies to apprehend them and bring them to book
“He has pledged fairness as the basis for his present and future engagements. He has unequivocally stated that he would not accord favour to those that supported him, and neither would he mistreat those who did not vote for him. This is statesmanly and patriotic. We all watched the President-elect as Governor of Lagos for eight years. He never undermined any person or tribe. He championed people-oriented policies. It is common knowledge that he is a welfarist and a pacifist. This is even more so that millions of citizens have spoken through the ballot box in his favour.
“By being declared winners, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kashim Shettima are legally entitled to be inaugurated into office as provided for by law and as we have practised since 1999, whilst those who feel otherwise have the right to seek legal redress in court. Why should their situation be different from what we have practised since 1999?
“Those who are dissatisfied with the declaration must conduct themselves within the ambits of the law. Nigeria is not a lawless country and should not be portrayed as such no matter the frustrations as presently being exhibited by some bad losers.
“Those who are stoking the embers of hate, division and falsehoods as well as peddling misleading narratives through some compromised media outlets should detract from such. It amounts to campaigning after elections. Hate speeches, fake news and propaganda at a time like this are needless because Nigerians have already made their choice. Those who are bent on scuttling the process will ignite the fire of destruction and run away. But they should not even start.
“We simply wish that peace reigns in the country. It does not make sense that some persons who should know better are encouraging violence and are so determined to achieve that.
“We know these persons and their sponsors from within and outside Nigeria and we shall be working closely with the security agencies to apprehend them and bring them to book. Our concern is that everyday Nigerians who are unaware of the evil intentions of these persons should not be used as cannon fodders. Enough is enough. Their continuous determination to dare us should cease forthwith. We are not lacking in capabilities and capacities. Our silence should not be taken for cowardice. We should come together for the peace of our beloved country. It is better”, Keyamo added.
The Osun tribunal held that Adeleke did not score the majority of lawful votes during the July 16 governorship election, but that verdict has now been set aside by the Court of Appeal.
The Court of Appeal Abuja has set aside the decision of the Osun State Governorship tribunal, and has upheld the Governorship of senator Ademola Adeleke.
Following the governorship polls in the state, an Election Petition Tribunal had sacked Adeleke from office, saying that the Senator did not score the majority of lawful votes during the July 16 governorship polls.
However, in a unanimous agreement by a three man panel led by justice Mohammed Shuaibu, the Court of Appeal quashed the tribunal’s judgement and gave its verdict to uphold Adeleke as rightful governor of Osun State.
The Nigeria’s president-elect, Senator Bola Tinubu has dispelled rumour flying around the social media that he was in the UK to hold a secret meeting with the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola.
In a statement made available via his campaign spokesman, Bayo Onanuga as read in part:
“Our attention has been drawn to the grossly fake, misleading and malicious story about the Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola disguising to meet President-elect Bola Tinubu in London.
“The story was a pure concoction from the hallucinating minds of hatchet men bent on creating doubts and public distrust about the legitimacy of our recent election, which was won by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We refute emphatically that there has been no clandestine meeting between the President-elect and the respected Chief Justice of our country, any where. It’s pure fabricated news, groundless in fact and authenticity.
“To show that the story was a mere salacious fiction, meant to draw traffic to the discredited purveyor, it claimed the Chief Justice left Nigeria for London on 11 March, on a wheel chair to board a plane.
The President elect left Nigeria on 21 March, 10 clear days thereafter. What kind of appointment or secret meeting will the two men have arranged in London, with so wide disparate arrival dates, except in the imagination of the false news merchants?
We can confirm that the President-elect, who left Nigeria Tuesday has not been in London. He is right now in France to have a deserved rest, after a hectic campaign that began in January 2022.
He will go to London thereafter before proceeding to Mecca for the lesser Hajj.
As we move towards inauguration on 29 May, 2023, Nigerians should expect more false and salacious news from a section of the Nigerian media, on the payroll of the opposition.
We urge the media once again to cross check their information from the President-elect media office before rushing to press.
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.
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.
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.”
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered security agencies to arrest perpetrators of attacks recorded in some local government areas during Saturday’s governorship and House of Assembly election in the state.
This was as he hailed those who refused to be divided by hateful and hurtful ethnic profiling in the state.
Sanwo-Olu said this in a post on his verified Twitter handle shortly after he was declared winner of the governorship election.
He said, “During the course of the campaign, we sadly saw a lot of divisive rhetoric used. Elections should be about capacity, competence, and experience, not ethnicity or religion.
“I salute those who refused to be divided by hateful and hurtful ethnic profiling. Recent skirmishes in some LGAs resulting in injuries are reprehensible and not reflective of who we are. Law enforcement and security agencies have been directed to ensure that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law.
