Connect with us

News

Tension in Kogi as thugs seize Lokoja INEC office to prevent election material inspection

Published

on

“It is not hard to see that the 1st respondent was acting clever when he sent his Aide De Camp to make a report to the same police that acted in concert with him at the scene of the shooting, after preventing the applicant (Ajaka) from entering Lokoja,” he said. Justice Ekwo added: “It is my opinion that it is in the attempt of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th respondents (the security agencies) to make a case to cover up for the act of the 1st respondent (Bello) and the officers of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th respondents that has caused the obvious inconsistencies in their evidence.” The judge observed that none of the respondents’ affidavit evidence was able to address the incident of June 3, which was the main subject of Ajaka’s case. Justice Ekwo said: “It is my finding that the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th respondents violated the rights of the applicant as enshrined in Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). “The case of the applicant succeeds on the merit against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th respondents in this case and I so hold. “In awarding damages in this case, I will take into account the trauma of the applicant of being shot at by those whose statutory duty is to protect the citizens, acting under the command of the 1st respondent (Bello) who is statutorily the chief security officer of a state for a cause that is manifestly unlawful but inhuman. “I will also take into consideration the physical and mental anguish of the applicant when he stood in utter helplessness and watched the 1st respondent using his political might through the apparatus of the state for security and law enforcement to shoot and burn down the campaign vehicles of the applicant’s political party. “I will further take into account the near-death experience of the applicant and the mental torture that comes with it, when the vehicle in which he was, was riddled with bullets from the guns that ought to have been used to protect him and other citizens. Advertisement “It must be understood that fundamental rights of all citizens are sacrosanct and unless as authorised by law, any action by which an unlawful breach thereof is successfully proved, will be determined to reflect the depth of condemnation by the court.” The judge struck out the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th respondents from the case in the grounds that he found no evidence linking them to the incident of June 3 or any claim against them. He declared that the unprovoked shooting at Ajaka, his cars and his supporters by armed officers of 2nd to 7th respondents and Bello’s thugs on June 3 was reprehensible and a gross violation of his right to life and dignity of his human person as enshrined under Sections 33 and 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Articles 4 and 5 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. A9 Laws of the Federation, 2004.
SDP Gov Candidate, Mr Muritala Yakubu-Ajaka and Governor Yahaya Bello
Spread the love

Over 500 persons, most of them thugs, have taken over the main gate and premises of INEC  office in Lokoja in order to prevent lawyers and forensic experts of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) from examining documents and materials emanating from the Kogi State November 11 Governorship Elections.

The SDP accused the state governor, Mr Yahaya Bello of deploying the thugs wearing SDP T-shirts and carrying posters allegedly procured by the APC, whose candidate, Usman Ododo was declared winner of the governorship election.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday by Faruk Adejoh-Audu, Spokesman, Muri-Sam Governorship Campaign Council of the SDP, the party said the thugs were reportedly detailed “to attack and sack the (INEC) office to ensure the materials needed for our party to prosecute its petition at the tribunal are compromised,” adding, “Right now, they have seized on the entire Marine Street housing the Lokoja INEC office and several other adjourning Streets,  threatening the security of INEC and the entire sensitive materials there.”

The SDP campaign council spokesman further said: “They are chanting  war slogans claiming they are “SDP members” who  are against the movement of  Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) Machines to Abuja for security reasons and the forensic examination of electoral documents.

“Bello’s desperate resort to this extreme plan of overrunning INEC through an insurrection of rented thugs was after our campaign raised alarm at the weekend to forestall his earlier plan to burn down the Lokoja INEC office housing the materials.

Maduka College Advert

“Curiously, the INEC office shares proximity with the State Police Headquarters, where Bello’s notorious accomplice, one Bethrand Onuoha, is the Commissioner of Police. Onouha’s police did absolutely nothing as hundreds of thugs arrived in buses to take over INEC from the very early hours of this morning.

“We are shocked that other security agencies particularly the Directorate of State Security (DSS) also did nothing to secure the INEC office and the materials despite our official statements in the past few days raising alarm on the plot to attack INEC office by Mr Yahaya Bello who has never pretended about his preference for violence and extra- legal criminal tactics to gain advantage in his dealings.

“Mr. Yahaya Bello must not be allowed to crudely and brazenly rig the November 11th elections in favor of his puppet cousin and thereafter compromise the judicial process by renting thugs to attack INEC and compromise materials needed for evidence.

“We are told that most of the sensitive materials needed for inspection may have even  been already compromised by INEC Staff who are his agents and accomplices and are now waiting for this orchestrated attack to claim the materials were lost to the mob.”

The party, however, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately order the quelling of “this rented insurrection to safeguard our fragile democracy,” warning that if “this extreme criminality” was not quelled then a very dangerous precedent would have been set.

“Our country must demonstrate that no desperate outlaw sitting in an office covered by statutory immunity will be allowed to undermine the very foundation of our constitutional democracy – even if he belongs to the ruling party,” the SDP said.

News

BREAKING: EFCC freezes Osun govt bank account days to election

Published

on

Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke
Spread the love

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has reportedly placed a “Post No Debit” restriction on an Osun State Government account with First Bank, barely 10 days before the state’s governorship election.

The affected account is said to be one of the government’s salary accounts, a development that has heightened political tension ahead of the August 15 poll.

The action came shortly after Governor Ademola Adeleke raised the alarm over what he described as an alleged plan by the anti-graft agency to freeze the state’s accounts as well as those belonging to key government officials.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor condemned the reported move, describing it as an attempt to disrupt government operations in the build-up to the election.

Adeleke argued that the EFCC lacked the legal authority to freeze the state’s accounts, insisting that there was no lawful basis for such action.

Maduka College Advert

A government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed that the account had already been restricted.

“The account has been frozen by the EFCC. This is no longer speculation. The governor will brief the public shortly on the development,” the source said.

As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had yet to issue an official statement explaining the action, while the reason for the restriction remained unclear. (Vanguard)

Continue Reading

News

Enugu Air partners Jands Travel Business School to showcase Enugu tourism, aviation potentials

Published

on

Spread the love

Enugu State Government-owned Airline, Enugu Air, on Tuesday – 4th August, 2026, signed a pact with Jands Travel Business School, JTBS, an Enugu based private travel, leisure and hospitality training institution to showcase Enugu’s potentials as a destination for leisure, business, investment and innovation.

The signing of the pact which took place
at Ifennia Court, Independence Layout, Enugu, is ahead of the hosting of the 2026 edition of the Domestic Tourism Festival, DTF, being organised by Jands Travel Business School to be held at Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu from September 4 – 6, 2026.

The forthcoming event with a theme: “Innovation and Technology for Peaceful Domestic Tourism,” is expected to draw about 2,000 delegates which includes 300 travel agencies from across Nigeria, alongside tourism boards, airlines, hospitality operators, investors and international guests, will feature tourism exhibition, business networking, cultural display and performances, among others.

In a remark at the occasion which was witnessed by Enugu Air representatives led by the Chief Operating Officer and Jands Travel Business School Board of Trustee members, the Chairman – Chief Ben Etiaba, said that it was an honour that they were partnering with Enugu Air to promote tourism and aviation in Enugu State.

“It is both an honour and a privilege to join you on this historic occasion as we witness the signing of a strategic partnership between Jands Travel Business School and Enugu Air.

Maduka College Advert

“Today is about more than a Memorandum of Understanding. It is about a shared vision. It is about institutions coming together to build bridges between education and industry, between tourism and aviation, and between aspiration and opportunity.

“Tourism has become one of the world’s fastest growing economic sectors. It creates jobs, stimulates entrepreneurship, preserves culture, strengthens national identity, and contributes significantly to economic growth. Yet, for tourism to thrive, it requires reliable transportation, skilled professionals, innovative partnerships, and visionary leadership,” Etiaba said.

Etiaba explained the essence of the forthcoming three-day festival. “The forthcoming Jands Travel Business School’s Domestic Tourism Festival presents a unique opportunity to celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage while showcasing Enugu State as a destination for leisure, business, investment, and innovation.

“It is therefore fitting that Enugu Air, our state’s proudly emerging airline, is partnering with Jands Travel Business School, an institution committed to developing excellence in travel, tourism, hospitality, and aviation education.

“This collaboration demonstrates what can be achieved when government initiatives and private sector institutions work hand in hand. It aligns perfectly with the vision of transforming Enugu into a leading destination for commerce, tourism, investment, and ease of doing business. The remarkable improvements in infrastructure, security, and connectivity across the state provide a solid foundation upon which partnerships such as this can flourish.

“I particularly applaud the management of Enugu Air for embracing this collaboration at this formative stage of the airline’s journey. Your willingness to support initiatives that promote tourism and human capital development speaks volumes about your corporate vision and your commitment to the development of Enugu State and Nigeria,” he said, adding that, “I am confident that this partnership will become a model of successful collaboration and will contribute meaningfully to the growth of tourism, aviation, and economic development in our state and our nation.”

On her part, Mrs Chioma Obi, Director, Jands Travel Business School, expressed gratitude at the partnership they are striking with Enugu Air to drive tourism, aviation and the hospitality industry.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the official announcement of the strategic partnership between Jands Travel Business School and Enugu Air for the Domestic Tourism Festival (DTF) 2026.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to promoting tourism, improving connectivity, and positioning Enugu as a preferred destination for tourism, business, and investment.

“The Domestic Tourism Festival, now in its third edition, has become a growing national platform for tourism development, bringing together government, the private sector, travel professionals, investors, academia, and development partners to advance meaningful conversations and collaborations,” she said.

She explained that the last edition of the festival was great but expressed optimism that 2026 edition would surpass.

“Last year’s edition welcomed 1,287 participants, and this year we expect over 2,000 delegates, including more than 300 travel agencies from across Nigeria, alongside tourism boards, airlines, hospitality operators, investors, media organizations, and international guests.

“Enugu Air is more than an airline—it is a gateway to our destination. By becoming the Official Destination Airline Partner of DTF 2026, Enugu Air will help make travel to Enugu easier while connecting directly with hundreds of travel professionals, tourism stakeholders, corporate organizations, and decision-makers from across the country.

“For Jands Travel Business School and the Domestic Tourism Festival, this partnership strengthens our mission of showcasing Enugu’s tourism potential, attracting investment, and creating new opportunities for businesses within the tourism value chain,” she said.

In his own remarks, the
Chief Operating Officer of Enugu Air, Ugonna Agubuokwu, expressed joy with the collaboration with Jands Travel Business School for their efforts in promoting the tourism industry, and promised to ensure that the September Festival will be a huge success.

“As an Airline, we are honoured to be at this event. We all know what tourism brings to our economy. It promotes growth and development. It tells story of who we are and above all, it generates revenue.

“On the strength of this event, we shall use this event as a gate way to showcase our routes and our domestic destinations, that is why we are happy to be a part of this great event. Having said this, I promise that come September 4 to 6, 2026, it will be a very big occasion for both the organisers of the event, Jands Travel Business School and above all, Enugu Air.”

Continue Reading

Faith

RCCG Founder’s Daughter speaks on viral statement criticising church leadership

Published

on

Mrs Akindayomi-Adewale and Pastor Adeboye
Spread the love

Pastor Titilayo Adewale, the daughter of the late Rev. Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, the founder of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has firmly denied viral media reports claiming she criticized the church’s leadership or demanded public monuments to preserve her father’s legacy.

The viral post claimed Adewale criticised senior RCCG pastors for allegedly sidelining her late father’s legacy

Adewale described the claims as false and urged those circulating them to stop spreading misinformation.

She debunked the circulating stories and clarified her stance in a statement shared on Facebook page on Monday.

She said the statement attributed to her did not originate from her “either implicitly or explicitly,” stressing that her father’s greatest legacy was not tied to buildings or monuments but the lives he transformed.

Maduka College Advert

“For the record, Baba’s image or lack thereof on any edifice on earth is nothing compared to making Heaven and his face being recognized there,” she wrote.

She explained that her father never encouraged the pursuit of material possessions or earthly recognition, recalling that he was reluctant even to own a personal residence because he did not place value on material acquisitions.

“My father consistently believed in building people rather than merely constructing buildings.

“He never believed in acquiring wealth or earthly possessions,” she said, adding that it would be inconsistent to suggest that he desired his name or image to be prominently associated with buildings or institutions.

According to her, the reports were aimed at creating unnecessary controversy and division within the church rather than promoting the memory of its founder.

“In my opinion, this report and similar ones are not about me, my father, or even the leadership of the RCCG. Instead, they are intended to create unnecessary arguments and division.

“Their purpose is to divert attention from the divine work currently being carried out and sow discord among us,” she stated.

She warned those responsible for circulating the reports to desist from what she described as “mischievous acts of misinformation.

Adewale also reaffirmed her support for the leadership of the church, praying for continued wisdom and strength for the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and his family.

Continue Reading

Trending

Maduka College Advert