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Ekiti 2022: I Regret Joining Politics, Won’t Contest Again – ADC Gov Candidate

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Ekiti 2022: I Regret Joining Politics, Won’t Contest Again – ADC Gov Candidate

Ekiti 2022: I Regret Joining Politics, Won’t Contest Again – ADC Gov Candidate

Wole Oluyede, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Saturday’s Ekiti State governorship election on Wednesday expressed regret for joining politics, following the turn of events in the poll.

An Australia-based medical doctor, Oluyede also stated that he had lost hope in the electoral process in Ekiti State.

Oluyede said, “I am not going to run again because I think any contest now is for the highest bidder and I won’t waste my time and energy”.

The ADC candidate, who came fourth in the election, said that he deliberately refused to buy votes in Saturday’s election, adding, “I have lost hope in the entire process in the state, it is a tragedy. I didn’t buy the votes of the Ekiti people deliberately.

“I can’t use my hard-earned resources to run around talking to people on why I should be elected and I will still need to buy people, security agencies, and the Independent National Electoral Commission. It appears politics here does not mean the best will emerge,” he said.

Oluyede said he would not challenge in court the outcome of the election which he said was highly monetized, saying such would amount to time-wasting as he alleged that the entire election process including the electoral umpire and security agencies were hijacked by vote-buyers thus making it easy to induce voters without any hindrance.

He said, “Ekiti people have chosen the leader they want by collecting money to vote and they should not complain of lacking basic and social amenities in the future. The problem Ekiti has now is that the people are poor and that was why they could buy their conscience. That was what All Progressives Congress used in gaining the heart of many people.

“More worrisome is the fact that the people do not want a solution to the problem of poverty. That was why even when we came with an agenda to address the poverty confronting them, they still expected us to buy their votes before we could help them. The winner is not the best, but he is the one the people deserved.

“It was consensual. Nobody can say that the inducement was forced on them. Personally, I have learned a new lesson about Ekiti. If I had known, I would not have become a politician, much more contest for election.”

Oluyede, who denied insinuations that APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, bankrolled his campaign, said, “I have not seen Tinubu since 2018. I ran my political activities with my hard-earned fund. I was part of the South West Agenda for the Tinubu 2023 team that supported his emergence as an APC presidential candidate. I gave financial support to SWAGA”.

However, APC governorship candidate and governor-elect, Biodun Oyebanji, had exonerated himself and APC from vote-buying, saying victory in the election was based on people’s trust for the party following his manifesto and Governor Kayode Fayemi’s impressive performance in office.

Fuel Crisis: IPMAN Warns Members On Price Inflation

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IPMAN Warns Members On Price Inflation
IPMAN Warns Members On Price Inflation

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria on Wednesday warned members of the association not to dispense Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, above the approved N165/litre pump price.

IPMAN in conjunction with the Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products gave the warning in Abuja following reports that many retail outlets had adjusted the price in their various pumps upwards above the government-regulated rate.

The factional National President, IPMAN, Chinedu Okoronkwo, admitted that members of the association had called for a hike in petrol price, but noted that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had released enough petrol.

He said, “Our members in Lagos were getting the fuel at N170 – N173/litre, that’s why they wanted price increased. It is only the NNPC that is importing the product. The cost of doing business has changed, so it becomes difficult to sell at N165/litre

“That is why we are thanking the NNPC for bringing the product to N143/litre. So, our members must sell the product at N165 which is the government-approved price.”

Okoronkwo further revealed that IPMAN and its partner had engaged the services of Benham Group to recover money owed them for the supply of petroleum products.

“Our business requires technology, that is why we brought a seasoned financial expert and we’ve been able to recover a lot of funds in other countries and Nigeria,” he said.

The IPMAN official added, “The incessant mishaps and destruction of trucks on the road, banditry and kidnapping is the reason we are bringing the insurance company to help us. Leaving the risk for the owner of the truck to bear will affect our businesses.”

On his part, the National President, Association of Distributors and Transporters of Petroleum Products in Nigeria, Mohammed Danzaki, said the NNPC had done a lot to import the product, “but the main issue is the transportation.”

He added, “We have not been getting our payments. That is why we engaged a financial expert, Benham Group, to recoup our money for Nigerians to get regular supplies in the fuel stations.”

The Chairman, Benham Group, Maurice Ibe, said the collaboration was to ensure stabilisation of fuel supply at the filling stations.

Insecurity: National Assembly’s Resolutions No Longer Effective, Deputy Speaker Decries

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Insecurity: National Assembly’s Resolutions No Longer Effective, Deputy Speaker Decries

Ahmed Wase, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, on Wednesday, decried that the Executive arm of the Federal Government does not recognize and implement resolutions passed by the parliament, particularly on the security crises in different parts of Nigeria.

This was made known by Wase during the debate on a motion of urgent public importance moved by Solomon Maren from Plateau State on the recent kidnapping of some traditional rulers from his constituency.

The Deputy Speaker, who decried the killings and kidnappings across the country, said, “I beg to speak on this particular issue based on the barbaric acts happening in Plateau. When Honourable Maren came to me about this motion, I told him, ‘What is happening in your constituency, compared to my own constituency…and I showed him the numbers of the videos and the pictures in my constituency.’

“I presented three motions so far to this floor on this particular matter and the House has also taken very fast resolutions as to what it would take to resolve the matter. But unfortunately, we are moving into the raining season now and there is virtually not one or two days passed in my constituency without kidnapping and taking of ransom from villagers who go out to suffer to make their living, taking ransom not less than N10m. I am so pained. It is painful and every Nigerian should be concerned about what is happening.”

Wase added, “I want to tell you, Mr. Speaker, and tell the House that as of today, I have lost people even after these kidnappers take money. I have lost close to five people. These kidnappers take the demanded ransom and then kill the people.

“These kidnappings take place where you have a small security presence; they will go there, shoot sporadically and abduct people and go away. Not more than three to four days ago, we lost close to a thousand cows in my own constituency. Kidnappers came, rustled the cows from their cages, and ran away with them, and the villagers and our locals left.

“I am sincerely pained that after the resolutions of the House urging these peace agencies to put out formation in some of these areas so that we will be able to stop these unpleasant situations, till this moment nothing has happened. It shows that the resolutions of the House are not taking any effect on all these unpleasant killings and kidnappings. If the resolutions of the House had been taken seriously, by now all these would have stopped.”

Maren had moved the motion titled, ‘Urgent Need to Rescue Traditional Rulers of Panyam District and Abate Incessant Spate of Kidnappings and Banditry in Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency and Other Parts of Plateau State and Nigeria as Whole.’

Maren prayed the House to urge the Federal Government to direct the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Defense Staff, and other relevant security agencies to “immediately do everything possible to ensure the safe release of the monarch and many others in kidnappers’ captivity across the country, including victims of Kaduna train attack.”

The lawmaker also prayed the House to mandate the Committees on Police Affairs and Army to invite the IGP and the Chief of Army Staff, “with the view to investigating the matter and report back to the House within two weeks for further legislative action.”

Maren noted that bandits numbering dozens abducted the District Head of Panyam in Plateau State, Aminu Derwan, during an attack on the traditional ruler’s residence in Panyam, the Mangu Local Government Area, after terrifying residence with gunshots in the early hours of Monday.

Falana Back Mike Igini, Insists INEC Should Reject Candidates Where Primaries Never Held

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Nigeria Practising Plutocracy Not Democracy — Falana
Femi Falana
Falana Back Mike Igini, Insists INEC Should Reject Candidates Where Primaries Never Held
Femi Falana

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana says the Electoral Act 2022 has made the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, not to be a mere bystander in party primaries but has empowered it to take action where primaries are not conducted according to the rules.

Falana was reacting to the decision taken by Resident Electoral Commissioner Mike Igini that former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio is not a senatorial candidate as no valid primary was conducted.

Igini had also announced that the APC did not conduct any valid governorship primary in Akwa Ibom state as it was canceled due to security reasons

Falana said Igini was right. He cited section 84 sub 13 of the electoral act, which says “Where a political party fails to comply with the provisions of this Act in the conduct of its primaries, its candidate for election shall not be included in the election for the particular position in issue”.

According to the senior lawyer, the legal implication of the provision is that INEC cannot accept names where no primaries were conducted

Akpabio had contested the APC Presidential primaries, but announced his withdrawal at the venue following which he later sought to get his party’s ticket for the senate to represent Akwa Ibom North West

Falana also took a swipe at INEC National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, who was quoted as saying that “INEC has no powers to reject names sent by political parties.

“Primaries are the sole prerogatives of parties. INEC’s responsibility is merely to monitor the primaries and make sure they abide by their own regulations, the Electoral Act & the Constitution.”

Referring to Section 84 (1) of the Electoral Act which states that “A political party seeking to nominate candidates for elections under this Act shall hold primaries for aspirants to all elective positions which shall be monitored by the commission,”

Falana insisted that any primary of a political party not monitored by officials of INEC is illegal.

“INEC having sent a team of monitors across its 36 States offices and the Federal Capital Territory, to monitor the primaries, is legally obligated to check the names submitted to it and ensure they are confirmed by the various reports compiled by its officials.”

He added, “If the candidates whose names are submitted to INEC have not emerged from the primaries, the Commission will reject such names in exercise of its power under Section 84(13) of the Electoral Act 2022”.

The senior lawyer maintains that Igini’s position is not new, as it was the same position held by INEC in Zamfara State in 2018 when it declared that the APC did not conduct any valid primary, a position that was later upheld by the Supreme Court leading to the sack of all elected APC candidates from that state including the Governor

He described the latest stance by the INEC National Commissioner as surprising. “It is, therefore, most shocking to read in the social media, statements attributed to some INEC National Commissioners that to the effect that INEC is bound to accept the names of candidates who did not participate in valid party primaries. With respect, the statement that INEC does not have the power to reject names of persons submitted by political parties that did not emerge from valid primaries is grossly misleading.

“In fact, the embarrassing statement amounts to an abdication of statutory duty under the above-quoted provision of the Electoral Act aimed at sanitizing the process of nomination of candidates for national elections in Nigeria”.

FG Makes U-Turn, Lifts Suspension On Nigeria’s Basketball Teams

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D’Tigers Camp Opens Today Ahead Crucial AfroBasket Qualifiers
FG Makes U-Turn, Lifts Suspension On Nigeria’s Basketball Teams

The Federal Government has announced the reinstatement of Nigeria into international basketball following a letter of appeal dated June 17, 2022, from the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) board signed by Musa Kida and addressed to the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare.
Addressing the media in Abuja on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, said intervention by concerned stakeholders, former Nigerian international basketball players and well-meaning Nigerians to seek solutions to the issues triggered the decision.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had in May approved the withdrawal of Nigeria from all international basketball competitions.

Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, who confirmed the development had said the suspension will last for two years.

He had said the development would allow the government to concentrate on efforts to revamp the sport.

How Ronaldo Influenced My Madrid Switch Decision – Rudiger

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Toni Rudiger

Real Madrid signing Toni Rudiger has revealed that he was delighted to have spoken with former Brazilian star, Ronaldo Nazario after joining the Spanish side.

Recall that Ronaldo is the owner of Real Valladolid but retains close ties to Real Madrid.

Former Chelsea defender Rudiger said, “Ronaldo played in the 2002 final against Germany sporting a very distinctive haircut. When we were kids playing football in the street, Ronaldo was our idol. When I signed, I spoke to him on a video call. I was excited and very nervous at the same time.

“I’m a player with a strong character, but I think it’s best to leave the rest to others and not to talk too much about yourself.

“I think it’s hard to improve your speed, but I’m lucky because it’s something I have thanks to my genetics and I’m really pleased about that.

“On the pitch, I’m focused exclusively on work, but off the pitch I’m funny and I like to laugh and make people have a good time.

“But most of all I can laugh at myself. Since Toni Kroos is already in the team, and I don’t like to be called Antonio, I’d like people to call me Rudi”.

2022 WAFU B Final: Manu Garba Warns Golden Eaglets Against Complacency Vs Burkina Faso

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Former Golden Eaglets head coach Manu Garba has advised the current team not to be complacent, as they prepare to face Burkina Faso in the final of the WAFU B tournament on Friday.

The Eaglets qualified for next year’s U-17 AFCON in Algeria after defeating Cote d’Ivoire 3-1 in the semi-finals on Tuesday.

On the same day, Burkina Faso edged hosts Ghana 1-0 to pick the second qualification ticket to the U-17 AFCON.

And Garba, who led the Eaglets to win the U-17 World Cup in 2013, warned the current team not to get carried away as the final with Burkina Faso would be different.

“They don’t have to be complacent,” he said on Brila FM.

“They don’t have to be carried away because the celebration for getting to the AFCON must have stopped on the very day we played against Cote d’Ivoire and I believe the coaches would have told them that. The main focus now is the final and like we say final is anybody’s game.”

To get to the final, the Eaglets opened their campaign at the tournament with a 4-2 win against Ghana before overcoming Togo 3-1 to top Group A.

In the semi-finals, despite conceding early, they rallied back to secure a 3-1 win thanks to two well taken free-kicks from Emmanuel Michael and Abdullahi Idris.

You Contributed Nothing To AC Milan Title Feat – Calhanoglu Tells Ibrahimovic

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Ibrahimovic Ruled Out For Two Weeks Due To Injury
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Hakan Calhanoglu believes his former team-mate, Zlatan Ibrahimovic did not contribute anything to AC Milan’s title winning season.

The two stars played together at AC Milan before the Turkish playmaker switched to their city rivals Inter Milan 2021.

“Ibrahimovic is a 40-year-old man, not 18, so I wouldn’t do that sort of thing at his age,” Calhanoglu told Tivibu Spor of Ibrahimovic mocking him after winning the Scudetto.

“He just likes being the centre of attention. He didn’t contribute to the Scudetto this season, he barely played, but will do everything to be the focus anyway.

“Besides, he is the one who always calls me up, asks me to go out to dinner or for a motorbike ride. He wrote about me in his book too. He had to write something, or it would’ve been blank pages.

“It’s best not to bother, honestly,” he added.

U-17 WWC: Flamingos To Know Group Foes Friday

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Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s Team

Nigeria’s U-17 team Women’s team, the Flamingos will know their opponents in the group stage of the World Cup on Friday, reports says.

16 countries have qualified for the biennial competition to be staged in India.

The draw will be held at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

China PR, Japan, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Germany, Spain, France, Morocco, Nigeria, Tanzania and hosts India are the teams battling it out for glory at this, the seventh edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

India 2022 will take place between 11 and 30 October.

The competition was earlier billed to hold last year, but was postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Super Falcons Group Opponent South Africa Arrive Morocco For 2022 WAFCON

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South Africa Arrive Morocco For 2022 WAFCON
South Africa Arrive Morocco For 2022 WAFCON

Super Falcons Group C opponent Banyana Banyana of South Africa on Wednesday landed in Casablanca Morocco ahead of this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The team’s arrival was confirmed on Banyana Banyana’s Twitter handle.

Following their arrival, they will continue with preparations for the tournament which will commence on July 2.

They will get their campaign off against nine-time champions Super Falcons in Rabat.

The two teams met twice at the 2018 tournament in Cameroon, with the South Africans winning at the group stage while the Falcons emerged winners in the final via penalties.

This year’s tournament in Morocco will be the qualifiers for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

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