Nigeria Times

…say APM didn’t file petition at the tribunal

The Coalition of Middle Belt Groups says the position of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and other political parties have validated the victory of the All Progressives Congress candidate Alhaji Usman Ododo. 

The group said the decision of the APM not to go to court to debate the election result shows that Ododo was the overwhelming choice of the masses. 

Dr Omale Ben Amedu, the convener of the group who was also the Deputy Governorship candidate of the APM during the election rubbished reports trying to discredit the exercise saying  the result was an expression of the people’s wishes.

He said: “The gubernatorial elections in Kogi state came with its challenges. However, this does not lend credence to the insinuations that it was not free, fair, and credible. This position canvassed by some interested parties is not a reflection of reality, and we wish to state in unequivocal terms that the election was indeed free, fair, and credible. 

“This is because there is nowhere in the world where an election can be rated 100%. Advanced democracies in the world still experience glitches during elections, so long the ratio of the glitch is negligible, as, in the case of the gubernatorial election in Kogi state, it can be regarded, as free, fair, and credible. 

“Those on the ground during the elections would admit that the process remains one of the best in recent times, but for a few issues that the Independent National Electoral Commission needs to address in future elections. 

“The outcome of the elections in Kogi state is an expression of the people’s wishes. Though many may disagree, it is normal, but people should learn to be magnanimous in victory and defeat. 

“It is also instructive to state that all the major parties that participated in the elections decided not to go to court as a result of the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission before, during, and after the elections. This is a result of the efforts to ensure that the elections went smoothly, contrary to what is peddled in the public space. 

“We elected not to go to court because there is nothing to debate. The elections were held in all parts of the state. There were no cases of harassment or intimidation. The security agencies were present and ensured the smooth conduct of the elections, which resulted in a winner that the Independent National Electoral Commission announced. 

“The recent utterances by the supposed secretary of the elections petitions tribunal in Lokoja that she was attacked and petitions submitted have been stolen is false and remains a figment of her imagination. 

“The Coalition of Middle Belt Groups condemns this position for lacking in merit. The tribunal secretary is either playing to the gallery or acting as a paid script written by those bent on rubbishing the outcome of the gubernatorial elections in the state. “

The Coalition, therefore,  charged the Independent National Electoral Commission to continue to improve its facilities to accommodate the dynamics inherent in conducting elections and managing the outcomes. 

He added: “The case of Kogi state remains commendable. Despite the issues, the Independent National Electoral Commission officials were up and doing. They ensured the process was free, fair, and credible. We believe the Independent National Electoral Commission will improve its operations using the Kogi state elections as an example. 

“The Coalition of Middle-belt groups is using this medium to call on all relevant stakeholders in Kogi state to rally support with the winner of the gubernatorial election towards achieving sustainable growth and development. “

The Association of Niger Delta Contractors have commended Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, President Bola Tinubu’s Minister of Interior, describing him as an “agent of the Renewed Hope Agenda”.

Recounting his giant strides in the commendation contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, the group’s President Comrade Sylvester Tonye iyade who spoke to our correspondence recalled that over 60,000 passport backlogs was cleared within four days by the minister.

The contractors also recalled how Tunji-Ojo negotiated the release of over 4,000 prison inmates, as part of efforts to decongest correctional centers.

“The disturbing timeline for processing international passport has been addressed. There is now a two-week deadline for processing of new passports. This is highly commendable.

“We are totally convinced that the minister is an agent of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He is fast bringing Renewed Hope to Nigerians,” part of the statement read.

“This is the kind of leadership that Nigerians want to see, where things work

A foremost coalition of Civil Society Organizations based in Abuja identified as Civil Society Groups for Good Governance CSGGG, on Wednesday, warned well-meaning Nigerians and the general public at large to disregard and desist from indulging Mr. Jackson Ude, an unverified self made journalist, according to report.

The group in a press release signed by its President, Comr. Ogakwu Dominic, revealed that Ude has overtime used his personal media platform to form defamatory opinions, and engage in a pattern of destructive behavior capable of tarnishing reputations of highly placed persons or those he feels are vulnerable in the eye of the public.

Viral report has it that Ude, recently started a campaign of calumny and character assassination against the Director General of the Department of State Services, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, bothering on misconduct, syphoning, posting based on nepotism, appointment and promotion of agents based on discretion and lobbying to remain the DG of agency, 

The group reiterating the need to scrutinize sources of information before publication; buttressed that the allegation of misconduct on Alhaji Bichi is obviously the outcome of office grapevine and a total misrepresentation of intent.

“As Nigerians begin to get disillusioned with the anachronistic and biased journalism practiced by Jackson Ude, the Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, CSGGG, has urged all true patriots to be wary of his constant journalistic entreprise, calumny. Ude is a puppet of shadow parties that thrives on yellow journalism, blackmail and character assassination.

“A background check on Ude activities revealed and raised serious questions about the credibility of his accusations. This man has actively indulged in misrepresenting informations which is capable of tarnishing images and lowering the morale of performing public stewards. Bichi has committed all effort as the DG of the DSS in fighting insecurity and safeguarding the lives of Nigerians, he shouldn’t by any means be rewarded by weighty accusations without proof or evidence.

“As a group, committed and actively involved in policy reforms, shaping public opinion and actively engaging public institutions and officials at all levels, we maintain that no amount of intimidation and coercion from politicians and paid hands will stop civil society organizations from defending credible institutions and officials who are excelling in their positions, or have contributed in the entrenchment and continuity of democracy service to his nation.

President of the group, following a rather unprofessional and crude attack by Jackson Ude on CSOs in response to an expose of his sustained misinformation against the DSS and its incorruptible Director General (DG) Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, OFR fwc, the group insisted that no amount of blackmail can bring the integrity of Nigeria’s number one spy agency to disrepute.

“According to the statement, “Nigerians should know that Jackson Ude is a serial blackmailer who is not only paid to blackmail the DSS but any civil society organisations (CSOs) that rise to the defense of truth. He is clearly on the payroll of failed politicians who frustrated by the uncompromising stance of the DSS during last year’s elections have vowed to take their pound of flesh. However their insistence, such politicians will continue to fail as Nigerians are well aware of the great work the DSS is doing and the amount of pressure it is getting from desperate and failed politicians.

“Nigerians should know that Jackson Ude is a serial blackmailer who is not only paid to blackmail the DSS but any civil society organisations (CSOs) that rise to the defense of truth. He is clearly on the payroll of failed politicians who frustrated by the  uncompromising stance of the DSS during last year’s elections have vowed to take their pound of flesh. However their insistence, such politicians will continue to fail as Nigerians are well aware of the great work the DSS is doing and the amount of pressure it is getting from desperate and failed politicians.

“Jackson Ude needs to go to court if he has a genuine case against the DSS and its management as a responsible citizen and stop hiding behind baseless, sponsored, fallacious threats to carry out the wishes of his paymasters.

“Let us reiterate that the extreme desperation, attempts by the fugitive journalist to cast aspersions on the integrity of independent CSOs, some of which are sponsored by international agencies will not be tolerated. Nigeria’s democracy has matured with formidable civil rights group who act as watchdogs and hold government institutions and officials accountable for their actions. Insinuating that these army of dedicated and focused Nigerians are compromised is a wallow card and just another typical strategy of a deceitful conniving blackmailer.” It added.

The group, however, again called on well-meaning Nigerians to shun all forms of campaign of calumny and ntimidation sponsored to discredit very powerful and effective institutions of state.

A foremost coalition of Civil Society Organization based in Abuja, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance CSGGG, on Wednesday, warned well-meaning Nigerians and the general public at large to disregard and desist from indulging Mr. Jackson Ude, an unverified self made journalist, according to report.

The group in a press release signed by its President, Comr. Ogakwu Dominic, revealed that Ude has overtime used his personal media platform to form defamatory opinions, and engage in a pattern of destructive behavior capable of tarnishing reputations of highly placed persons or those he feels are vulnerable in the eye of the public.

According to the report, Ude had recently started a campaign of calumny and character assassination against the Director General of the Department of State Services(DG) Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi bothering on misconduct.

The group reiterating the need to scrutinize sources of information before publication; buttressed that the allegation of misconduct on Alhaji Bichi is obviously the outcome of office grapevine and a total misrepresentation of intent.

” As Nigerians begin to get disillusioned with the anachronistic and biased journalism practiced by Jackson Ude, the Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, CSGGG, has urged all true patriots to be wary of his constant journalistic entreprise, calumny. Ude is a puppet of shadow parties that thrives on yellow journalism, blackmail and character assassination.

” A background check on Ude activities revealed and raised serious questions about the credibility of his accusations. This man has actively indulged in misrepresenting informations which is capable of tarnishing images and lowering the morale of performing public stewards. Bichi has committed all effort as the DG of the DSS in fighting insecurity and safeguarding the lives of Nigerians, he shouldn’t by any means be rewarded by weighty accusations without proof or evidence.

“As a group, committed and actively involved in policy reforms, shaping public opinion and actively engaging public institutions and officials at all levels, we maintain that no amount of intimidation and coercion from politicians and paid hands will stop civil society organizations from defending credible institutions and officials who are excelling in their positions, or have contributed in the entrenchment and continuity of democracy service to his nation.

President of the group, following a rather unprofessional and crude attack by Jackson Ude on CSOs in response to an expose of his sustained misinformation against the DSS and its incorruptible Director General (DG) Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi, OFR fwc, the group insisted that no amount of blackmail can bring the integrity of Nigeria’s number one spy agency to disrepute.

“According to the statement, “Nigerians should know that Jackson Ude is a serial blackmailer who is not only paid to blackmail the DSS but any civil society organisations (CSOs) that rise to the defense of truth. He is clearly on the payroll of failed politicians who frustrated by the uncompromising stance of the DSS during last year’s elections have vowed to take their pound of flesh. However their insistence, such politicians will continue to fail as Nigerians are well aware of the great work the DSS is doing and the amount of pressure it is getting from desperate and failed politicians.

“Nigerians should know that Jackson Ude is a serial blackmailer who is not only paid to blackmail the DSS but any civil society organisations (CSOs) that rise to the defense of truth. He is clearly on the payroll of failed politicians who frustrated by the  uncompromising stance of the DSS during last year’s elections have vowed to take their pound of flesh. However their insistence, such politicians will continue to fail as Nigerians are well aware of the great work the DSS is doing and the amount of pressure it is getting from desperate and failed politicians.

“Jackson Ude needs to go to court if he has a genuine case against the DSS and its management as a responsible citizen and stop hiding behind baseless, sponsored, fallacious threats to carry out the wishes of his paymasters.

“Let us reiterate that the extreme desperation, attempts by the fugitive journalist to cast aspersions on the integrity of independent CSOs, some of which are sponsored by international agencies will not be tolerated. Nigeria’s democracy has matured with formidable civil rights group who act as watchdogs and hold government institutions and officials accountable for their actions. Insinuating that these army of dedicated and focused Nigerians are compromised is a wallow card and just another typical strategy of a deceitful conniving blackmailer.” It added.

The group, however, again called on well-meaning Nigerians to shun all forms of campaign of calumny and ntimidation sponsored to discredit very powerful and effective institutions of state.

A coalition of over 10,000 indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory and civil society groups, on Wednesday, held a massive protest calling for the resignation of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the capital city.

The protesters, who stormed the National Assembly complex, under the aegis of the Network of Civil Societies for Economic Sustainability said Wike is incompetent and lacks vision for the FCT. 

The crowd have never been seen in the history of protests in FCT before.

In his address, the group’s convener Adamu Kabir Matazu described the former Rivers State governor as callous, indecorous, uncouth, greedy, and selfish.

“Today, we stand united to express our concern over the direction of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the watch of Nyesom Wike. It’s abysmal and disturbing for the FCT to become an epicenter of controversy due to the misguided actions of Wike, which not only undermine President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda but also cast a shadow on the credibility of the federal government,” he said. 

“We are here today to demand the immediate resignation from office or sack of Nyesom Wike as Minister of the FCT due to his deficiency in character required of his office and in a government that promises to renew the Hope of Nigerians. A government that wishes to give hope to its citizens must be run by men who possess quality character and not persons like Wike who are callous, indecorous, uncouth, greedy, selfish, and given to undue troublemaking and miscreants. 

“Wike has remained a difficult person to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and should be gotten rid of. While the Federal Government has been calm and calculated in its reforms and its explanations to citizens on the rationale behind the policies of government, Wike has been insensitive; insulting the collective sensibilities of residents of the Federal Capital and Nigerians in general. His actions are avoidably controversial and hurting and his diction has been foul, combative, and condescending as if he is a deliberate punishment sent to the Federal Capital Territory by President Tinubu.

“Wike’s alleged penchant for land grabbing and cronyism has begun to emerge as some of the land reforms are suspected to be targeted at dispossessing Nigerians of their properties and re-acquiring them through cronies. There is tension in the FCT under the brutal and sometimes criminal “Wike is Coming” menace. 

“His recent clash with the governor of Rivers isn’t just a mere disagreement but a display of dirty politics that has no place in a civilized society. His preoccupation with personal vendetta has diverted his attention from his primary responsibility, neglecting the critical objectives set by the federal government for the FCT

“His high-handedness in land policies, the revocation of lands, perceived animosity towards a particular section of the country, and the alarming manner in which lands are allocated, reeks of high-level corruption. His actions do not align with the government’s agenda for reforms and development in the FCT. Mr. Wike’s tactics, reminiscent of an emperor which he exhibited during his tenure as governor of Rivers State are detrimental to the progress and growth we seek for our FCT and the nation at large.

“Furthermore, Wike’s disregard for decorum in media address and his reckless remarks without considering their implications on the administration are not befitting of a public office holder. His lack of accountability and administration failures are evident, and his actions threaten to cause irreparable harm to the administration’s credibility.”

The Network of Civil Society for Economic Sustainability, therefore, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action to contain the excesses of Wike. 

The statement added: “It is in the best interest of our nation that Mr. Wike’s disruptive tendencies are addressed promptly to safeguard the integrity of this administration and ensure that the objectives set for the FCT are pursued diligently and without distractions.

“Let us stand together in this call for accountability and responsible governance. Our nation deserves leaders who prioritize the public interest over personal agendas. Thank you.”