Ex-President, Goodluck Jonathan has rejected the presidential expression of Interest and Nomination Form of the All Progressives Congress, APC, purchased for him by fulani group, Miyetti Allah, considering such move as an insult to his person.
The group had on Monday purchased the N100 million form for Jonathan who they wanted to contest in 2023.
However, in a statement on Monday night signed by his Media spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan flatly rejected the form.
The statement read; “It has come to our notice that a group has purportedly purchased Presidential Nomination and Expression of Interest forms, of the All Progressives Congress APC, in the name of former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.”
“We wish to categorically state that Dr. Jonathan was not aware of this bid and did not authorize it.”
“We want to state that if the former President wanted to contest an election, he would make his intentions clear to the public and will not enter through the back door.”
“While we appreciate the overwhelming request by a cross-section of Nigerians, for Dr. Jonathan to make himself available for the 2023 Presidential election, we wish to state, that he has not in anyway, committed himself to this request.”
“Buying a presidential aspiration form in the name Dr. Jonathan without his consent, knowing the position he had held in this country, is considered an insult to his person. The general public is therefore advised to disregard it.”
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been ordered to pay sacked former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr $378,000 for sacking him before the end of his contract.
Rohr was sacked in December just four weeks to the commencement of the delayed Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon and was replaced by Austin Eguavoen.
Although the NFF had agreed to pay the Franco-German tactician’s salary until the end of his contract, but Rohr dragged the NFF to football’s world governing body, FIFA to demand an additional sum for breach of contract without just cause.
Rohr’s request of £1m was reduced to $377,879.46 after a FIFA tribunal decided his claim was “partially accepted in so far as it is admissible”.
The ruling by the FIFA players’ status chamber gave the NFF 45 days to pay up or face further sanctions, and if full payment (including all applicable interest) is not made within 45 days of notification of this decision, the respondent (NFF) shall be penalized by restriction on receiving a percentage of development funding, up until the due amounts are paid.
We gathered from sources close to NFF that the order by the World Football governing body, FIFA was still being studied and yet to be appealed against or accepted.
Arsenal scored in the opening 5 minutes after a howler from Meslier gifted Nketiah with an open net to tap the ball in. The Gunners were in full control of the game and quickly doubled their lead 5 minutes later when Nketiah scored his second goal of the afternoon.
Ayling was shown a red card in the 27th minute and that gave Arsenal more room to put pressure on Leeds and nearly got their 3rd goal when Martiniell’s free kick was flapped by Meslier, and the loose ball was cleared off the line by Llorente. Arsenal took a commanding 2-0 lead at half time.
Arsenal controlled the early proceedings of the second half but it was Leeds who scored in the 65th minute through Llorente with their first shot of the game. Arsenal had several chances to extend their lead but couldn’t convert their chances into goal and held on to claim all 3 points at the Emirates.
Elsewhere, Norwich welcomed West ham to Carrow road with West ham looking to return to winning ways. The hammers quickly opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Benrahma’s shot deflected off Aarons into the back of the net.
The hammers were in full control and doubled their lead in the 30th minute when Bowen’s through ball was brilliantly finished by Michael Antonio. West game took a 3-0 lead at half time when Benrahma scored his second of the afternoon just before half time.
In the second half, West ham made it 4-0 when Manuel Lanzini scored a penalty for his side, as the game became more easier for the visitors.
Things stayed that way as West ham claimed a comprehensive 4-0 win over Norwich City at Carrow road.
In the EPL table, Arsenal are 4 points clear of fellow top 4 rivals Tottenham to further cement their place in the top 4. West ham on the other hand are now 3 points behind Man United and still have a game in hand to equal Man United if they win.
Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has enjoined Nigerians to obtain their Voters’ card in order to exercise their civic rights in the forthcoming general elections.
The governor who spoke at the Thanksgiving Service for the Third Session of the Fourth Synod and Investiture of Diocesan Distinguished Fellows and Royal Fellows held at the St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Okun-Owa Ijebu, in Odogbolu Local Government Area, governor, noted that it had become imperative for eligible Nigerians to get their Voter’s cards so as not to be disenfranchised.
“The Bible says when the righteous rule, the people rejoice. Let us get our Voter’s cards so that we can exercise our civic rights and vote credible people into government. Let us stop complaining about the situation of things in the country. The people get the government they desire”, he said.
Abiodun who noted the challenges facing the nation, decried the prevalent social vices in the country, noting with dismay the situation where children in primary schools are now involved in cultism.
“Nigeria, no doubt, is facing a lot of challenges. Cultism has become the order of the day. Kidnapping has become the fastest way of making money. Our youth no longer want to work but I believe that with faith and hope in Christ, we will overcome our challenges”, the governor stated.
He urged parents to pay attention to their children’s welfare and well-being, saying, “as parents, we need to do our beats by guiding them into the right way. Let us ask questions when necessary and ensure that our children, who are our future, are led rightly”.
While calling on the people to join hands with the government in building the nation, Abiodun urged the people to have hope and faith in God as these challenges are not insurmountable.
Speaking on the theme of the Synod titled, ‘Lift up your Eyes’, the Bishop of Irele/Ese-Odo Diocese, Ondo State, Rt. Rev. Joshua Oyinlola, urged Nigerians not to sell their votes, but vote according to their conscience, declaring selling their votes amount to mortgaging their children’s future.
The clergyman said it was time for the leaders to pay attention to the hardship being experienced by the citizens, charging christians not to be blindfolded by the country’s challenges and lose sight of God’s glory.
The Diocesan Bishop, Ijebu South-west, Rt. Rev. Babatunde Ogunbanwo, in his remarks, lauded the state government for empowering the youths, saying “we do not need youth who are thugs, but useful youth who will be useful to themselves and the society”.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has commiserated with the people and Muslim community of Aiyepe in Odogbolu Local Government area of the state over the demise of the Baba Adeen of Aiyepe, Alhaji Shafiu Shittu.
The late Muslim leader passed on weekend at the age of ninety years.
Abiodun, who paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased, described the late entrepreneur as a man who lived a purposeful and meaningful life, said that he was a righteous and respected man in the Muslim community.
The governor added that the deceased was a very successful entrepreneur who was well known for the production of high quality lace in the country, noting that he was a very kind-hearted man.
The Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Yinusa Adekoya, in his remarks described the late Baba Adeen of Aiyepe as an illustrious son and a philanthropist who did wonders through his venture into the production of high quality brocade and lace fabrics, adding that he was a very pleasant man.
Oba Adekoya also urged the children of the late philanthropist to hold the family together in the absence of their father.
Responding on behalf of the family, Wale Shittu acknowledged the governor, monarchs and other well wishers for joining them to celebrate a life well spent of their father.
Eminent politicians in different political parties and with differing philosophies on Wednesday heaped high praises on All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential hopeful. Senator Godswill Akpabio.
‘’The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio has done well – more than any minister that has ever emerged in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. He has changed the ministry completely’’
They also described the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant as a go-getter, strategist, highly detribalized national leader and an extraordinary man with extraordinary capacity for patience, tolerance and hard work.
‘’Nigeria needs quality and focused leadership. We need a president who the people know and trust. We need a leader with proven records of service. We are the foot soldiers of the South and North.
The leaders emphasized competence, courage, transparency, integrity and patriotism.
‘’Our next president must have strong vision, ability to articulate the vision and willingness to make changes. The person must be compassionate, be in touch with the people and be able to galvanize them into action. Senator Godswill Akpabio is determined to work for the general wellbeing of Nigeria and Nigerians. He will change the pace of development, implement people oriented programmes and transform Nigeria into a prosperous country’’
The notable politicians and traditional rulers spoke in Ikot Ekpene on the chances of Akpabio to clinch the presidency in 2023.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio has the requisite appeal and political structure to clinch the party’s presidential ticket’’
They said the APC presidential ticket was a foregone conclusion.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is the most suitable person to lead the country after the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari. He is destined for greatness. There is no doubt that the APC will retain the presidency in 2023. Akpabio will contest primary elections and will be the ruling party’s flag bearer’’
The position of notable members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC) and other parties in the country was presented by leader of APC Northern Front, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed and PDP Chieftain, Chief Clement Odili.
The leaders praised Akpabio for securing Niger Delta’s long term strategic interests
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio has made an impact on the people. He has what it takes to drive the country in the direction that we want it’’. He is in the presidential race to win’’
They applauded Akpabio for distinguishing himself when he was governor of Akwa-Ibom State.
The leaders also underscored Akpabio’s understanding of the nation’s problems, competence and honest leadership
‘Senator Akpabio has a humble disposition, simplicity and humane disposition towards the people. His pedigree is huge. The average man on the street is conscious, proud and highly appreciative of Akpabio’s role in the development of the region. They aptly consider Akpabio a hero’’ Ahmed said.
The Northern and Southern politicians are advancing the cause and presidential ambition of Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Ogun State Government has commenced the sales of admission forms into its Colleges of Nursing Sciences in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, and Ilaro for the 2022/2023 academic session.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, in a press statement, revealed that the registration including procurement and filling of admission form is to be done online, warning prospective candidates to desist from patronizing touts or making a physical appearance at the Ministry of Health premises.
Coker stated that registration which had begun on May 6, 2022, would close on June 15, 2022, adding that Comprehensive details of the application process can be accessed on https://mohsonmportal.com/.
“The State Government has done everything to ensure that admission into our Colleges of Nursing Sciences is merit-based. As a result, it is no longer about who the candidates know but what they know.
“The standard of our institutions has made them the most sought after in the country. This has given us the impetus to make the application process, including procurement and filling of forms fully online. It is now seamless for applicants within and outside the State. Everything is to be done in the comfort of their homes”, she said.
The Commissioner disclosed that candidates must be 16 years of age and above, noting that applicants must possess a minimum of five credits at not more than two sittings O’Level WASCE/GCE/NECO in the following subjects: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
While warning applicants to be wary of fraudsters and touts, she enjoined them to prepare accordingly for tests in English Language, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Mathematics, adding that the examination date, venue, and time would be indicated in their printouts during registration.
Ogun State Government has been sealed a company in the state for committing environmental infractions.
The company, a cashew-nut producing company, SONATA Agri Limited at Km 51 Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Mowe in Obafemi-Owode Local was sealed over air and water pollution
According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, the shutdown was necessitated after several warning to the company to stop the pollution were ignored and government had no option than to close it down in the interest of public safety and hygiene.
“In the case of this company,we actually gave them a stop-work order when we discovered the reckless soothes emanating from their power plants.
We then invited them, directed them on what to do but they remained recaltriants, so we sealed the company because of the risk their continued operations will have on people living around the company especially children and pregnant women due to fumes from these plants”.
“Also the release of waste-water from their steaming machines during the Clean in Place CIP into drainages equally posed another serious treat to the environment which the state government will not tolerate”.
“This is a state that pride itself as an Agarian state and as highly industrialized as we are, we don’t joke with air quality of the environment because we want to make the state as liveable as possible for residents “Oresanya reasoned.
The Governor’s aide also warned industries still polluting the environment to desist forthwith as according to him, no matter how smart they may be, they cannot beat the state environmental regulatory authorities and counselled them to be more environmentally-friendly as the lives of residents is much more important to the state government than the income they bring to the state.
Another Traditional Ruler in Nigeria has joined his ancestors after a brief illness.
The death of Oba Elijah Popoola, Onijeru of Ijeru land, in Ogbomoso South Local Government Area of Oyo State is coming few days after we broke the death of Alafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111
We gathered the monarch who ascended the throne in the year 2008 joined his ancestors on Friday at the age of 85.
The Ogun State Governor’s Elders Advisory Council has adopted the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for second term in office as as the Chief Executive of the Gateway state.
According to a release signed by Tunde Oladunjoye Publicity Secretary All Progressives Congress (APC) Ogun State, at the meeting held on Friday at the Obas Complex, Abeokuta, the state capital, the members of the GAC led by Chief Olu Bisola Okuboyejo, unanimously endorsed Abiodun for second term based on what they described as his sterling performance and re-engineered public good in the nooks and crannies of Ogun State.
After several testimonies on the performance of the Governor who was sworn-in on May 29, 2019 for his first term, the Chairman of GAC called for a motion for endorsement from the elders.
The release added that the motion was subsequently moved by the former deputy governor of Ogun State, Senator Adegbenga Sefiu Kaka from Ogun East Senatorial District and supported by Chief Olu Agemo from Ogun West Senatorial District and Chief Segun Sowunmi from Central Senatorial District.
The Chairman later called for a voice vote and there was no dissenting voice.
In an emotional-laden tone, Governor Abiodun thanked the elders profusely for the endorsement and promised never to take them for granted.
“I didn’t get to know about this meeting until a couple of hours ago. I want to assure you that I sincerely appreciate you and will not take you for granted. I must thank my team, from my deputy governor, to the Speaker, Secretary to the State Government, Judiciary and the civil service. One can only be good as one’s team. I am really grateful to my good team. I also thanked the media for your balanced reporting, while hoping that we shall continue to enjoy your robust support in the years ahead.”
Earlier in his speech, Chief Okuboyejo remarked that “Prince Dapo Abiodun is a good example of Omoluwabi. The rare selling points for this Administration are confirmation that projects inherited from previous administrations have been completed and upgraded where necessary.”
His speech read in part: “Today, 6” day of May, 2022 is historic in the annals of Governor’s Elders Advisory Council as we publicly endorse the 2nd Term ambition of our indefatigable governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for second term in office. Having been sworn-in on Wednesday, 29th May, 2019 as the governor, the current tenure would lapse on Sunday, 28 May, 2023.
“The government under his watch is methodical in fashioning the policy agenda around ISEYA with thematic interpretation on Infrastructure, Social Welfare, Education, Youth & Women Empowerment and of course Agriculture. The delivery of these social contract elements has been applauded, even by his ardent critics.
“At this meeting, Elders from different areas of the State have highlighted public goods that have been re-engineered in their domains. They have also mentioned the different kinds of infrastructure efforts that have either been delivered or are ongoing. The rare selling points for this administration are confirmation that projects inherited from previous administrations have been completed and upgraded where necessary.
“From Elite Road in Abeokuta South, Ajilete in Yew South, Oke-Agbede in Imeko, Owowo in Ewekoro, Alapoti in Ado-odo/Otta, Ifonyintedo in Ipokia, Ibiade in Ogun Waterside, Ilugun in Odeda and Isiwo in Ijebu-Ode; the story of good performance continue to rend the air.
“Other areas like Oke-Sopen in ljebu North, Ilisan in Ikenne, Onidundun in Obafemi-Owode, Ipara in Remo North, Ososun in Ifo, Isote in Sagamu and Ita -Oshin in Abeokuta North among other towns and wards across the length and breadth of the State have not been neglected.
“The issue of social order and protection is also germane to the elders and we applaud the way and manner in which the State Government has been addressing the matter. It is no gainsaying to allude to the fact that security is everybody’s business and the right and workable framework that has been provided by the government assure us that things will get better in our dear State.
“We cannot but commend the increase in Ease of Doing Business index that has significantly boosted foreign and indigenous investment in our dear State. The governor has shown himself as numero uno marketer of our Gateway State and the result is evidently clear in the rise in our internally generated revenue.
The Elders, I believe I am speaking your mind. Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR is a good example of Omoluwabi. Aside from his sterling performance in the last three years, his predecessors were also opportune to steer the ship of the State for two unbroken terms. And as such, the tide should not be broken.
“On this note, and on behalf of all members of Governor’s Elders Advisory Council, I hereby proclaim the endorsement of the Elders for His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to serve for second term in office commencing from May, 2023.”
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has hailed a laboratory equipment maker, Katchey Laboratory Complex for building and opening his laboratory station in Ogun.
Abiodun also noted that the company would help to complement the African Continental Free Trade Agreement entered into by Nigeria and other African states to allow for free trade across the continent.
The governor, who made this known during the ground-breaking event of the proposed Katchey Laboratory Complex expected to house manufacturing of laboratory equipment and consumables, training center for laboratory analysts and bio-engineers, among others, said that the country hasn’t been able to tap into the free trade zone because most of the goods expected to be exported were not certified worthy of export.
He further noted that with a laboratory such as Katchey cited in the state, goods that are meant for export would now be certified for the international market.
He added that the citing of the laboratory in the state is a further testimony to the fact that the vision of his administration to provide an enabling environment for public private partnership is a reality.
Abiodun stated that the laboratory complex was a welcome development in the health sector of the country, especially at a time the globe was affected by COVID-19.
“COVID-19 made us realize how unprepared we were for a medical emergency, it is my joy that this initiative will strengthen our health sector,” he said.
While disclosing that there cannot be a better place to cite the laboratory as Ogun which is the education capital of the country, the governor said that students from various schools in the state have continued to emerge first in Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics competition(STEM) and the global mathematics competition.
Abiodun disclosed that his administration was looking forward to partnering with the initiative particularly through the Olabisi, Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital and the School of Health Technology, called on more prospective investors to partner with his administration.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Katchey Company Limited, Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa said that the company which had been in existence in the last three decades has continued to support the growth of science in the country by equipping science laboratories with quality analytical instruments, chemicals, reagents and consumables.
On her part, the Chief Executive Officer of Katchey Company Limited, Mrs. Kate Isa, who described the state as the most corporate-friendly state in the country, called on government at all levels to look at the educational curriculum as well as at the possibility of introducing digital science.
In their remarks, the Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah and his counterpart in the Trade, Industry and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, who both commended the initiative by the company which they said would promote self sufficiency in the country, said that the Federal Government would continue to do all it can to end medical tourism.
The laboratory company which is set to be completed between 18 and 24 months, would be home to the manufacturing of laboratory equipment and consumables, with additional capacity for independent analytical laboratories, training center for Laboratory analysts and Bio-Engineers, conferencing and seminar facility, offices and warehouses
The Grand Chief Imam of Remo, Alhaji Shehu AbdulQuadri Jinadu, Dugbe 11 has charge Muslims to maintain piety beyond Ramadan by ensuring that all their supplications and prayers during the Ramadan fasting were answered.
He said it was heartwarming and pleasing to Allah for them to commence the mandatory fasting which is one of the pillars of Islam, but believed it was through Allah’s Grace that they were able to complete it. He therefore charged them to continue the ideal lifestyle and steer clear of those things Allah has not approved of.
According to the Grand Imam, “We have all gone through 30 days of fasting which entailed a level of self-restraining, high degree of piety such as abstinence, from smoking or drinking and other vices. During the period, we were mindful of our behaviour while the fasting lasted, it will be wrong to go back to those deplorable and afflictive lifestyles after Ramadan. It is my fervent belief that God, who successfully took us through the most benevolent month, hale and hearty will not abandon us”.
The Cleric who urged followers to imbibe the habit of praying for their leaders in order to do what is right and beneficial to the led and land, used the occasion to pray for elected officers officers of government, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, President of the country, President Muhammad Buhari. He prayed for longevity, wisdom and well-being of the traditional rulers, particularly, Akarigbo of Remo and Chairman, Ogun State Council of Obas, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Ajayi He solicited for Allah to intercede for late Oba Mufutau, Aminisan of Oke for what he described as outstanding contributions to Islam in Remo and particularly the Eid ground.
In his contribution, the Chief Imam of Soyindo, AbdulAfeez Shasile charged Muslims to remain committed to their vows and prayers during the month of Ramadan, because according to him, whoever remained steadfast would be blessed on earth and here after.
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