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Presidential Primary: Dollar rain as Saraki, Atiku, Tambuwal divide PDP leaders •Aspirants’ marathon meeting delays convention •Delegates claim receiving $9,000 each •Others share $5,000, $4,000, $3,000, $2,500

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OLUSOLA FABIYI, CHUKWUDI AKASIKE, IHUOMA CHIEDOZIE and SIMON UTEBOR

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party, who were fortunate to be delegates at the party’s national convention which held in Port Harcourt on Saturday, have described the exercise as worthy.

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This is because, they were said to have received thousands of dollars as bribes from some presidential aspirants.

As early as Saturday morning, some of the delegates said they already had up to $9,000 each while they said that they were still expecting more.

The aspirants who are taking part in the primary are a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal; Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo; a former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso; a former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa.

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Others are the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki; a former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark; a former Minister of Special Duties and Inter Governmental Relations, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki (SAN) and a former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Jona Jang.

Also in the race are, a former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi; a former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido and Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed.

A particular aspirant, who had taken part in a presidential primary before, was said to have first offered the delegates $2,500 each in exchange for votes.

But when he heard that another aspirant offered the delegates $3000, he increased his own to $4000.

Our correspondent however gathered that the first aspirant later offered same amount of $4000, and action that forced the man who offered $4000 to increase his own to $5000.

Another aspirant was also said to have offered a mere $1000.

It was also learnt that some aspirants gave out naira to the delegates, while a source said states with large delegates got N50m, while others with fewer delegates got less.

However, investigations by our correspondents also revealed that other aspirants had also offered unspecified amount of money to the delegates.

Two delegates from the North-West, who spoke with our correspondents on condition of anonymity, confirmed they received cash.

One of them, who showed our correspondent the envelope that contained the dollar bills, said they decided to receive the gratification as a means of getting their share of the ‘national cake’

He said, “We are not going to sell our conscience because of the money. In fact, we saw it as an opportunity to collect what belong to us from these men.

Another delegate from the South-East, who also confirmed that he collected money even wished that the exercise could be called off and another one organise to enable him to make more money.

Tambuwal, Atiku, Saraki divide PDP leaders

Meanwhile, three notable presidential aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, on Saturday night, divided the ranks of the leaders of the party on who should be supported among them to fly the party’s flag in the February 14 presidential election.

The aspirants are the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki.

The leaders of the party had earlier met with all the aspirants at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, where the need for some of them to step down was discussed.

Among the aspirants seen at the hotel were Tambuwal, Saraki, and a former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Jonah Jang.

Other aspirants were said to have been part of the meeting which was also attended by majority of the 14 PDP governors, except the governors of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa and his Ebonyi State counterpart, Dave Umahi.

Both Okowa and Umahi are holding critical positions in the electoral committee.

While Okowa is the chairman of the Special National Convention Committee, Umahi is the secretary.

A source close to the party said both men were excused in order not to affect the credibility of the outcome of the convention before Nigerians and the aspirants.

It was gathered that majority of the party leaders, former presidents and some retired generals were routing for Tambuwal.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives was considered based on his age, his reach and acceptability even beyond the PDP.

He is also said to be enjoying the support of some of the notable traditional rulers across the country.

Atiku, on the other hand, was also said to have the backing of some members of the party’s Boards of Trustees and some former governors.

Saraki, a former governor of Kwara State, was also believed to have the backing of some senators and a few governors.

All the aspirants were said to consider themselves as having the ability, if backed by the party leaders, to defeat President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

A source, who was at one of the meetings said that the trio of Tambuwal, Atiku and Saraki were said to have the highest support of the delegates and leaders of the party.

It was however not clear whether the support of the delegates has anything to do with the inducement by any of the aspirants.

As of the time of filing this report, all the aspirants and the leaders of the party were still meeting at an undisclosed location in Port Harcourt to resolve the logjam.

A source, who was privy to the meeting, said, “I think leaders of the party do not want to be surprised at the convention ground. They want to know and be sure that the candidate that will emerge is known before getting to stadium.

“This is to avoid rancour and acrimony that may work against the party during the general elections.

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Justice For Chinemerem Anosikwa: Cut Down in His Prime

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Justice For Chinemerem Anosikwa: Cut Down in His Prime

 

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In yet another tale of the unending brutality of the Nigerian Police Force, a member of visiting 12 PMF squadron identified as Inspector Aliyu Taofeek has sent one Mr. Patrick Chinemerem to his early grave over an undisclosed dispute.

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Justice For Chinemerem Anosikwa: Cut Down in His Prime

 

According to reports, the killer policeman, Inspector Taofeek who was one of the policemen attached to Skymall Supermarket located in Sangotedo, Ajah area of Lagos State, stabbed Chinemerem to death and took to his heels after committing what’s clearly a premeditated murder.

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According to reports, the fleeing policeman has been arrested and in custody according to the statement released by the Lagos Police Command. The sad incident which occurred a few days ago has sparked an outrage among members of the public who are demanding justice for Chinemerem. It would be recalled that police brutality led to the massive ENDSARS protest across the country a few years ago. Apparently, nothing much has changed since then, the latest murder of an innocent man by Inspector Taofeek is a reminder of the brutality embedded in the Nigerian Police Force.

 

 

In order to forestall another avoidable death, Nigerians are calling for swift investigation and prompt prosecution of Inspector Taofeek.

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Eko Cares: Group Commends Sanwo-Olu’s Compassionate Leadership On Social Interventions

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Eko Cares: Group Commends Sanwo-Olu’s Compassionate Leadership On Social Interventions

 

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has garnered praise from The Mandate Movement for his decisive actions in the face of economic challenges with the launch of the ‘Eko Cares’ initiative. The initiative, aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by residents, particularly the economically vulnerable, has been lauded as a significant step towards improving livelihoods in the state.

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The Chairman of The Mandate Movement, Abdullahi Ayinde Enilolobo, conveyed his gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu through a member of the group’s Central Working Committee (CWC), Prince Adewale Arogundade, for spearheading various interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of inflationary trends. A total of 300,000 households are expected to benefit from the inaugural program.

According to Enilolobo, “This holistic approach shows Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Lagosians and ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of progress. Additionally, measures such as free ante-natal care, reduced transportation fares, and support for small businesses underscore the government’s dedication to improving the quality of life for all residents.

“We at The Mandate Movement commend Governor Sanwo-Olu for this initiative put together for the residents of Lagos, which also collorates with the wonders of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration. This clearly shows that the All Progressive Congress (APC) remains a beacon of hope for Lagosians, and Nigerians at large.”

Residents across Lagos have begun to laud the ‘Eko Cares’ initiative, stating that the government has shown determination to prioritize the well-being of its citizens, embodying the principles of empathy, inclusivity, and resilience in the face of adversity.

 

Eko Cares: Group Commends Sanwo-Olu's Compassionate Leadership On Social Interventions

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An Icon of Service: NATCOM boss, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro’s Leadership Legacy

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An Icon of Service: NATCOM boss, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro's Leadership Legacy

An Icon of Service: NATCOM boss, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro’s Leadership Legacy

 

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In the intricate mosaic of Nigeria’s societal fabric, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro stands as a beacon of commitment, resilience, and service.

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Born on March 6th, 1973, in Lagos, he draws from a lineage steeped in political legacy, being the grandson of the late Premier of Western Region, Alhaji Daudu Sooroye Adegbenro. Raised in a family that values service to the community, Otunba Adegbenro has carved his path as a distinguished figure in Nigerian society.

The culmination of his familial heritage and dedication to community service was marked by his installation as the first Otunba Laje of Owu Kingdom in Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.

This historic event, which took place on January 20th, 2018, under the auspices of His Royal Majesty Oba Olusanya Dosunmu II, traditional ruler of Owu kingdom, reinforced Otunba Adegbenro’s deep-rooted ties to his cultural heritage and commitment to uplifting his people.

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Beyond his traditional titles, his influence extends globally, with his appointment as High Commissioner by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), where he spearheads foreign special missions aimed at preventing illegal migration and human trafficking. This appointment is a testament of his reputation as a renowned security expert and industrialist, whose expertise transcends national borders.

In his role as the acting Director-General of the National Commission against the Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons, and Pipeline Vandalism (NATCOM), Otunba Adegbenro has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to combating threats to national security. His vast experience in security consultancy and supply of security gadgets has positioned him as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s security landscape.

However, Otunba Laje of Owu Kingdom’s contributions extend beyond the realm of security.

Through his foundation, the Otunba Adejare Adegbenro Foundation (OAAF), he channels his resources towards uplifting the less privileged in society. With initiatives ranging from the provision of boreholes to communities lacking access to clean water, to scholarships for deserving students, he exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy and communal solidarity.

Reflecting on his journey, Otunba Adegbenro once acknowledged the challenges he has faced, from navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship to confronting societal stereotypes.

Yet, through it all, he remains resolute in his commitment to service and upliftment. His philosophy, rooted in faith and compassion, drives him to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, regardless of obstacles encountered along the way.

Otunba Adejare Adegbenro stands as a testament to the power of leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the common good. In him, Nigerians find not only a visionary leader but a compassionate steward of progress, whose impact reverberates far beyond the shores of his homeland.

 

An Icon of Service: NATCOM boss, Otunba Adejare Adegbenro's Leadership Legacy

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