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ARE MUSLIMS SHORTCHANGED IN SANWO-OLU’S CABINET LIST? 

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ARE MUSLIMS SHORTCHANGED IN SANWO-OLU’S CABINET LIST? 

 

ARE MUSLIMS SHORTCHANGED IN SANWO-OLU’S CABINET LIST? 

We, concerned Lagosians, have watched in the past few days with keen interest the unfortunate attempts by some groups of individuals, Muslim clerics and organizations to discredit the list of Cabinet nominees of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
ARE MUSLIMS SHORTCHANGED IN SANWO-OLU’S CABINET LIST? 
The aforementioned interests have criticized the proposed cabinet composition, alleging marginalization of Muslims. The clerics have resorted to various rough tactics to malign the image of the Governor by dangerously using the media with indiscretion to paint him in the colour of what Mr Governor is not.
It is of note that in the true spirit of a true leader and a genuine “omoluabi”, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has displayed remarkable calmness and confidence in the face of all this provocation, knowing well that the peace, progress and prosperity of Lagos are his primary focus.
We view all the actions so far, including a protest march on the House of Assembly, as uncharacteristic of the progressive people of Lagos, whose major preoccupation is peaceful cohabitation, growth and development.
For the records, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is a completely detribalised individual and a man with an open heart whose religion is humanity. He has run Lagos for over four years now without any form of discrimination whatsoever.
Specifically, the claim by these groups of persons and interests about the number of Muslims in the proposed cabinet is not correct. It has no backing in facts; nor in logic. It is all sentiments and emotions that are unworthy of all we stand for as Lagosians. We will never be proud of such potentially destructive and divisive tendencies.
The claim, obviously out of ignorance, in many media reports is that there are only 8 Muslims among the 39 nominees. This is FALSE. There are 16 Muslims on that list, which is out there for anyone to check.
For the records, of the 7 Special Advisers (non-Cabinet) recently appointed, four are Muslims and 3 are Christians.
The newly composed Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board has seven members; six of them are Muslims and one a Christian. There are three Distinguished Senators from Lagos State, all of whom are Muslims. Of our House of Representatives members, the majority are Muslims, same with the House of Assembly and the Local Government Chairmen.
The truth is that to achieve the excellence that Lagos is famous for, the government, in our view, looks out for competence. The task of running a mega city like Lagos State deserves more from the driver’s seat than religion and other divisive and destructive tendencies.
If such retrogressive seeds are sown and allowed to grow and blossom in our dear state, we will lose our vision and leadership in the comity of states.
Imagine traditional worshippers with all their special groups, such as Ifa, Ogun and Obatala adherents, also protesting that they are excluded!
We would like to appeal to all Lagosians, especially some sections of the Muslim community, who are pushing the discrimination narrative, to allow the State to continue to enjoy the peaceful coexistence of  all religious groups and not sow any seed of discord among  residents who only crave for service, not minding the religious affiliation of whoever renders such service.
To those who feel genuinely aggrieved (without checking the facts), we implore them to show deep understanding; that is what these times require.
We are making history everyday. Those who want to plunge our peaceful and cosmopolitan state into a religious crisis should retrace their steps. It is uncivilized and dangerous. Lagos and Lagosians will not join such an empty campaign.
SIGNED:
1. Razaq Olokoba,
Campaign for Dignity in Governance;
2. Ramat Mohammed Abdul Rahman, Women in Islam Network
3. Nelson Ekujumi, Centre for Social and Economic Rights;
4. Ajayi Popoola, Centre for Socio Economic Rights
5. Linus Okoroji,
Humanity Services Project;
6. Raji Rasheed Oyewunmi, Yoruba Citizen Action for Change
7. Gbenga Soloki,
Campaign Against Impunity and Domestic Violence;
8. Alex Omotehinse, Centre for human Rights and Socio-Econimic Rights;
9. Awakulu Galadima,
Women Integrity Forum.
10. Ramat Abdukrazak,
Women Grassroots Network;
11. Ramat IYANDA
Centre for promotion of Work ethics and Values;
12. Oliseh Charles, Labour Veterans;
13. Princess Abidemu Dosunmu, Salamotu Dosunmu Skill Acquisition for Women and Underprivileged;
14. Funso M. AbdulGafar,
Islamic Unity Network;
15. Akin A. Jimoh ,
NATIONAL Engagements and Interactive Network
16. Alesta Wilcox, Professionals in Politics
17. Peter Oparah, Patriotism Awareness Forum
18. Gbenga Omage, Lagos Progressive Youths
19. Wosilat Alarape, Justice for Women and Youth Initiative
20. Mukaila Jimoh, Centre for Conflict and Peaceful Process
21. Shola Omololu, Centre for Leadership and Democratic Ethics.

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*Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate*

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*Go out and vote, it’s your right - Ogun APC charges electorate*

*Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate*

 

As the party campaigns for the 2024 Local Government election in Ogun State draws to a close midnight of today (Thursday), the All Progressives Congress, APC, has charged registered voters in Ogun State to go out and exercise their fundamentals rights on Saturday “without any fear whatsoever”.

*Go out and vote, it’s your right - Ogun APC charges electorate*

Addressing the grand finale of APC in Odogbolu Local Government, the Publicity Secretary of the party in Ogun State, Tunde Oladunjoye said, “APC has done very well under the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, and we are poised to win the chairmanship and councilorship elections overwhelmingly come Saturday”.

Oladunjoye, who is also Senior Media Consultant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media, thanked the Odogbolu people for showing massive support to the APC in the local government.

“With what I have seen here, victory is sure. I want to thank you on behalf of the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON and the Chairman of APC in Ogun State, Chief Yemi Sanusi. “Come out and vote peacefully on Saturday. It is your constitutional duty and obligation.”

Oladunjoye added that people should learn from the chairmanship candidate of the party in Odogbolu local government, Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya, who vied for the office about three and half years ago and did not get it, but remained faithful in the party and continued to reach out to people with his humanitarian efforts.”

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Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration

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Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration

Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration

 

 

Influential Edo State politician, Anthony Ojo has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo after being sworn-in as the new Governor of the State.

Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration
In his congratulatory message, Ojo expressed confidence in the abilities of Gov Okpebholo to bring the dividends of democracy close to the people of Edo State.

“The people of Edo State have total trust in your five-point agenda, capacity as a leader, and this is evident with their immense show of love. We have no single doubt that under you, this state will progress to the promised land,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, Anthony Ojo has confirmed his aspiration to contest the Edo Central senatorial seat under the flagship of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a position previously held by Senator Okpebholo before he was elected governor.

He cited that sharing the same leadership ideologies with Governor Okpebholo, and the keen desire for transformative human and capacity developments in Edo State are the reasons behind his ambition.

He promised to work closely with the Governor to provide succour to Edo citizens.

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Appeal Court Further Affirms Udeze-led NEC Of Action Alliance As Valid, Authentic

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Appeal Court Further Affirms Udeze-led NEC Of Action Alliance As Valid, Authentic

Appeal Court Further Affirms Udeze-led NEC Of Action Alliance As Valid, Authentic

 

ABUJA – The Appeal Court sitting in Abuja has further affirmed Chief Barr. Kenneth Udeze-led National Executive Committee (NEC) of Action Alliance (AA) elected on 14th March 2021 National Convention of the party as valid and authentic.

 

Appeal Court Further Affirms Udeze-led NEC Of Action Alliance As Valid, Authentic

Action Alliance, in a statement by its National Secretary, Vernimbe A James said, “the court of appeal Abuja Division today in Appeal Number; CA/ABJ/CV/1163/2024 in a lead Judgement delivered by Hon.Justics Abba Mohammed which was concord by the other two Justices dismissed the appeal filed by Adekunle Omoaje faction through one Miller C.Orgwu ( on behalf of himself and all NEC Members Elected at Action Alliance Elective National Convention of 7th of October,2023, held at OOPL Abeokuta, Ogun State ) against 1, INEC, 2, Kenneth Udeze,3, James Vernimbe, 4, Akinuli Fred Omolere.

“The Court also awarded N400,000 cost against the appellants in favor of the Respondents.

The appeal was about the validity of the powers of Action Alliance NEC under Chief Kenneth Udeze led executive to conduct the party Governorship primary in Ondo State for the upcoming Saturday 16th November 2024, Governorship Election.

“The Federal High Court Abuja Division had earlier In Suit Number; FHC/ABJ/ CS/626/2024 Between Miller Orgwu and others (Omoaje faction) claiming to be authentic NEC of the party against 1, INEC, 2, KENNETH UDEZE,3, JAMES VERNIMBE, 4, AKINULI FRED OMOLERE presided by HON. JUSTICE JOYCE O.ABDULMALIK on 24th, September 2024 dismissed their Claim and validated the Ondo State Governorship Primary Election Conducted by Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance NEC as valid and authentic, thereby Confirming the Ondo State Governorship Candidate of the party AKINULI FRED OMOLERE as the valid Candidate of the party for the 16th, November 2024 Governorship Election in Ondo State.”

The statement further said: “On 28 March 2022, the FCT High Court Abuja had affirmed and validated the Action Alliance National Convention held on 14th, March 2021 wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led NEC of the party were elected.

“Dissatisfied with the said Judgement, one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others were granted leave of the court of appeal to appeal same Judgement.

“On the 26th, January 2024, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division in Appeal Number; CA/ ABJ/ CV/ 955/22 Between Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others and Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu and others further Affirmed the FCT High Court Judgement that earlier validated the Action Alliance National Convention of 14th March,2021 wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance (AA) NEC of the party was elected.

“Dissatisfied with the appeal court Judgement one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others have appealed the Judgement to the Supreme Court of Nigeria in appeal Number: SC/ CV/162/2024 Between Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others and Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu and others, the matter is still pending at the Supreme Court of Nigeria which he has abandoned but desperately looking for how to come through the back door to claim the leadership of Action Alliance.”

The statement also explained that “INEC has since Complied with the Judgements validating the 14th, March 2021 National Convention of the party wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance NEC of the party was elected and uploaded on its website the Name of Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze- National Chairman, Vernimbe A James -National Secretary and other Elected NEC of the party as authentic.

“There is no court ruling or Judgement that Affirmed or validated any other National Convention of Action Alliance (AA) held on any other date apart from the 14th, March 2021 National Convention of the party which Courts have already and variously validated.”

Ezenwa Ibegbunam, who is the Counsel to Chief Fred Omolere, the governorship candidate of the party affirmed by the Court, noted that the judgment has further restated the correct position of the law and a vindication of the previous decision of the Court of Appeal which had earlier affirmed Chief Udeze led executive as the authentic leadership of the Action Alliance.

On his part, Chief Kenneth Udeze has praised the Court of Appeal as a citadel of justice and urged the party members across the country to remain focused.

He further noted that the Judgment has cleared the way for the victory of the party in the Ondo State gubernatorial election.

Source: Daily Independent

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