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Vote buying: Your petition to IGP an afterthought, diversionary, group slams Adebutu, asks him to present himself for trial

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PDP/Adebutu's case against Abiodun pack of lies, distortions, says APC, gov in final written address

Vote buying: Your petition to IGP an afterthought, diversionary, group slams Adebutu, asks him to present himself for trial

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That a group, Ogun Integrity Vanguard (OIV), has asked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the March 18 governorship election in Ogun State, Honourable Oladipupo Adebutu, to present himself for trial instead of writing frivolous petitions to the police over his vote buying scandal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to OIV, it is disturbing that after the Federal Government had investigated their vote buying plot and charged them to court, Adebutu and some accused members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State are now writing petitions to the Inspector General of Police ( IGP), Mr. Usman Alkali Baba, asking him to investigate Governor Dapo Abiodun and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for vote buying too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The group made its position known in a statement signed by its secretary, Duro Thomas, and made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Monday.

 

 

Thomas said: “It is common knowledge that following their alleged role in facilitating vote buying during the March 18 governorship polls in Ogun State, the Federal Government charged Hon Ladi Adebutu and a leading Deposit Money Bank, Zenith Bank Plc, together with its Managing Director, Dr Ebenezer Onyeagwu, to court for conspiracy, bribery and money laundering.

 

 

“The charges, which were filed by the Director, Public Prosecutions of the Federation, M.B Abubakar; the Assistant Chief State Counsel, Aderonke Imana and Senior State Counsel, Bagudu Sani, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, detailed how Adebutu and the co-accused “on or about 18th of March at Ibara, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did conspire among yourselves to corruptly give gifts in form of verve prepaid cards which had inscribed on them ‘Dame Caroline Oladuni Adebutu Memorial Endorsement Scheme for Less Privileged’ in order to induce voters to endeavour the return of PDP candidates during the Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections in Ogun State.

 

“Adebutu was further accused of providing 200,000 prepaid verve cards loaded with N10,000 each and inscribed with the same name “for the purpose of corruptly influencing voters to vote for PDP candidates” during the said elections.

 

“Given these incontrovertible facts, it is laughable that these people are desperately trying to push a counter narrative too late in the day. Pray,, when did they realize that APC loaded cards to buy votes? There is nothing like that in the Petition they filed.”

 

According to Thomas, when the PDP candidate took Governor Dapo Abiodun to the Ogun Election Petitions Tribunal over the outcome of the March 18 polls, he never pleaded vote buying by Abiodun and APC as one of the grounds of his appeal. His pleadings alleging corrupt practices at the elections are contained at paragraphs 79 to 82 of the Petition. There is no mention of vote buying by the APC!

 

He added that it is trite law that in an election case, as indeed all civil cases, parties are bound by their pleadings and the court is not a Father Christmas that would grant them what they never pleaded for.

 

He stated that since Adebutu never took Abiodun to court for either ballot snatching or vote buying, he could not lead evidence on it, adding that this is settled law.

 

He said: “Adebutu’s pleading is that he won election, that votes were cancelled where he won, and that Governor Abiodun’s margin of victory was slim; he cannot make a 360-degree turn now and ask for something else.

 

 

“On the contrary, Dapo Abiodun and APC in their deposition mentioned his illegally acquire votes and vote buying plot through Verve cards to manipulate the electoral process, and the fact that suspects arrested by the Nigeria Police, NSCDC and NDLEA made confessional statements that indicted the PDP candidate.

 

“Strangely, Adebutu has now woken up after election to spew balderdash with a view to diverting attention away from himself.

 

“He was invited by the police but he has been on the run. Now he wants the same police to act on his behalf by going after his perceived enemies based on trumped up charges. How logical is that?

 

 

“He should realize that he cannot run away from the law forever, cciting non-existent threat to life, He should present himself for trial without delay.”

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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A LIFE LOST, A NATION WOUNDED: NAPS DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR STUDENT KILLED BY RECKLESS POLICE FIRE

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NAPS National Convention: Polytechnic Students Call for Reforms, Elect New Leaders

A LIFE LOST, A NATION WOUNDED: NAPS DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR STUDENT KILLED BY RECKLESS POLICE FIRE

With a heart weighed down by grief and outrage, I, Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, President of the Senate, National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), issue this statement to vehemently condemn the senseless killing of a young, innocent student by a reckless officer of the Nigeria Police Force in Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to eyewitness reports, officers pursuing a vehicle along Gbagi Market Road opened fire indiscriminately. A stray bullet struck a student who was calmly seated in his father’s car. This young boy, en route to sit for his WAEC examination alongside his twin brother, was rushed to Welfare Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival (DOA).

This was not just a bullet—it was a bullet that pierced a family’s heart, shattered the dreams of a generation, and struck at the very soul of our nation. That boy had a future, a purpose, and a vision—but now, his life has been unjustly cut short.

Instead of providing protection, the Nigeria Police Force has once again inflicted pain. Instead of offering security, we are handed death in the form of stray bullets. This senseless act of violence has plunged another Nigerian family into irreparable sorrow.

We are devastated. We are enraged. We refuse to remain silent.

On behalf of over 20.1 million Nigerian Polytechnic Students represented by NAPS, I demand the following:

Immediate identification and arrest of the police officer responsible.

Transparent, public prosecution—no secret trials, no cover-ups.

State-funded compensation and formal apology to the bereaved family.

Urgent reform of police engagement protocols, especially the use of firearms in populated areas.

Declaration of all school zones as firearm-free zones for any police operations involving chases or conflict.

We will no longer accept deaths disguised as “mistakes.” We will not condone reckless policing dressed in the cloak of duty. We will resist the normalization of brutality against students and young Nigerians.

If justice is not served immediately, we will not hesitate to mobilize nationwide peaceful protests that will echo through every corner of this country. We will stand still until justice moves.

Enough is enough.
We demand justice for the slain boy.
We demand a Nigeria where every child, student, and youth can live and learn without fear.

Signed,
Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide
President of the Senate
National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)

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IGBOS HEROES FOUNDATION’S NATIONAL COORDINATOR CHINEDU NSOFOR REJECTS UMAHI’S CLAIMS, LISTS SOUTHEAST DEMANDS

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IGBOS HEROES FOUNDATION’S NATIONAL COORDINATOR CHINEDU NSOFOR REJECTS UMAHI’S CLAIMS, LISTS SOUTHEAST DEMANDS

BY
Joseph Monday

Owerri, Imo State, May 21, 2025 – The Igbo Heroes Foundation has issued a stern rebuke of recent remarks made by the Minister of Works Senator David Umahi, describing his comments as “a gross misrepresentation” of the collective aspirations of the Igbo nation. In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, the Foundation’s National Coordinator, Chinedu Nsofor, said Umahi lacked the mandate to speak onbehalf of Ndigbo on such crucial matters.

“Who is Senator Dave Umahi to articulate the needs and demands of the Igbo nation in such a myopic nature?” Nsofor asked pointedly. “Why would he equate a few infrastructural projects executed through his office as constituting the actual needs of the entire Igbo nation across all sectors of national development? This is a dangerous oversimplification and a betrayal of the larger Igbo agenda.” He further lamented what he described as a trend where certain leaders use their privileged access to the federal government to suppress genuine agitation and trade the interests of the region for personal and political gain.

Nsofor, who served as Special Assistant to the late Igbo elder statesman and former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR, emphasized that the current generation of leaders, such as Umahi, have deviated sharply from the vision of their predecessors. “Our great leader, Chief Iwuanyanwu, was among the few who truly articulated the developmental needs of Ndigbo. His generation believed in equity, justice, and holistic development, not political tokenism,” Nsofor said. “We at the Igbo Heroes Foundation, where Chief Iwuanyanwu served as our founding chairman, cannot sit and watch his legacies and all he fought for be exchanged for cheap political rewards.”

The Foundation insists that the demands of the Southeast region are longstanding and non-negotiable. “For the avoidance of doubt, what the Igbos want has always been clear,” Nsofor said. “We demand for Igbo presidency; since no Igbo man has been President of Nigeria or head of state since after 1966, we demand for the creation of an additional state to bring the Southeast in line with other zones, the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu for peace to return to the region, and the inclusion of the Southeast in the national security council.” He also reiterated the region’s long-held call for the restructuring of Nigeria to allow each region develop at its own pace, and for the implementation of rotational presidency to promote equity and national unity. He cited several previous positions by prominent Igbo leaders in favor of restructuring and warned that ignoring these demands would only deepen national disunity.

Reacting to Umahi’s recent comments and the proposed Southeast Summit being reportedly convened by him, Nsofor described it as an “alleged gathering of selfish leaders poised to mortgage the collective aspirations of the Igbo people.” He stated, “Such a summit is unacceptable to us. The Igbo Heroes Foundation and indeed all true sons and daughters of Igbo land must reject attempts to dilute our collective struggle with staged narratives for political convenience.” He further alleged that “Umahi and his associates are attempting to scuttle the Igbo agenda for the sake of what they are personally benefiting from the Tinubu government. We are not against anyone serving in government, but no one should attempt to sell off the soul of Alaigbo for appointments.”

Nsofor admitted that Senator Umahi may be one of the most performing ministers in the current administration but warned against using performance as a license to distort Igbo demands. “Performance does not give you the right to betray your people,” he said. “Even the Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani nations do not compromise their regional interests because a few individuals are appointed to government positions. Instead, they use such platforms to further project their collective agenda. Why should the Igbo situation be different? Are we really cursed in Alaigbo?”

He concluded by urging all Igbo political office holders, across party lines, to prioritize the regional interest above individual gains. “Let Senator Umahi face his job and use his office to advance the Igbo cause, not undermine it. That is what is expected of every well-meaning son or daughter of Alaigbo. The Igbo Heroes Foundation remains committed to protecting the legacies of great leaders like Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR and upholding the true demands of our people.”

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Testimonies Galore As Apostle Suleman Ends Two-Day ‘Recovery Conference’ in Canada

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Testimonies Galore As Apostle Suleman Ends Two-Day ‘Recovery Conference’ in Canada

 

As the powerful ‘Recovery Conference’ gathering enters its second and final day today, Wednesday 21st of May, 2025, in Ottawa, Canada, hundreds of believers are already testifying and bearing witnesses to God’s work in their lives. In a world where young people and adults alike are dying for something to live for, the powerful sermons and prayers from the General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM), Apostle Johnson Suleman are bearing testaments that are like water in the desert that brings life to parched souls.

The world is thirsty for spiritual fulfillment and long for tangible signs of God’s power. The world yearns for men of God with a mark of authenticity, truth, and a deeper connection with the divine, and it hopes for miracles to address suffering and hardship. At Apostle Suleman’s Canada conference, participants shared their stories about finding Jesus, experiencing God’s grace, and growing in faith. They testified to God’s presence through crisis, and about how God’s love has overwhelmed them. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they declared that God used Apostle Suleman to reveal that He has been active in their lives.

Rev & Pastor (Mrs.) Daniels from Umuahia appreciates God for blessing them with miracle money, giving them a pay rise as well as reviving the work in their hands. Kehinde from Ibadan is grateful to God for fighting his silent battles. Joyce from Delta State thanks God for divine healing. Mercy Gabriel from France gives praises to God for healing her husband of stomach ache and rib pain. A participant was healed of ulcer after listening to the servant of God’s prayers. Many appreciate God for financial blessings. Prosper from Moscow, Russia, appreciates God for granting the wife a safe delivery. Sewa Naomi Seete, a member of the OFM in Gaborone, Botswana, is grateful to God for helping him recover his missing passport. Kelvin from Cameroon is thanking God for supernatural healing. A participant thanks God for deliverance from bed wetting.

“Sharing our testimony not only exposes God’s heart on the matter, but it also shows how He feels about us. Indeed, God’s love is further demonstrated by our testimony,” noted the ‘Restoration Apostle’, suggesting that when we truly believe that God is working all things for our good, we begin to experience the relentless love of God pursuing us over every mountain and valley.

Chioma from the US appreciates God for preservation of her job as well as vindicating her from all accusations at work. Shadrach Johnson from Cameroon thanks God for delivering him from addiction to drugs and smoking. Neba Boris Che from Douala, Cameroon, thanks God for providing a good accommodation for him as well as making provisions available for him. Gladys from Benin is thanking God for deliverance as well as restoration of her marriage. Osato from the US is grateful to God for granting her examination success. Edith from Germany appreciates God for granting her request of German citizenship. Comfort from Lagos thanks God for helping her graduate from fashion school. Miriam Chioma Ikechukwu from Togo is grateful to God for divine healing. Litonga Benjamin Ikome from Limbe, Cameroon is thanking God for blessing him with a job. Maidah Audu from Auchi praises God for the salvation of her soul.

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