society
Kogi Govt Accuses SDP of stage-managing attack because its petition is suffering irreversible setback
Kogi Govt Accuses SDP of stage-managing attack because its petition is suffering irreversible setback
The Kogi State Government has debunked what it described as a headless allegation by the Social Democratic Party that it masterminded attacks on witnesses at the ongoing Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, saying the allegation was not only reckless, but stands logic on its head.
The state government said, contrary to the propaganda of the SDP, discerning members of the public were following the Tribunal case and would know that there was no way anyone would plot an attack against witnesses that were already testifying against those who paid them to testify and doing enough to make SDP lose woefully.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications in the state, Kingsley Fanwo, said it was, however, important to enlighten the SDP that the case at the Tribunal was between parties and that the State Government, which it accused, was not one.
Fanwo, who spoke at a press conference in Lokoja, on Saturday, noted that if any attack did happen as claimed by the SDP, “it must have been stage-managed by the SDP to justify their failure to produce the number of witnesses they claimed to have in line with their modus operandi as witnessed during the campaign.”
“Why would anyone attempt or even attack a witness that has testified against those that paid him to witness for them? The discerning public is following the tribunal case and understands there is no need to attack witnesses that are doing enough to make SDP lose woefully in the law court,” he said.
The state government noted that it was absurd and incomprehensible for the SDP to continue to exhibit anti-democratic tendencies and provoke the sensibility of the people in such a reckless manner, adding that “if they are so confident in their incompetent petition, why resort to self help?”
“As a legitimate Government, we won’t be soiled in the oil of subjudice that the SDP has engaged in with impunity. We will protect all the people and residents of the State and also protect our integrity and image,” the Commissioner stated.
He said, “We wouldn’t have bothered to respond to the barking of the SDP and its leadership as the State Government is busy with governance; but it is important to set the record straight and address the minds of the public to the tradition of lies by the SDP.
“The Kogi State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, the democratically elected Governor of the State, will be undaunted in its resolve to serve the people of the State rather than be entangled in the propaganda festival by a jobless and idle party.”
According to him, the Kogi State Government is unwavering in its stance on security and constitutionalism as the basic minimum in ensuring a peaceful and secured state.
The Commissioner added that it was the responsibility of the Government to protect all citizens, irrespective of their political or religious persuasions.
“To this end, the State Government did not receive any report of politically stirred crisis and therefore surprised at the blatant, false, spurious and pedestrian claims by the Social Democratic Party in the party’s usual way of whipping up sentiments and spreading falsehood to win public sympathy,” he said.
The state government stated, “It is clear that SDP’s petition is suffering an irreversible setback at the Tribunal as the comedians they presented as witnesses probably didn’t rehearse their lines well or they are falling because their claims have their foundation in fiction. It will be unacceptable for them to vent their impending failure on the State Government that is doing all it can to provide security for all in the State.
“The Kogi State Government doesn’t subscribe to violence and actions that breach the peace of the State. We will also not accept statements deliberately made to incite the people against the Government and possibly spark panic. The SDP must always be prepared for the consequences of their actions and utterances against the Kogi State Government or its officials.
“The illogic of the SDP’s claims is characteristic of a party that is desperately making efforts to hug the limelight through propaganda.
“The Governor of Kogi State is a law abiding gentleman who is working hard to consolidate on the achievements of the immediate past administration. He promised to protect all Kogites irrespective of their political and religious beliefs. His commitment to fulfilling such promises is iron cast and unimpeachable.
“For the National Chairman of the SDP to make false claims against the Kogi State Government before gentlemen of the Press is further proof of the party’s irrelevance and the reason the party is not controlling any state in the Federation. Kogi State cannot be a podium for the SDP to test its songs of division, ethnic bigotry and violence.
“We urge the people of the State to go about their normal businesses as there won’t be any chance for anyone to attack any Kogite. No stone will be left unturned to ensure peace and security in the State.”
society
HIGH CHIEF CHETACHI NWOGA-ECTON HONOURED BY IMO STATE HAUSA, IGBO AND YORUBA COMMUNITIES, EMPOWERS THE UNDERPRIVILEGED WITH CASH GIFTS AND TOOLS
*HIGH CHIEF CHETACHI NWOGA-ECTON HONOURED BY IMO STATE HAUSA, IGBO AND YORUBA COMMUNITIES, EMPOWERS THE UNDERPRIVILEGED WITH CASH GIFTS AND TOOLS
An atmosphere of joy and celebration filled Owerri Municipal as High Chief Chetachi NWOGA-ECTON — Adaure, Ada Imo and Uwar Marayu of the Northern Community in Imo State — led her team from Abuja to Owerri for a humanitarian outreach empowerment programme tagged Mission of Mercy.
The outreach, organized under the auspices of the When In Need Foundation and the All Life Matters Humanitarian Foundation, saw the distribution of cash gifts and skill acquisition equipment worth millions of naira to underprivileged and vulnerable members of the Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba communities in Owerri Municipal.
The event was hosted by HRH Alhaji Baba Suleiman, Sarkin Hausawa of the Northern Community in Imo State. He was joined by the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Dr. E. C. Okeke, CFR, who was represented by HRH Eze Engr. Fredrick Nwachukwu, Deputy Chairman of the Owerri Zone Council of Traditional Rulers. Also present was the host traditional ruler, HRH Eze Austine Possible Uche of Owerri Municipal.
Other royal fathers in attendance included HRH Eze Dr. Clinton Uboegbulam of Umuororonjo, HRH Eze Peter Njemanze of Amawom, HRH Eze Kelvin Tochukwu Ihebom of Umuihugba-Umuodu Communities, and HRH Alhaji Oba Musibau Aladeji, the Oba of the Yoruba Community in Imo State. The Chief Imam of Owerri Central Mosque, Alhaji Barr. Suleiman Njoku, was also present.
Dignitaries at the occasion included Alhaji Ibrahim Saley, former Secretary of the Imo State Muslim Pilgrimage Board; Alhaji Hassan Babidi, former Special Adviser on Northern Affairs under Governor Emeka Ihedioha; Alhaji Ibrahim Suleiman Ibrahim, Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on Northern Affairs; and Hajiya Fatima Hamza, Special Adviser on Northern Women Affairs, Gender and the Vulnerable, among others.
A special appearance was made by Yahaya Moh’d Kyabo Fagge, FCIML (USA), Dan Darman Jiwa Wakilin Sarkin of Jiwa Ward in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He offered prayers and words of encouragement to High Chief Chetachi NWOGA-ECTON, praising her extensive humanitarian services which, he noted, have impacted many communities across Northern Nigeria and beyond. He further described her as an adopted daughter of his emirate, acknowledging her significant contributions to the Jiwa community.
Speaking through his representative, HRM Eze Dr. E. C. Okeke, CFR commended the philanthropist’s numerous good works, noting that they justified the traditional recognition conferred upon her by the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers.
In his goodwill message, Alhaji Ibrahim Saley cited verses from the Qur’an, highlighting examples of individuals who used their wealth to uplift the poor and were rewarded by Allah. He encouraged her to remain steadfast in her humanitarian service.
While distributing the items and cash gifts, High Chief Chetachi NWOGA-ECTON expressed deep appreciation to the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba communities for honouring her with the traditional title “Uwar Marayu,” meaning “Mother of Orphans.”
She thanked HRM Eze Dr. E. C. Okeke, CFR, whom she described as a father figure, as well as other traditional rulers who graced the occasion.
She reflected on her humble beginnings, recalling a personal vow she made to God while struggling to survive as a street hawker — that if blessed with wealth, she would dedicate her resources to serving humanity. She expressed gratitude to God that the vision has become a reality through programmes such as the Mission of Mercy.
In his closing remarks, the host, HRH Alhaji Baba Suleiman, appreciated High Chief Chetachi NWOGA-ECTON for her generosity towards the less privileged in his community. He recounted how, after consultations with his cabinet, the council resolved to honour her with the title “Uwar Marayu” in recognition of her selfless service.
According to him, in appreciation of the honour bestowed upon her, the philanthropist provided financial support running into millions of naira, which was used to procure skill acquisition equipment and grants for traders and vulnerable individuals.
Items distributed included sewing machines, barbing kits, salon tools, and wheelbarrows. Beneficiaries also received food items such as 50 kg bags of rice and garri, cartons of noodles, loaves of bread, and other essential supplies.
The Mission of Mercy outreach not only strengthened unity among the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba communities in Imo State but also reaffirmed High Chief Chetachi NWOGA-ECTON’s commitment to humanitarian service and community development.
Only Fools Assume They Can Fight the State Like El-Rufai Did — Ope Banwo
Public affairs commentator Ope Banwo has described as “strategic folly” the assumption that a former political office holder can openly confront the Nigerian state without consequences.
Banwo made the remarks while analysing the recent detention of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, which he said underscores the imbalance between individual ambition and institutional power.
“Only fools believe they can challenge the state the way El-Rufai did and continue life as usual,” Banwo stated. “The Nigerian state is not a debating club.”
He noted that El-Rufai repeatedly made grave allegations against government institutions on national platforms, including claims of conspiracies and surveillance, without publicly providing evidence. According to Banwo, such statements, whether true or not, inevitably provoke a response from authorities determined to maintain control.
Banwo explained that when a former official challenges state authority, it is often interpreted not as dissent but as defiance. “The state reacts to defiance, not arguments,” he said.
He further argued that El-Rufai appeared to overestimate his political backing, assuming that his past influence would shield him from institutional action. “That assumption collapsed the moment power called his bluff,” Banwo added.
According to him, the involvement of agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Department of State Services illustrates how swiftly the machinery of state can move once a decision is made.
Banwo also highlighted the public’s muted reaction as a crucial lesson. “There were no mass protests. That silence shows the difference between perceived influence and real leverage,” he said.
He stressed that political power in Nigeria is sustained by active control of institutions, not by reputation. “Once you lose the levers, your bravado becomes a liability,” Banwo noted.
He concluded that El-Rufai’s experience should caution other former power brokers against mistaking visibility for authority. “Fighting the state without power is not courage; it is miscalculation,” he said.
society
GENERAL BULAMA BIU APPLAUDS SUCCESSFUL APC CONGRESSES, URGES NEW EXECUTIVES TO FOCUS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE
GENERAL BULAMA BIU APPLAUDS SUCCESSFUL APC CONGRESSES, URGES NEW EXECUTIVES TO FOCUS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE
Major General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu (Rtd), mni, Sarkin Yakin Biu, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected Ward and Local Government Executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the successful conduct of the party congresses across Borno State.
In a statement he personally issued to mark this significant milestone, General Biu commended the peaceful and well-organized nature of the congresses, highlighting them as a testament to the unity, maturity, and democratic spirit that characterize the APC. He praised the leadership, stakeholders, and dedicated members of the party for their commitment and discipline, which contributed to the smooth and credible outcome of the elections.
Addressing the newly elected executives, Biu emphasized that their victory is not just an honor, but a mandate for greater service, responsibility, and sacrifice. “Our party faithful look up to you to help shape leadership choices that are credible, experienced, and deeply committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to our people,” he stated, urging them to work sincerely and fairly to strengthen the party at the grassroots level.
He called upon the new leaders to promote unity among members and support good governance to ensure the continued progress of Borno State and the nation as a whole.
In closing, Major General Biu assured the new executives of his unwavering support and extended his best wishes for their tenure, wishing everyone a prosperous and blessed Ramadan.
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