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Niger Delta Ex Agitators insist on South South Development Commission By Ifeoma Ikem

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Niger Delta Ex Agitators insist on South South Development Commission

By Ifeoma Ikem

The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum has called for solidarity among southern political leaders to demand for justice, equity and end the marginalisation of politicians from the southern part of the country in the affairs of governance.

Addressing a press conference in Port Harcourt, the Chairman of the group, Ambassador Alban Paulinus, also known as General Skillar, said that Niger Deltans must come together to deal with the issues threatening the political stability and unity of Nigeria.

The event, which attracted many ex-agitators from across the Niger Delta region, was a platform for the forum to express their dissatisfaction with the political injustices faced by southerners, particularly in the wake of recent agitations against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Drawing a historical parallel, the ex-agitators noted that the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan, was also characterized by injustice, which led to his being denied a second ternue. According to them, “a similar pattern is emerging with President Tinubu, as some Northern groups are already calling for his removal barely a year into his administration.”

Ambassador Paulinus observed: “This starkly contrasts with the attitude of northern leaders during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who served two full terms despite significant security challenges.

The forum decried this disparity as a destabilizing force that threatens the unity and integrity of Nigeria. They called for an immediate end to this trend of undermining Southern leadership, warning that continued provocations might leave them with no choice but to take decisive actions to protect their region and identity.

The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators expressed unequivocal support for President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which they described as a robust blueprint for national development. They emphasized that the President’s commitment to comprehensive reforms was crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges facing Nigeria today.

The forum recounted the historical bias against Southern Senate Presidents, who they claimed were been systematically targeted for impeachment by northern interests. They cited the cases of former Senate Presidents from the South, including Senator Evan Enwerem, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Anyim Pius Anyim, Adolphus Wabara, and Ken Nnamani, none of whom were allowed to complete their tenures. In contrast, Northern Senate Presidents such as David Mark, Bukola Saraki, and Ahmed Lawan served their terms without significant challenges, they stated.

They expressed worries over the recent calls for the impeachment of the current Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, a Southerner, stating that it was further evidence of the injustice against the south.

The ex-agitators warned that they would not tolerate such actions and vowed to resist any attempts to undermine Akpabio’s leadership with all means at their disposal. They asserted that the Senate Presidency must symbolize national unity rather than be used as a tool for regional domination.

The Niger Delta forum further demanded the establishment of a South-South Development Commission, arguing that the commission was necessary to ensure equity and justice in regional development, distinct from the existing Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. They called on Senator Akpabio and other federal legislators from the South-South to initiate and fast-track the passage of a bill for the creation of the commission.

Ambassador Paulinus urged politicians in the south, including the South West, South East, and Middle Belt to unite under a Southern Nigerian Movement. “The movement will be dedicated to defending and advancing the political, economic, and regional interests of the South and Middle Belt in the face of mounting challenges, he said.

The forum declared their readiness to defend Nigeria’s unity, integrity, and prosperity. They, however, called on all Nigerians and the international community to recognise that the time for change and justice was long overdue.

They declared: “The unity and future of Nigeria depends on the equitable treatment of all its regions, and the Niger Delta stands ready to lead the charge for a just and prosperous nation.”

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Olukoyede has disgraced President Tinubu’s government, he should resign – Campaign for Democracy

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N80.2bn fraud: Controversy trails ex-Kogi gov, Yahaya Bello’s visit to EFCC

Olukoyede has disgraced President Tinubu’s government, he should resign – Campaign for Democracy

.EFCC has ulterior motive on Yahaya Bello, not fighting corruption

The Campaign for Democracy has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately relieve the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, of his job, saying he has demonstrated lack of capacity to hold such office.

 

Olukoyede has disgraced President Tinubu's government, he should resign - Campaign for Democracy

.EFCC has ulterior motive on Yahaya Bello, not fighting corruption

CD, a frontline Civil Society Organization in Nigeria, said it was unimaginable that the former governor, who the same EFCC had placed on watchlist, who the Commission enlisted security agencies in Nigeria and Interpol to help fish out, walked into the EFCC premises, waited for about three hours and no arrest or interrogation happened.

“Instead, they told him to go, that they would get back to him only to issue a laughable statement that he was still a wanted man,” the President, Campaign for Democracy, Comrade Ifeanyi Odili, said in a statement on Thursday.

According to him, EFCC’s excuse that they couldn’t arrest him because a sitting governor accompanied him to their office is the main reason Olukoyede should be asked to go.

“Many people had castigated this man for long even though many others believed the case was mainly that of persecution. In all of this, CD did not dabble into the matter. Now that the matter has taken a dramatic turn, one that touches on democratic principles and affects the country’s image, it is pertinent for well meaning Nigerians to lend their voice.

“Associates of the former governor had been raising the alarm that his life is at risk. With the events of yesterday (Wednesday 18th September, 2024), any right thinking person would conclude that his life must be truly at risk.

“You said you couldn’t arrest him or interrogate him in your office because his governor was there, yet you went, at night, to the official residence of the same governor in Abuja to start firing gunshots as if Nigeria is a lawless society. This is unacceptable,” he stated.

The Campaign for Democracy said, in saner climes, the EFCC boss would have been fired the next morning.

“The man, Yahaya Bello, has fulfilled all righteousness. With the turn of events that culminated in a show of shame last night, it appears the EFCC has an ulterior motive definitely different from the fight against corruption,” the CSO submitted.

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GyC set to shake Kenya, S/Africa, Mozambique with electrifying performance

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GyC set to shake Kenya, S/Africa, Mozambique with electrifying performance

Bullion Records’ star artist, Fortune Kingsley, popularly known as GyC, is set to embark on a highly anticipated tour across Southern and East Africa. The tour will take GyC and the executive team of Bullion Records to Kenya, South Africa, and Mozambique. This strategic tour will further expand the label’s growing influence on the African continent.

 

The tour, scheduled from September 16 to October 8, 2024, will begin with performances in Kenya from September 16 to 24, followed by shows in South Africa from September 24 to 30, before culminating in Mozambique, where GyC will perform from October 1 to 8.

CEO of Bullion Records, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, expressed great enthusiasm for the tour.

GyC’s music resonates with audiences across different regions, and we are thrilled to bring his talent to Southern and East Africa. This tour is part of our vision to promote cultural exchange and showcase the best of Nigerian music across the continent,” he stated.

Accompanying GyC on the tour will be key executives from Bullion Records, including Managing Director Mr. Femi Elegbede Ajibola, who highlighted the tour’s significance for both the artist and the label. “This is more than just a tour; it’s a movement to connect with our brothers and sisters across Africa. We want to strengthen the bonds of music, culture, and collaboration,” said Mr. Ajibola.

GyC, whose recent West African tour was a huge success, shared his excitement about this new phase of his journey. “I am beyond excited to bring my music to Southern and East Africa. Performing in Kenya, South Africa, and Mozambique is a dream come true. These countries have rich musical histories, and I look forward to connecting with the fans and sharing my sound with them,” GyC said.

The tour will feature live performances of his popular single, “Woman,” along with his new hit, “Mailo” from his discography.

As Bullion Records continues to break new ground, the label’s leadership sees this tour as an opportunity to cement their position as a leading force in the African music scene.

Ambassador Oguntoyinbo reiterated the importance of the tour: “Bullion Records is dedicated to fostering African unity through music, and GyC is the perfect ambassador for this mission. His talent knows no boundaries, and we are excited to see how his music will resonate with audiences in Kenya, South Africa, and Mozambique.”

The Southern and East African tour promises to be a milestone in GyC’s burgeoning career and another testament to Bullion Records’ commitment to excellence in the music industry.

Fans across Africa are eagerly awaiting GyC’s performances, and the artist’s dynamic stage presence, coupled with his infectious music, is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.

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Prophet Israel Genesis and Lanre Teriba Unite at Dele Gold’s Wake Keep, Putting Past Differences Aside ~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

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Prophet Israel Genesis and Lanre Teriba Unite at Dele Gold's Wake Keep, Putting Past Differences Aside ~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Prophet Israel Genesis and Lanre Teriba Unite at Dele Gold’s Wake Keep, Putting Past Differences Aside
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

 

 

During Dele Gold’s wake-keeping service in Lagos on Thursday, September 18, 2024, Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis and Lanre Teriba, also known as ‘Atorise,’ reconciled, illustrating Christianity’s role in promoting unity.

 

Prophet Israel Genesis and Lanre Teriba Unite at Dele Gold's Wake Keep, Putting Past Differences Aside
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Following Prophet Genesis’s inspiring message, the wake keep turned into a lively celebration, and Dr. Lanre Teriba, known as Atorise, mounted the podium to entertain the crowd, expressing his admiration for Prophet Genesis. Dr. Lanre Teriba sent greetings to Prophet Israel’s wife, whom he warmly addressed as ‘Shola’, indicative of their long-established close relationship.

 

Atorise began his musical performance with the declaration, ‘No matter how long we fight, we shall settle amicably,’ and reiterated this idea in Yoruba, ‘Ija o do la.’ He then invited Genesis Son, also known as ‘Winners,’ to the stage, noting that him ‘Atorise’ was the musician who performed at his naming ceremony twenty-five years ago.

On stage were prophet Genesis, his wife, Winners, Esther Igbekele, and others, witnessing the successful reconciliation of the Genesis family with Dr. Lanre Teriba, following the amicable resolution of their past differences.

A somber mood settled in as the Genesis message on mortality was presented, commanding the rapt attention of all and eliciting tears from the assembly.
Dele Gold’s wake keep ceremony was attended by a significant number of esteemed individuals, such as Yinka Ayefele, Esther Igbekele, clergy members, and distinguished dignitaries, demonstrating his profound influence on the gospel music industry.

Oluwaseun Fabiyi, a Lagos-based journalist, offers authoritative insights

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