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ONDO 2016: Trouble for AD as party leaders battle over Olusola Oke, Akin Olowokere candidacy

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olusola-oke-ondo-apc-aspirant-photo-by-saharareporters-media olowokere

With the Ondo governorship election now about a month away, the Alliance for Democracy is still embroiled in a controversy over the eligibility of its candidate, Olusola Oke, after party officials disagreed over the manner the earlier candidate, Akin Olowokere, was substituted.

The National Chairman of the party, Joseph Avazi, had justified the choice of Mr. Oke as a credible replacement for Mr. Olowokere, saying he had fulfilled party requirements to hold the ticket.

At the wake of the emergence of Mr. Oke, a youth group within the party rejected his candidature, saying the party’s chairman and other officials acted contrary to its constitution in the substitution of Mr. Olowokere.

The National Legal Adviser of the party, Kehinde Aworele, on Saturday also rejected Mr. Oke’s emergence, saying the National Executive Committee of the party did not meet to decide on his candidature.

He said the NEC also did not recognise Mr. Oke as a member of the party, let alone elected to fly its flag in the coming governorship election.

He described the action of the national chairman as “reckless” in reaching a decision to replace Mr. Olowokere without consultation.

According to Mr. Aworele, the October 14 NEC resolutions remained binding, affirming that those who later revoked it barely 24 hours after the emergency meeting in Akure, acted on behalf of themselves and not the NEC.

“As at today, we have passed a vote of no confidence on the national chairman, national secretary and national auditor of the party and it is the NEC of the party that can make a change of that decision,” he said, adding that the NEC still recognized Mr. Olowokere as its candidate.

“We have said that Olusola Oke is not known to the party because he did not follow proper procedure of the party, so he is not even a member of AD,” the lawyer said.

“I can tell you that he is not a member of our party because he has not complied with the constitutional procedure of our party by which a candidate should emerge.

“I don’t have anything against Oke as a person; he is a nice gentleman and a member of my profession but he should not come through the backdoor.

“On the issue of his eligibility, I will not comment on that because it is pending before the Federal High Court, Akure.”

Mr. Olowokere has however, denounced the position of the Legal Adviser, saying he willingly stepped down for Mr. Oke to become the candidate of the party.

He said the incessant kicks against Mr. Oke’s candidature were sponsored by the opposition who are bent on creating crisis in the AD.

“We are standing for the good of Ondo State, on behalf of the masses we have provided a third force and an alternative in order to make sure that we dismantle the illegitimate tyranny currently operating in the state,” said Mr. Olowokere.

“That I was able to midwife the party…there is a lot of jealousy and envy. If somebody calls himself a Legal Adviser of a party, he knows how to go to court. You don’t fight or sue on the pages of media.

Speaking in the same vein, Mr. Oke’s Campaign Director, Bola Ilori, dismissed the threats by the legal adviser, saying “it is an unattractive side attraction. It is just part of the fun just to make it more enterprising.”

Mr. Ilori asserted that Mr. Oke is a member of the AD, noting that it was the work of his opponents to distract the party from making progress.

“So all these are parts of the drama that forms politics, politics is drama; it could be fun, it is fun. It is just entertainment, you have seen it before and you will see it again; more of it will soon come: there is no issue about that,” Mr. Ilori said.

 

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NLC hails fuel price slash by Dangote Refinery

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Enforce the PIA act on crude supply, Dangote urges NUPRC

NLC hails fuel price slash by Dangote Refinery

*Says it bring timely relief for Nigerians

 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has Dangote Refinery over the recent slashed in the fuel price, describing it as a timely economic relief for Nigerians.

 

Speaking with journalists , the Chairman, NLC Lagos Council, Comrade Funmi Sessi said Dangote Refinery has come at the right time.

 

She expressed optimism that the reduction would ease transportation costs, lower the prices of goods and services, and provide financial relief to citizens struggling with the high cost of living.

 

“This adjustment promises to offer much-needed relief for millions of Nigerians who have been grappling with high fuel prices and the rising cost of living.

 

“If not for Dangote refinery, we believe that government will still be importing fuel.

 

“But now, Dangote is producing about 650,000 litres of barrel per day, while both Port Harcourt refinery and the other refurbished one are producing about 210,000 litres of barrels per day. Which is not even up to half of what Dangote is producing.

 

“With this, Dangote has brought a healthy rivalry to the sector and we have started seeing reduction in the petroleum prices and even Dangote have started taking Petroleum to countries such as Ghana, Togo and other countries. What this means is that it will bring stability on our own currency. In this instance , we want to give it to Dangote. We also appreciate its timely intervention.

 

“Don’t also forget that the National Assembly is trying to bring out a bill that Nigerians should start domesticating our own currency. It so disheartening that our currency is no more strong, even in the West Africa region.

 

“So, government should encourage Dangote and more players coming in because this will allow healthy rivalry.

 

“We welcome this relief, which will help many Nigerians struggling due to the high cost of living, and we urge other stakeholders to emulate the Dangote Group’s example for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Sessi said.

 

On the proposed 2025 budget ,Comrade Sessi said if the government can be strict in it’s implementation, there is hope for the revival of the economy.

 

” With the budget , we can see that there is hope for Nigeria. Most especially if government can be strict in it’s implementations, there will will improvement in the security , food production and other areas,” She said.

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FIRSTBANK’S DECEMBERISSAVYBE LIGHTS UP LAGOS WITH DAVIDO CONCERT

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FIRSTBANK’S DECEMBERISSAVYBE LIGHTS UP LAGOS WITH DAVIDO CONCERT   By Farouk Mohammed

FIRSTBANK’S DECEMBERISSAVYBE LIGHTS UP LAGOS WITH DAVIDO CONCERT

 

By Farouk Mohammed

 

Once again, FirstBank has reaffirmed its position as a champion of arts, culture, and entertainment through its annual DecemberIssaVybe initiative. This year, the bank brought music lovers an unforgettable Christmas Eve experience with the Davido Live in Lagos concert, held at the iconic Eko Hotel Convention Centre. As part of the initiative, the event was a highlight of the festive season, delivering joy, excitement, and unmatched entertainment to thousands of fans.

 

Delivering Exclusive Experiences

True to its legacy, FirstBank ensured its customers and followers had the chance to enjoy this spectacular event through ticket giveaways across its social media platforms. By engaging with fans on Instagram (@firstbanknigeria) and Facebook (First Bank of Nigeria Limited), the bank seamlessly connected with its audience, creating opportunities for them to witness one of Nigeria’s biggest stars perform live.

Through its First@arts initiatives like these, FirstBank continues to elevate the entertainment experience for its stakeholders, positioning itself as more than just a financial institution but a lifestyle enabler.  The bank’s efforts underscore its commitment to bringing premium opportunities to its customers, creating memorable moments for families and individuals alike.

 

Davido: The Highlight of DecemberIssaVybe

On Christmas Eve, the atmosphere at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre was nothing short of electric as Davido, the Afrobeats superstar, delivered an exhilarating performance. With hits like “Feel,” “Unavailable,” “FUNDS,” and “Dami Duro”, the audience was immersed in a musical journey that celebrated Nigerian creativity and artistry. The energy was infectious, as fans sang along to every lyric, making the concert an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

For many, this was their first time seeing Davido live, and FirstBank made it possible, proving once again its dedication to supporting the arts and providing access to world-class entertainment.

 

The Spirit of DecemberIssaVybe

The DecemberIssaVybe initiative is not just about music; it’s about community, homecoming, and shared joy. Designed to resonate with Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora, the initiative creates opportunities for family bonding and cultural connection during the festive season. Events like Davido’s concert, the Calabar Carnival, and Flytime Fest have all contributed to making the 2024 edition of DecemberIssaVybe truly extraordinary. Through DecemberIssaVybe, FirstBank continues to demonstrate its commitment to enriching the lives of its customers by providing access to premium events and creating platforms that celebrate the essence of Nigerian culture.

 

More Than Banking: A Commitment to Community

FirstBank’s impact goes beyond providing financial services—it’s about enabling memorable experiences. By supporting events like the Davido Live in Lagos concert, FirstBank strengthens its bond with customers, enhancing its role as a catalyst for joy and togetherness during the festive season.

With its steadfast support for the arts and entertainment industry, FirstBank also contributes to the economic empowerment of the value chain, showcasing its leadership in promoting culture, music, and creativity in Nigeria.

 

Stay Connected, Stay Vibing

For those who experienced the magic of Davido’s concert and other DecemberIssaVybe events, the memories will remain cherished. For those who missed out, FirstBank offers more opportunities to join the excitement. Stay tuned to its social media platforms—Instagram (@firstbanknigeria), Twitter (@FirstBankngr), and Facebook (First Bank of Nigeria Limited)—for updates, contests, and more exciting opportunities.

FIRSTBANK’S DECEMBERISSAVYBE LIGHTS UP LAGOS WITH DAVIDO CONCERT

By Farouk Mohammed

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Don’t Return Fuel Subsidy Through Dubious Means, Group Tells NNPCL’s Mele Kyari

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Don’t Return Fuel Subsidy Through Dubious Means, Group Tells NNPCL’s Mele Kyari

 

The Afenifere Mandate Forum (AMF) has cautioned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) against re-introducing fuel subsidy through dubious means, citing the regime’s notorious history of corruption.

The group emphasised the need for transparency going forward, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to make payments to NNPCL’s foreign partners in the name of subsidy.

In a statement signed by its President, Otunba Davies Folorunsho, the group said the fuel subsidy regime was embroiled in corruption, with allegations of fraudulent payments and inflated subsidies.

Folorunsho said Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of NNPCL, was at the centre of the controversy, with reports of the company importing toxic fuel from Malta.

He noted that this not only perpetuated corruption but also endangered the health and safety of Nigerians.

However, Folorunsho said the he removal of fuel subsidy has been a significant step towards economic recovery, saving the country billions of dollars that were previously spent on subsidizing petrol prices.

“In 2022 alone, subsidies gulped $10 billion, leaving the state oil company NNPC with nothing to remit to the treasury,” he added.

“Fuel subsidy were not only financially ruinous but also largely regressive, benefiting mostly car-owning urbanites and those who could afford petrol-powered generators.

“As a result of the subsidy removal, the financial burden on the government has been significantly reduced, freeing up more funds for critical infrastructure and social programs.

“Additionally, government revenue has increased, smuggling has decreased, and the risk of adulterated fuel has been mitigated. The removal of fuel subsidy has also paved the way for a more sustainable energy ecosystem, encouraging the use of alternative energy sources and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on fossil fuels.

The group urged the NNPCL to maintain transparency in its operations and avoid re-introducing fuel subsidy through the backdoor.

“We believe that the removal of fuel subsidy is a step in the right direction, and we urge the government to continue on this path towards economic recovery,” Folorunsho said.

 

 

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