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OPINION: Can Benjamin Kalu Be Trusted? Part I ~ Ndimele George

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OPINION:

Can Benjamin Kalu Be Trusted? Part I

~ Ndimele George

 

There once lived a farmer who found a venomous viper while walking home after a busy day at his farm. The snake was freezing to death in the cold evening harmattan breeze. The pitiful snake pleaded with the farmer, begging to be let into his warm coat, where it could rest until it had regained its strength.

The farmer thought himself a kind man, so he picked up the innocent looking viper, and wrapped it within his coat to make it warm. The viper, revived by the warmth, bites his rescuer, who dies realizing that it is his own fault.

Suffice I to say that one should never expect a reward or any act of good from the wicked, no matter what you do for them. The farmer knew that there was enmity and natural antipathy between his kind and the snake’s, but he was moved by empathy. He failed to realise that a serpent in the bosom, a mouse in a bag and fire in a barn gave their hosts an ill reward.

This diegesis is an analogy of the man – Benjamin Okezie Kalu, chief manipulator number one deceiver and betrayer of trust.

Recently, Kalu, publicly declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over the governance of Abia state in 2027. This pronouncement is laughable and anyone who knows Kalu would never take a man who betrayed his political godfather, seriously.

Isn’t this the same Kalu who was accused by Ikechi Emenike of sowing seeds of discord among APC party members and using propaganda and blackmails to disunite the party for his own selfish interest, during the 2023 elections?

Who would take a mole like Kalu who was busy hobnobbing with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seriously? Of course, he’ll always do what he knows how to do best – betray – just as he did to Ikechi Emenike.

A man who instigated a lot of crisis in the APC and even went on to discourage Ikechi from reconciling with other factions in the party.

Kalu has always been known as a man whose belly is his god. No wonder he accepted the offer to be Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives which is the 6th position in the hierarchy of office and position of power in the nation, against the collective decision of Ndigbo.

Kalu has constantly brought nothing but insults and ridicule to not just Abians, but the entire South-East, by agreeing to play second fiddle to other zones. A dishonest man who is constantly at war with his party men over his selfish interest cannot determine who becomes what in Abia State.

As is typical of a deceiver like Kalu, he crept into Alex Otti, who gave him warmth, only to turn around and betray the people’s governor. You claim to be friends, what kind of friend are you, Benjamin “Brutus” Kalu? It’s quite unfortunate that Otti trusted a scoundrel like Kalu and allowed him within his circle. Kalu’s actions towards his ‘friend’ Otti is as a chill and wily snake that was cherished in the governor’s bosom.

His track record and actions suggest that his trustworthiness is questionable. His sudden confidence in the APC taking over Abia state in 2027 is nothing but a desperate attempt to cling to power. His statements come across as more of a rallying cry for his party than a genuine concern for the people of Abia state.

Kalu’s commendment of Otti’s performance as governor while simultaneously stating that Abia should be governed by the APC reeks of political opportunism. Is he genuinely interested in the welfare of Abia state or just trying to score cheap political points?

If he really cares about the people, then his assertion that the APC will determine who becomes the next governor of Abia state without considering the will of the people is deeply troubling. Does he believe in democracy or is he trying to impose his party’s will on the people?

Can he be trusted to prioritize the interests of the people over his party’s ambitions? Only time will tell, but for now, his trustworthiness remains in question.

Asides recruiting the same crop of kleptocrats who looted Abia’s treasury, into APC, what other achievements does he have?

Kalu’s arrogance and sense of self-importance led him to betray his former boss and mentor, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu, demonstrating a callous disregard for loyalty and friendship. His ruthless ambition and desire for power drove him to turn against Orji Uzor stabbing him in the back with calculating precision. Kalu is nothing but a man with no integrity and honour left, trying to get relevant and recognised by the central government.

Like the viper in the farmer’s coat, Kalu’s true nature has been revealed, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in his wake. Abians now knows who the real Benjamin Kalu is, a man whose thirst for power and self-interest has led him down a path of destruction, leaving his reputation in tatters.

Abians must demand integrity, honesty, and transparency from those in power and reject those who would seek to exploit and deceive us. Only then can we build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.

To be continued…

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Conference of Speakers Visits Obasa, Commends Leadership

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Conference of Speakers Visits Obasa, Commends Leadership

Conference of Speakers Visits Obasa, Commends Leadership

 

The Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria has commended the legislative acumen, political doggedness, and robust leadership of Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Obasa, a six-term legislator representing Agege Constituency 1, has been Speaker since 2015.
During a recent visit to Obasa, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, chairman, said the Conference of Speakers came to show solidarity and observe Iftar with their colleague and former chairman.
Ogundoyin, also the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, commended Obasa’s ‘peerless maturity and exemplary leadership’, qualities he said have ensured that the Lagos State House of Assembly continues to live up to its reputation as the leading light and pathfinder of state legislatures in Nigeria.

One after the other, the visiting Speakers extolled Obasa’s leadership and applauded him for upholding the state assembly’s motto – beyond the common standards of excellence.’

Responding, Obasa thanked his Speaker-colleagues for the visit and urged them to continue to legislate for the good governance of their respective states because “Effective legislation plays an integral role in the overall socio-economic development of all states and the nation at large.”
Further, he said, “As legislators, we must prioritise and be responsive to the needs and interests of the people as exemplified by our activities in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

“I understand that every legislature operates under different rules and circumstances, but you can never get it wrong when the goal is legislative efficiency and effectiveness, which are two different things. My over two decades experience as a legislator has taught me that effectiveness is doing the right things, while efficiency is doing things right. So, for those wondering why Lagos is a primus inter pares among Nigerian states, it is because we combine effectiveness with efficiency.”

Established by the pioneer speakers of state Houses of Assembly in the wake of the return of democracy in 1999, the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria is a bipartisan organisation committed to serving the nation and member-states irrespective of the party affiliation of members. Its primary aim is to promote inter-parliamentary solidarity and legislative best practices. Obasa served as chairman between 2018 and 2020.

Conference of Speakers Visits Obasa, Commends Leadership

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Edo Tribunal Ruling: A Legal Verdict or a Political Manipulation?

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Edo Tribunal Ruling: A Legal Verdict or a Political Manipulation? By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Edo Tribunal Ruling: A Legal Verdict or a Political Manipulation?

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

 

The recent verdict by the Edo State Governorship Elections Tribunal dismissing the PDP’s petition against the 2024 election outcome has once again raised critical questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. While the tribunal cited the absence of competent witnesses and lack of substantial evidence, a deeper analysis of this ruling, coupled with the broader political climate under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, suggests a concerning pattern: the calculated erosion of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

 

Edo Tribunal Ruling: A Legal Verdict or a Political Manipulation?
By George Omagbemi Sylvester

Legal Grounds or Judicial Bias?
The Edo State Governorship Elections Tribunal ruled that the PDP’s petition failed primarily due to a lack of competent witnesses and insufficient evidence. While documents were provided, the tribunal deemed them inadmissible without credible testimony to authenticate them. Furthermore, the tribunal insisted that oral evidence was necessary to prove allegations of over-voting, referencing Supreme Court precedents. However, this ruling raises fundamental concerns. If documents submitted were indeed official election records, why were they disregarded solely due to the absence of certain witnesses?

The tribunal’s insistence on strict evidentiary standards while allegedly turning a blind eye to glaring irregularities raises suspicions of bias. By disqualifying the testimony of the PDP’s witnesses on technical grounds, the ruling effectively denied the petitioners a fair chance to prove their case.

Tinubu’s Blueprint for a One-Party State
Beyond the tribunal’s ruling, the broader actions of the APC-led federal government suggest a systematic effort to stifle opposition and consolidate power. Since assuming office, Tinubu’s administration has embarked on a relentless campaign to weaken opposition parties, coerce key political figures, and silence dissent.

Key examples include:

Governor Dave Umahi’s Political Turnaround: The former PDP governor of Ebonyi State defected to the APC, citing pressures that many believe were orchestrated by Tinubu’s allies to weaken the opposition in the Southeast.

EFCC’s Selective Prosecution: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has targeted opposition figures, including PDP chieftains, while largely ignoring corruption allegations against APC loyalists. Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, an APC stalwart, remains untouched despite numerous allegations.

Judicial Interference in Opposition-Led States: Several opposition-led states, including Rivers and Zamfara, have faced judicial interventions that appear politically motivated. The removal of PDP-aligned governors through questionable court rulings further fuels suspicions of a grand strategy to dismantle opposition strongholds.

Forcing and Silencing Top Officials
Under Tinubu’s administration, several top government officials have been forced to align with the APC or face political and economic consequences. Notable cases include:

Godwin Emefiele, the former CBN governor, was arrested and detained shortly after Tinubu assumed power. While official reasons cite economic mismanagement, many believe his removal was politically motivated, given his role in the controversial Naira redesign policy, which was seen as a challenge to Tinubu’s pre-election financial war chest.

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has been largely sidelined, despite his significant role in the Buhari administration. His reluctance to align fully with Tinubu has seen him politically isolated.

Peter Obi and Labour Party Persecution: The Labour Party (LP), which posed a significant threat to APC’s dominance in 2023, has faced relentless attacks. LP members have been harassed, and attempts have been made to delegitimize Obi’s growing influence.

The Death of Democratic Institutions?
Under a true democracy, political competition should be encouraged, not stifled. However, Tinubu’s administration has exhibited autocratic tendencies, from the questionable removal of political opponents to the strategic co-optation of opposition figures.

The Judiciary’s Role: The increasing frequency of court rulings favoring the APC raises concerns about judicial independence. The Edo Tribunal’s verdict fits into a broader trend of politically convenient judgments, which often seem to align with the ruling party’s interests.

The Media’s Struggle: Independent journalism has suffered due to growing restrictions on press freedom. Media outlets that criticize Tinubu’s government face the risk of intimidation and economic strangulation. Channels Television and Arise TV, for instance, have been warned over their critical reporting on government affairs.

A Nation at a Crossroads:
Furthermore, Nigeria stands at a critical juncture. The Edo Tribunal’s ruling is not just about an election petition; it is a symptom of a larger problem—the gradual erosion of democracy under Tinubu’s watch. If this trend continues, Nigeria risks sliding into a de facto one-party state where dissent is crushed, and political opposition is merely symbolic.

For democracy to thrive, there must be a robust opposition, an independent judiciary, and a free press. The systematic silencing of opposition voices, as seen in Edo State and beyond, should alarm all Nigerians who believe in democratic governance. The question remains: Will Nigerians allow this autocratic overreach to continue, or will they rise to defend the essence of democracy before it is too late?

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Oshodi-Isolo Chairman Otunba Oloyede Almaroof Strategize with Seyi Tinubu on Youths Engagement

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Oshodi-Isolo Chairman Otunba Oloyede Almaroof Strategize with Seyi Tinubu on Youths Engagement

 

In order for governance to reach the people president Bola Ahmed Tinubu had seek clarification from the Supreme Court to get financial autonomy for the Local government and It is not a secret that it is the tier of Government closest to the people. So while others are resting and merrying for the just concluded Ramadan, the Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local government Otunba Kehinde Adeola Oloyede Almaroof is engaged in a strategic meeting with Ambassador Seyi Tinubu, a known champion of youthful inclusivity, on how to positively impact the youths of his local government and Lagos State as a whole.

Seyi Tinubu, who is currently in Lagos for the festive break is known for his readiness to create chance to attend any meetings, functions or any discuss on how to better the lives of Nigerian youths and it is not strange that he’s discussing such with Otunba Oloyede the youthful oriented local government Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local government, who is also a usual go to.

Incidentally, while the meeting is going on, some of the detractors of wonder performing Chairman are busy peddling lies about the relationship between Otunba Kehinde Oloyede and Seyi Tinubu.

The meeting that lasted for several hours took place at a time many of the fake news merchants are preparing to embark on drinking spree at one night club or the other for the end of Ramadan celebrations.

Kendu as the Chairman is fondly called is in position to return for another term to serve the good people of Oshodi-Isolo and his overwhelming popularity amongst the populace has made him a target for smear campaigns by those whose chance, his achievements seems to have dimed.

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