society

Southern, Northern Leaders Warn Against Removal Of Seiyefa, DSS DG

Published

6 years ago

September 3, 2018

By Temidayo Akinsuyi

The Southern and Northern Leaders and Elders Forum has raised the alarm over purported plans by some cabals in the presidency to remove Matthew Seiyefa, the Acting Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a statement on Sunday, spokesmen of the forum, Yinka Odumakin for Afenifere; Dr. Junaid Mohammed for NEF; Prof. Chigozie Ogbu for Ohanaeze; Senator Bassey Henshaw for South South and Dr. Isuwa Dogo (Middle Belt), said the plot to remove Seiyefa is hinged on the professional reorganisation of the DSS which the cabals are not happy with.

The statement reads, “The attention of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum has been drawn to a clandestine plot to remove the Acting Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) from office by a cabal in the Buhari presidency.

“We ordinarily would have ignored this report but for the clannishness, sectional proclivity and exclusive handling of the security architecture of the country by President Buhari in the last three years.

“He had defied all protestations from all well-meaning Nigerians in making appointments into all key and sensitive security positions in sectional and kith and kin affairs in a very insensitive and you-can-do-your-worse-manner that until the recent sack of Daura, 16 out of 17 service chiefs were from his corner of the country.

“It is equally not lost on us that since the president returned from his holidays in London he has not made a comment on the invasion of the National Assembly by the DSS in his absence which led to the acting president rightly removing the former DG, Lawal Daura, confirming speculation that he is not happy with the removal.

“The plot to remove the Acting DG is said to be hinged on the professional reorganisation of the service by him which the cabal is now interpreting as removing APC elements in DSS for PDP apologists, a clear indication of the divisions this administration has caused in every facet of our life as a nation.

“Facts at our disposal, however, show that what the Acting DG has done is a good example of how to run a diverse polity which this administration has ignored in the last three years.

“It was said that under Daura, every need to organise the service along federal character and fill existing vacancies were ignored as he concentrated on nepotism in running DSS and keeping a coterie of those who have retired or have passed retirement in service and many of them having nothing to contribute. The service rule says such people can only be taken on contract if they have special skills.

“The Acting DG reportedly noticed that there were three other directors from the South-South apart from himself and decided to relieve two of them so that a director could be brought in from the South-West that had nobody on the management and another person from the North-West.

“There were about 40 senior officers who were due for retirement or pre-retirement leave whom he had found competent replacement for in a fair manner and according to the service rules.

“The Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari, is said to have given instructions that the DG should ask all the newly promoted to go back to their previous positions, a directive that ought to have come from the National Security Adviser if there was the need for any. Now the plot is to remove Seiyefa himself.

“All these confirm the politicisation of a purely security outfit and the denigration of all institutions by an administration that has shown scant regard for due process.

“We call on President Buhari to immediately call his Chief of Staff to order so that he can withdraw the obnoxious directive and allow the agency to run professionally.

“We also warn of the consequences of further alienating sections of the country by the administration particularly the Niger Delta where the Acting DG is from and the South West whose only representation on the management of DSS has now been reversed.

“The rest of the country has lived with the insensitivity of Mr. President in handling the security architecture in the last three years with equanimity. It may be necessary not to overstretch it by removing the Acting DG and stopping the professional reorganisation in the DSS because it is not in tandem with the ethnic domination script of Mr. President. It may turn out the proverbial last straw!”

society

LASBCA Seals Over 10 Buildings in Victory Estate, Ejigbo for Code Violations

Published

3 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Sanwo-olu Distances Self from #IgboMustGo" Protest

LASBCA Seals Over 10 Buildings in Victory Estate, Ejigbo for Code Violations

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has sealed more than 10 buildings at Victory Estate in the Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) for failing to comply with the State’s building codes and regulations.

The General Manager of LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, revealed that most of the affected buildings lacked the necessary building plan approvals from the State Government, which is a direct violation of the law.

Oki explained that the agency had previously issued multiple contravention notices to the property owners and developers in an effort to encourage compliance, but these warnings were ignored, prompting the enforcement action.

He urged building owners and developers to take advantage of the Lagos State Government’s ongoing Amnesty Programme, facilitated by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), to regularize their building documents before the program ends on December 31, 2024.

Reaffirming the government’s dedication to ensuring safety within the built environment, Oki stressed that enforcement of building codes is crucial to protecting lives and property. He warned that violators would face the full weight of the law, serving as a deterrent to others.

The State Government remains committed to maintaining order in the construction industry through rigorous monitoring, supervision, and enforcement of regulations.

society

Ex-Military Officer and Lagos Prophet, Apostle Ayoola Oladele, Restores Mentally Ill Man Through Divine Intervention

Published

4 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ex-Military Officer and Lagos Prophet, Apostle Ayoola Oladele, Restores Mentally Ill Man Through Divine Intervention

By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

A remarkable scene of divine intervention unfolded recently in Lagos, as Apostle Ayoola Oladele, a Lagos-based prophet and founder of Let Us Worship Ministries Healing and Salvation, restored the sanity of a mentally unstable man at Oshodi. This miraculous act, which has left many in awe, serves as a testament to the enduring presence of God’s supernatural power on earth.

The event occurred near the Tax Force Office on Alasia Bolade Street, opposite the Arena Military Market, where the mentally unstable man had become a familiar figure. According to Oluwaseun Fabiyi, publisher of BethNews Media, Prophet Ayoola, led by the Holy Spirit, was moved to lay hands on the man while passing through the area—a route he had frequented for years. With fervent prayers, the man reportedly regained his memory, stunning onlookers and sparking widespread praise.

Apostle Ayoola Oladele, a retired military officer and native of Eruku City, Kwara State, has become renowned for his powerful ministrations and dedication to prayer. His ministry, which attracts over 3,000 worshipers weekly, is headquartered in Lagos and has grown rapidly due to his impactful deliverance sessions and commitment to intercession for the Nigerian government.

The healing at Oshodi echoes the scriptural accounts of Jesus Christ’s miracles, reinforcing Prophet Ayoola’s authenticity as a vessel of God’s power. Many who witnessed the event described it as a divine encounter, reigniting faith in the miraculous works of God through His servants.

As a visionary leader, Apostle Ayoola Oladele continues to inspire countless believers with his unwavering faith, humility, and dedication to the spiritual and physical well-being of others.

society

Kemi Badenoch: Enough of the Knocks By Kehinde Adeleye

Published

11 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Kemi Badenoch: Enough of the Knocks
By Kehinde Adeleye

Who will tell Mrs. Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke Badenoch that enough is enough? It’s time to drink water, drop the cup, and let bygones be bygones.

Kemi Badenoch, a British politician with Nigerian roots, has often found herself in the spotlight for her controversial comments about Nigeria, her country of origin.

Back in 2022, during her campaign to replace Boris Johnson as Conservative Party leader, Badenoch stirred emotions when she harshly criticized Nigeria. She claimed:

“I grew up in Nigeria and saw firsthand what happens when politicians are in it for themselves, using public funds as their private piggy banks. I witnessed socialism for millions—it’s poverty and broken dreams. I came to Britain to make my way in a country where hard work and honest endeavor can take you anywhere.”

Her statements drew backlash, particularly from Nigerians who felt she was unfairly painting the country in a negative light. Fast forward to today, as Leader of the Opposition and head of the Conservative Party, Badenoch’s recent remarks have reignited the controversy. Even Nigeria’s Vice President has criticized her for seemingly denigrating the West African nation.

No doubt, Nigeria faces its challenges—corruption, underdevelopment, and social struggles—but many argue that Badenoch’s tone has been overly critical and counterproductive. While it’s valid to acknowledge Nigeria’s flaws, it’s equally important to recognize the strides the country has made, however gradual they may be.

Adding fuel to the fire is Badenoch’s preference to identify as Yoruba rather than Nigerian, alongside her negative comments about Northern Nigeria and the Nigerian Police. Such remarks have left many wondering if she understands the importance of unity in diversity.

While her critique of corruption in Nigeria holds merit, it’s worth noting that no nation, including the United Kingdom where she resides, is without its own challenges. From accusations of British banks funding terrorism to issues of police brutality, even developed nations grapple with their flaws.

Badenoch’s anecdote about her brother’s shoes being stolen by the Nigerian Police, for instance, might reflect her personal experience, but it doesn’t justify painting the entire law enforcement system with one brush. As a public figure, she bears the responsibility of exercising caution in her statements.

Her decision to distance herself from her Nigerian identity by claiming to be Yoruba is disheartening to many. After all, the Yoruba people are an integral part of Nigeria. As the Yoruba saying goes, “Omo ale ni o ma fi owo osi juwe ile baba re” (Only a bastard uses the left hand to point at their father’s house).

Would it not be more fitting for Badenoch to identify simply as a British citizen, embracing her chosen nationality without disparaging her roots? Her apparent disdain for Nigeria, despite the privileges and education she received there, raises concerns about her perspective. It also casts doubt on her suitability for higher political offices, such as Prime Minister, where empathy and understanding are key qualities.

Interestingly, Badenoch’s recent criticisms stand in stark contrast to her 2020 campaign appeals, when she courted Nigerians in the UK for support. At that time, she spoke out against discriminatory stereotypes associated with Nigeria and seemed to advocate for a more balanced narrative.

So, what changed? Her sudden shift in rhetoric raises questions about her motivations and the sincerity of her earlier statements.

Kemi Badenoch, if someone has upset you, address them directly. Leave the general population out of it. Your knocks are enough. It’s time to rest, drink water, and drop the cup.

Kehinde Michael Adeleye is a Lagos-based journalist.