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IS WIKE AN ASSET OR A LIABILITY TO TINUBU?

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Fact Check: Did Wike Order Demolition Of Jabi Motor Park

IS WIKE AN ASSET OR A LIABILITY TO TINUBU?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Rex Akindele

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Politics, they say is a game of interest. No permanent friend, no permanent enemy but permanent interest. But in every sphere of life, there’s morality and a man is best respected by his principles and the values he stand for.

 

 

 

 

 

IS WIKE AN ASSET OR A LIABILITY TO TINUBU?

 

 

 

 

 

There’s this school of thought that says “if you don’t stand for anything, you fall for everything”. This is the crossroad where the former governor of Rivers State and incumbent Minister of the FCT, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike stands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loud, brutish and loquacious with a touch of arrogance, the APC as a political Party was always the butt of his not so funny jokes while he held sway as governor of Rivers State.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wike rose from the ashes of the crisis that engulfed Rivers State in 2007 after the gubernatorial primaries of the PDP in the State which the then president, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo described as having a K-leg. The winner of that primaries, Rotimi Amaechi with a natural K-leg was not the preferred candidate of the powers that be and he was unceremoniously substituted with Sir Celestine Omeiha to fly the flag of the Party. What ensued after was a pre-election legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court. After the general elections which Omeiha won and was inaugurated as governor, the heat became unbearable for Amaechi and he escaped to Ghana on a self-imposed exile. It was Barr. Wike, a former Council Chairman of Obior/Akpor Local Government and close ally of Amaechi that stayed behind to coordinate the legal team and supporters of Amaechi until the case was decided by the Apex Court.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In appreciation of the job Wike did while he was away, Gov. Amaechi appointed him as his Chief of Staff during his first term in office. The Chief of Staff in the current system we practice wields a lot of powers and Amaechi, seeing how powerful and ambitious Wike was becoming, decided to cut him to size by not re-appointing him when he won his second term in 2011. Amaechi in one of his interviews, confessed that Wike was getting depressed and when an opportunity came to nominate a Minister from the State, a mutual friend of theirs pleaded with him to consider Wike in order to save him from a mental crisis. That was when Wike was nominated, and appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan as Minister of State for Education in his government.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Governor Amaechi and President Jonathan fell apart, Wike took advantage of the crisis to build a parallel structure for Jonathan in Rivers and when Amaechi joined forces with 4 other PDP governors to create a faction within the PDP known as the New PDP, which later joined the APC, Wike, a cabinet Minister, took charge of PDP in Rivers State as the leader being the highest political office holder from the State. With the entire Party structure in his kitty and as the right hand man of President Jonathan who was contesting for a second term in office, the Governorship ticket of the PDP was an easy pick for Wike and despite the opposition from the then incumbent and his estranged friend, Rotimi Amaechi, Wike rode on the South-South sentiment and the popularity of President Jonathan in the region to clinch the governorship seat. This was Wike’s journey to limelight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have taken time to explain this to let you see that Wike is a crisispreneur and among active politicians in the country today, he has benefited from crisis the most. That’s why he rejoices whenever he sense a crisis anywhere as crisis to him is like the green grass to the green snake. His involvement with the APC during the last general election was as a result of the crisis that engulfed the PDP after their presidential primaries of 2022 in which he was an aspirant. His role in President Tinubu winning Rivers in 2023 can never be overemphasized but while he presented himself as someone fighting for the interest of Southern Nigeria, he lost what could have been a tremendous goodwill from such act by accepting a ministerial appointment from the president and the Party he had bad-mouthed for 8 years. It means it was all about his personal interest all along, which on its own is not bad if only he can swallow his pride and show some respect for others.

 

Mr Wike’s brazing use of his vantage position as a cabinet Minister in an opposition government to interfere with the governance of his home State of Rivers without reservation is becoming a moral burden for the Tinubu administration. Crisis of mistrust and disloyalty is common between successive governors and their predecessors in Nigeria since the inception of this democratic dispensation and on all occasions, the sitting governor always have the sympathy of the people.

At present, like Rivers, there’s a cold war in other States between governors and their benefactors, particularly in Benue State where Senator George Akume, a former governor of the State and incumbent Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and his anointed governor, a Catholic Priest turned politician, Fr. Hyacinth Alia are fighting for supremacy. Senator Akume has maintained a dignified silence and conducted himself in a manner befitting of a high profile government appointee while allowing his men to battle it out with the governor. In the case of Mr Wike, he talks at every given opportunity in a demeaning language directing his missiles not only to his State governor but also to any elder that dare to associate with the governor. Some of those words are not even good enough to be used on an opponent not to talk of members of the same political Party. His supporters continue to abandon him on daily basis as it seems the communities are now turning against those fighting the governor.

 

Rivers State is a very delicate State. One of the oil producing States in the country that has the privilege of serving as the operational base of most oil companies in the region. It used to be the hotbed of militant activities until the intervention of late President Umaru Yar’Adua who introduced an amnesty programme to appease aggrieved youths fighting many years of neglect and insensitivity to the plight of their people. Today, anything that threatens the peace of Rivers State is a threat to national security and it’s becoming obvious from the tone of Elders, traditional leaders and stakeholders of the region that the Minister of the FCT is seen more as a threat to peace in the State, a character unbecoming of someone who served as Chief Security Officer of the State for 8 years.

 

On the political side, Wike is lost between the devil and the deep blue sea. After the 2023 general election where the PDP failed woefully due to some decisions and miscalculations of her presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Wike was supposed to be the rallying point of aggrieved stakeholders and frustrated supporters of the Party. He was being looked upon, along side members of his G-5, to become the new face of the opposition in the country and give the Party new direction until he tumbled from his Olympia height. He had Governor Ortom, the former governor of Benue State who was a torn in the flesh of the Buhari led APC administration with him. But by choosing to serve as minister in an opposition government, he lost the trust of his fellow ‘comrades’ and the first to abandon him was the only remaining governor among them, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State. His appointment as Minister from Rivers, with Mr President not giving extra consideration to the State in order to accommodate someone from the original APC family, threw the APC into confusion. Today, while the national secretariat of the APC dissolved the State Working Committee and installed Wike’s loyalists in a caretaker capacity, Wike remained a PDP member in the day and APC at night thereby allowing both Parties to suffer in the State as he continue to play the double game. Lovers of multi-Party democracy will definitely question President Tinubu’s democratic credentials on the account of this. A virile democracy strives on the foundation of a strong and healthy opposition and the President will do his image in the international community a lot of good if he concentrate on strengthening his Party rather than being seen as destroying the opposition.

 

Regardless the number of State Assembly members standing with the minister, it’s a near impossibility to impeach the governor as the State will go up in flames. Seen as the first person to emerge as governor of the State from the riverine communities since the return of democracy in 1999, Gov Fubara has played the ethnic card very well to his advantage. He has also succeeded in harvesting all the other former governors who were also at the receiving end of Wike’s arrogance, vindictiveness and winner-takes-all approach to politics.

It has now come to the public that with all the noise from Rivers during his time as governor, Local Government workers were denied the statutory minimum wage of ₦30,000 and for 8 years, their promotion was stagnated. The national leadership of NULGE had to send a powerful delegation to governor Fubara to commend him for righting the wrongs of the past by implementing minimum wage for local government employees in the State and effecting their backlog of promotions. If these and more is been done to ingratiate himself to the people, Fubara has succeeded to a great extent as it continue to eat into any godwill left of Mr Wike as his former trusted allies throng the government house in Port Harcourt on daily basis to pay homage to the governor and pledge their allegiance.

 

If an election were to be conducted in Rivers State today, can Wike still be able to deliver for Mr President? The answer is a big NO and the situation will get worse with time.

It is therefore high time President Tinubu begin to see Wike as a political liability and social disaster by reaching out to other stakeholders and making new friends in Rivers State in order to safeguard his political future in the Niger Delta.

 

 

Akindele wrote this piece from Kubwa, FCT and can be reached at [email protected]

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How Adron Homes Transform Shimawa into Ogun State Premier Real Estate Hub

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How Adron Homes Transform Shimawa into Ogun State Premier Real Estate Hub

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Shimawa, a once tranquil and little-known town in Ogun State, has emerged as the premier real estate location in the region, thanks to the transformative efforts of Adron Homes. This metamorphosis has redefined the town’s identity, making it a beacon of modern living and investment opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

How Adron Homes Transform Shimawa into Ogun State Premier Real Estate Hub

 

 

 

 

Adron Homes’ strategic initiatives have played a central role in Shimawa’s transformation. By developing numerous estates with state-of-the-art amenities, Adron has set new standards for residential living. These estates are equipped with modern infrastructure, including well-paved roads, reliable water supply, and efficient drainage systems, enhancing the quality of life for residents. The real estate has sold out four estates in shimawa over 10 years and is currently selling five different estates in shimawa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

List of Adron Homes Estates In Shimawa

 

Treasure Park and Gardens Estate Phase 2 (City of David)

 

Treasure Park and Gardens Estate Phase 3 (Capetown)

 

Treasure Park and Gardens Estate Phase 3 Extention (Jerusalem City)

 

Treasure Park and Gardens Estate Phase 4 (Jerusalem Extention)

 

Treasure Park and Gardens Estate Phase 5 (City of God)

 

 

 

 

 

Adron Homes has introduced a range of affordable housing solutions that cater to different income levels. This inclusivity has attracted a diverse population, fostering a vibrant community. The availability of affordable, yet high-quality housing options has made Shimawa an attractive destination for both first-time homebuyers and seasoned investors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The influx of new residents and businesses has spurred economic growth in Shimawa. Adron Homes’ developments have created numerous job opportunities in construction, real estate management, and ancillary services. This economic activity has not only improved the standard of living for many but has also positioned Shimawa as a hub for business and commerce in Ogun State.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adron Homes’ commitment to sustainability is evident in its eco-friendly initiatives. Green spaces, parks, and recreational areas have been incorporated into the estates, promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. These efforts have not only beautified the town but have also contributed to the well-being of its residents.

 

 

Shimawa’s transformation has caught the attention of investors, both local and international. The town’s strategic location, coupled with Adron Homes’ high-quality developments, has made it a prime investment destination. This influx of investment is set to further accelerate Shimawa’s growth and development.

 

 

Adron Homes places a strong emphasis on community building. Regular events, social gatherings, and initiatives to foster a sense of community have been integral to the company’s approach. This focus on community has created a welcoming and cohesive environment, making Shimawa not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.

 

 

The transformation of Shimawa into Ogun State’s best real estate location is a testament to Adron Homes’ vision and dedication. By providing affordable housing, fostering economic growth, promoting sustainability, and building a strong community, Adron Homes has set Shimawa on a path to continued success and prosperity. As a model of modern urban development, Shimawa stands as a shining example of what strategic planning and investment can achieve.

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Aare Bashir Fakorede Distance self from Land Grabbing Allegations, Calls for Proper investigation

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Aare Bashir Fakorede Distance self from Land Grabbing Allegations, Calls for Proper investigation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Property and Oil mogul, Aare Bashir Fakorede has openly debunked a land-grabbing allegation levelled against him by some unscrupulous elements using some section of the media to malign his persona.

 

 

 

 

Aare Bashir Fakorede Distance self from Land Grabbing Allegations, Calls for Proper investigation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently, this unscrupulous elements have been in the news with their recent land-grabbing fiasco with the Oni-Orisan chieftaincy family of Lagos Island and Epe after they took thugs and police to beat family members who own the landed property situated at Oju-Ota, Oko-Orisan Epe Lagos, which Aare Bashir Fakorede acquired from the family in 2016, with a family-issued receipt, official gazette from the Lagos state on the 28th of June 2007, deed of assignment, Joint Venture agreement between his property development company and the family, survey plan among other documents to show he acquired the land.

 

 

 

 

 

Aare Bashir Fakorede Distance self from Land Grabbing Allegations, Calls for Proper investigation

 

 

 

 

 

Few days ago, the court Sheriff, acting under the writ of execution granted by Hon. Justice I. O. Harrison in suit number: M/762/11 on the 25th of April,2024, where the Honourable Justice reevaluated the court judgement which authenticates the Oni-Orisan as the rightful owner of the land. The court empowered the claimant to take possession of the land which they went to do on the 12th of July 2024, in the company of the court’s deputy Sherrif, Adeyemi Adeyinka and Adebayo Moshood and some policemen, where all encroaching erected structures were removed while they erected a notice boards which clearly stated the original owners according to the court judgement. In a reprisal attack, armed thugs and security personnel removed the erected court notice boards strategically placed on the land among other things. While many onlookers condemned this actions, legal experts tagged the act as a deliberate contempt of court by undermining the declaration of a competent court of jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Monday the 22nd of July, the family and its representative visited the land on the intelligence that some armed thugs and security personnel were stationed on the land. The family visited the AIG zone 2 office where they reported the case which they envisaged might likely lead to the disruption of public peace. The Zone 2 command attached some policemen with the family to go to the land to ascertain the authenticity of the claim of the armed thugs and security personnel stationed there. When the police and the family got to the land, they were immediately overpowered and attacked by thugs who inflicted various degrees of injury on them. They injured 2 family members and 3 policemen who were dressed in mufti. They also seized the mobile phones of one of the family members and threw it in the water to cover their tracks while they also abducted Chief Mrs Modupe Oni-Orisan, who is the head of the Oni-Orisan Chieftaincy family alone with two other members. One of them escaped while two were held captive for hours before the intervention from the police which led to her release. The Area commander requested that they return with the abducted women to the station which led to the apprehension of two of the thugs currently in police detention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aare Bashir Fakorede disclosed that out of 15.360 hectares owned by the family, he legally acquired 7 Acres of land from the Oni-Orisan Chieftaicy family who owns the landed property according to family history and a judgement from a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Oni-Orisan Chieftaincy Family has petitioned the police to do a proper investigation and also called the attention of the AIG Zone 2 AIG Durosimi to wade into the lingering issues.

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Rotary International District 9112 launches its coastal restoration initiative by planting 1,000 coconut trees in Lagos

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In a bid to promote its mission of improving the environment, Rotary international District 9112 on Sunday kicked off an environment-saving intervention tagged: Coastal Restoration Initiative at Westside Beach, Okun, Ajah, Lagos, where 1000 coconut trees were planted along the coastal shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

 

Speaking at the event,  the Governor of Rotary International, District 9112 Rotarian  Femi Adenekan said the “initiative is conceived to save the environment as well as reduce the adverse effect of the climate change.”

 

According to him; “the environment is one of the main focus areas of Rotary International. We need to consciously come to the realization that we need to save our environment. We need to save ourselves. So that in the future, those that will come after us will have life.”

 

“People assume that the world belongs to them. They have forgotten that they are just tenants on the surface of the earth. If you try to change nature, nature will react, which is the reason we are having a lot of environmental damage in the world. Some of wrong human activities, such as throwing plastics and other items into water or where it ought not to be is causing us environmental challenges. If we don’t take care of our environment, the environment will react and take us out of the surface of the earth,” He said.

 

 

The chairman of the District 9112 Tree Planting Committee, Rtn. Gboyega Bada recommended the adoption of an “Every Rotarian Plant a Tree Every Year” policy and also indicated plans for Rotary International District 9112 to propose a Private Bill to the Lagos State House of Assembly  to enable all Lagos Residents plant a tree every year for the next five years to address the challenges of climate change.

 

Rtn Bada stated that the vision of Rotary District 9112 on Tree Planting is to achieve a safer and cleaner environment by planting 10,000 seedlings of Coconut, Mango, Breadfruit, Avocado and other ralated crops that have economic, health and environmental benefits.

 

The event was well attended by Stakeholders in the Private and Public Sectors. Pan African Towers Ltd, Tolaram Group, Azeez Amida Foundation, Telenoetica Ltd, amongst others were well represented.  Past District Governor Tunji Funsho led other Rotary Leaders to give their support. The DG’s wife Rtn Tayo Adenekan, the District Governor elect Rtn Lanre Adedoyin, General Manager of Lagos State Coconut Development Authority, Dapo Olakulehim and Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, Club Presidents and Rotarians from the 73 Clubs graced the occasion.

 

 

Also speaking at the event, one of the Guest Speakers, the world acclaimed horticulturist, Mr. Andrew Vale of Tolaram Group and The Lagos Free Zone, highlighted the importance of trees, saying; “planting trees improves air quality, reduces air pollution, and illnesses from air pollution. More so, plants produce oxygen and provide shelter, medicine, and many more.”

 

In his own special remarks, Chairman, LUFASI Park and DG Coconut Naija, Dr. Desmond Majekodunmi, said; “the basic fact about the environment is that whatever you sow, you shall reap. The environment will always treat you, the way you treat it.”

 

It is of note that the vision of District 9112 on tree planting for this year is  to achieve a safer and cleaner environment through the planting of 10,000 seedlings of coconut, mango, breadfruit, avocado and other related crops that have economic, health and environmental benefits.

 

The event was witnessed and supported by main stakeholders in the industry, agencies and partners which included, Mr Dapo Olakulehin, General Manager, Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA), Mr Andrew Vale of Tolaram Group, Channel Scott from Pan African Towers, Azeez Amida Foundation, Telenoetica, The Legend Lifeskills Foundation, Etam Avitat, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) , presidents and members of various Rotary Clubs in District 9112 amongst others.

 

Rotary leaders who witnessed the event are PDG Tunji Funsho, PDG Kamoru Omotosho, PDG Omotunde Lawson amongst others.

 

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