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Kogi PDP primaries: Crisis rocks party as Ibrahim Idris imposes sons, aides as candidates

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6 years ago

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The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kogi State is gradually driving itself into fresh crisis following sinister moves by a former governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris to impose his family members and aides as candidates on the electorates.

News filtering out indicates that Alhaji Idris, who is also the leader of the party in Kogi State has perfected plans to install his sons, aide as the sole candidates to fly the flag of the party during the 2019 general elections. This is coming barely a few weeks to the PDP primaries, making any plans to hold the primaries a mere formality.

As it stands, mass defection is imminent in the state as the party leader has vowed to impose his son, Abubakar Idris as the governorship candidate and Mohammed Audu as Kogi East Senatorial District candidate of the party. Mohammed Audu is son of the late Abubakar Audu, another former governor of the state and the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the November 2015 gubernatorial election in the state.

Another of Alhaji Idris’ son, Mohammed, is said to be vying for the House of Representatives again. Interestingly, Mohammed was a House of Reps member while the father was governor of the state. He (Mohammed) lost the primary election in his second attempt despite the fact his father was a sitting governor showing Alhaji Idris’ growing unpopularity.

Some respected stakeholders of the PDP in the state are already crying blue murder, describing Alhaji Idris’ moves as a wicked plot to run the party aground in that the rival All Progressives Congress is waiting in the wings to poach all the key leaders who are piqued by this new development. The sinister arrangement, according to them, is without regard or respect for other party stakeholders.

One of the party leaders who does not want his name mentioned said, “We are all aware of Alhaji Idris’ underground moves, but I can assure you it won’t stand. PDP is not a family business as such he cannot run the party as his own.”

“We will block any attempts to make the party a one-man business in Kogi State. If it succeeds, we will all move to another party where they consider us useful.”

“Alhaji Idris is one of those who destroyed the party this much. I think enough is enough.”

However, our reporter was informed that Alhaji Idris has sworn that he would withdraw all financial supports from the party if he does not have his way, and that is, seeing his candidates bear the party flags in the respective positions.

Recall that Mohammed Audu, who is being positioned to fly the Kogi East Senatorial District flag of the PDP was accused recently by the police of breeding political thugs alongside the senator representing Kogi West, Senator Dino Melaye ahead of the 2019 general elections. Two political thugs paraded in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital by the Nigeria police had named Dino Melaye and Mohammed Audu as their major sponsors.

An aggrieved party source said: “Can you imagine that, Mohammed Audu who is coming in to the party with a lot of baggage, that guy is not worth anything in Igalaland again. His father even kept him a bay when he was alive.”

“Mohammed has so many cases against him including that of gun running; Is that the kind of character the PDP should be romancing? I thought the leadership of the party have learnt their lessons from the last defeat and would need a breathe of fresh air to propel the fortunes of the party.” The source squealed.

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Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Spends Second Night In EFCC’s Cell Over N1.3 Trillion Alleged Fraud

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12 hours ago

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November 7, 2024

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Immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has spent second night in the custody of the anti-graft commission.

 

Okowa is currently being investigated and detained over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.

 

The N1.3 trillion reportedly represents the 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

According to sources within the commission, Okowa was invited to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he’s subsequently detained by officials.

 

One of the sources stated, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3 trillion 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40 billion he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40 billion in one of the country’s major banks, representing an 8% equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.

Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State. He is currently being held at the EFCC facility in Port Harcourt.

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Lagos Government Shuts Down Redeemed Church, Celestial Church, Clubs, Event Centres Over Noise Pollution

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1 day ago

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November 6, 2024

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The Lagos State government has shut down a branch of Pastor E. A. Adeboye’s Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Celestial church, nightclubs and event centres over noise pollution.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who made this known on Wednesday, said the churches, clubs and event centres were sealed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in the Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota areas of the state.

The sealed establishments include: Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Lounge & Lodging, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.

The commissioner in a post on X said, “In a bid to address noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) took action yesterday, closing down several establishments across different parts of the state.

“This enforcement drive, focusing on areas like Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota, is part of LASEPA’s continuous efforts to uphold environmental standards and safeguard public health.

“The affected establishments include Honourable Lounge & Lodging, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.”

 

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Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja: Tinubu directs flags be flown at half-mast

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1 day ago

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November 6, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The late Army chief, who was appointed by Tinubu on 19 June 2023, was said to have passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in a statement on Wednesday by his office Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the president expressed regret over Lagbaja’s death.

Akume said, “President Bola Tinubu has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56.

“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army chief.

“He profoundly appreciates the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

Meanwhile, the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, have commiserated with the president, the military, and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the Army, and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence, as our working relationship with him was commendable; he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

 

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