Kidnappers demand N50m for abducted INEC officials, as family members cry for help in Kogi

 

Abductors of six Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Officials, in Kogi State have demanded for N50Million before they would release their kidnap victims.

It could recalled that, some INEC staff were abducted in Obajana at the early hours of Sunday, 19th March 2023 during the Kogi State House of Assembly election.

The victims were said to be returning from Kupa North and South under Lokoja Local Government Area in Kogi State before they were attacked by armed hoodlums.

But the Police Public Relation Officer, (PPRO) in Kogi State SP William Ovye Aya had in a statement issued to journalists concerning the incident said 96 persons were rescued by the Police, three injured while two victims were yet to be accounted for.

Addressing a press conference on Monday on behalf of the kidnapped family victims in Lokoja, an Assistant Presiding Officer II, (APO II) in the March 18th Kogi House of Assembly election identified as Babalola Oluwatobi Peter said his sister was part of those who is still held in captivity.

Peter, who is a brother to one of the victims, faulted the claim from the Nigeria Police Force that all the kidnapped victims have been rescued.

He mentioned those still in the hands of the kidnappers as Muhammed Maimunat, and Abdulrahaman Raji, who are two serving Corps members.

INEC Ad-Hoc staff who are still in captivity according to Peter are Oyaniran Atinuke Ruth, Florence Shayo Ajayi, Opara Tina and Blessing.

Explaining how the ugly incident occurred on that day, Peter said “We were actually coming from Kupa North and South for the Kogi State House of Assembly election. I worked in the North, so we left North some minutes past six and we got to the South at 8:03PM in which we were asked to move to Lokoja by our SPO’s. I told them personally that we are not going, that they should allow us to sleep, that by 4am the next day, we should pick up and go just like the way we did during the Presidential election.

“But the SPO South said he wants to move. As an APO two, I cannot just tell them that no. All other Corp members told them to let us sleep over but they insisted no. But when they insisted, we had no option than to move. When we got to Obajana, the armed robbers attacked us. We have six vehicles, and our vehicles happen to be the second one.

“The first vehicle was able to move away, while the second vehicle mistakenly hit the culvert and could not move again. But before we could know what was happening, the third vehicle hit us at the back. We have three Police Officers, only one was armed. When the armed robber attacked us, the armed Police officer instructed us to pull off our white and run for our dear life. After everyone was running for their life, I discovered that I didn’t see my sister Oyaniran Atinuke Ruth.

“The incident happened between 1am-2am. Those people that were kidnapped were directly from our bus. We told the security agency including INEC that we are still looking for six people including my sister. They said we should not worry that we will find them. Up till now, nothing has been done. I was shocked when I read in some newspaper that the kidnapped victims have been rescued. Nothing of such. They contacted us recently, demanding for N50Million.

“The kidnappers keep calling us with different numbers. You cannot call them, but they can only call you. They even told us to send them a recharge card which we did just because we don’t want them to hurt my sister and every other victim in their custody.

He, however, called on the Government and security to work towards the release of the abducted victims.

The husband of one of the kidnapped victims Olawafemi Olakanmi said he last spoke to his wife (Florence Shayo Ajayi) around 12am before the incident occurred. “I have not slept since my wife was kidnapped on 19th March 2023. I only call on God to set my wife free” he stated.

All efforts to speak with the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) in Kogi State SP William Ovye Aya proved abortive as at the time of filing this report on Monday. He failed to pick calls or respond to text messages sent to his phone lines.

2023: Coalition of North Central Groups declare support for Southern Presidency

By Stephen Adeleye

The Coalition of the North Central Support Groups, a group of energetic men and women, strong political stakeholders, have resolved to officially declare their support for the Nigerian presidency to be zoned to Southern Nigeria.

The groups made the declaration in a Communiqué arising from their meeting held on January 13, 2022 in Abuja, and made available to journalists by its Spokes Person, Dr. Moses Paul, on Monday in Abuja.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the groups' National Coordinator, Hon. Ocheme Joseph; its National Secretary, Alh. Isah Momosani Musa; and its National Women Leader, Hajia Agartha Ibrahim.

According to the communiqué, the teeming members of the Coalition of North Central Support Groups, a group of energetic men and women, strong political stakeholders, have gathered and resolved to officially declare support for the Nigerian presidency to be zoned to Southern Nigeria, and further state as follows:

''That this very resolve is anchored on our firm belief in equity, fairness and justice, which characterise the basic essence and foundation of our democracy. 

''That we are solidly charged  to  state that thus far the voyage Nigeria has sailed so safely and peacefully, interms of mutual understanding amongst the various geopolitical zones in our country, Nigeria, and hence the need to promote national unity. 

''That the hinges that allow a political power to swing between north and south have equitably been operated upon by political actors this while, irrespective of one’s leaning and interest, just as we have recorded less power tussles in the PDP and in other political parties. 

''That Lately, Nigeria, which is the big picture, super structure and a superset from where all political parties make their  calculations and permutations, form interests and ponder around, should be the focus of all political parties,  especially our party; the Peoples Democratic Party-PDP, and the  All Progressives' Congress- APC.

''That all political parties build the fulcrum of their operations, pitch their survival and existence, mostly around winning elections, especially presidential election. These are the already entrenched patterns of aspirations in Nigeria. 

''That as it stands, APC has fielded and Nigeria has voted  Muhammadu Buhari as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And President Buhari is a northerner. 

''That going by convention and the usual practice in Nigeria, Buhari will be exiting office on 29th May, 2023, after completing his constitutionally allowed eight (8) years in office. And thereafter, we appeal  that the south should be given a chance. 

''That as Nigerians, we are fully convinced that the most viable way to re-enact and foster the common and agelong cooperation of power rotation between  north and south in Nigeria is to earnestly ask and call for the general support for a President from the south, which we believe that is due and very appropriate. 

''That, for instance,  going by Chapter 1, Section 7(3)(a-c) of the PDP constitution (as amended 2017), for us to ensure equity, fairness and justice, our party- PDP, will zone and rotate political offices between north and south. And as it stands , the north has just produced  Senator Iyorchia Ayu, from Benue State, from the north, as the current National Chairman of our dear party, and his tenure will last for four years.

''That ,we believe to enthrone justice in PDP and in Nigeria, the south will be supported by all to produce the next presidential flag bearer of PDP. And this is our stand in the North Central.

''That in solidarity, we call on all PDP stakeholders in the south to rise up to this task and save our country, Nigeria, from the APC misrule. And let us be reminded that southern Nigeria has capable hands and competent leaders who can rescue and govern Nigeria more than the APC - Buhari government. And we call on all PDP stakeholders and the  entire Nigeria, to support the south''. 

''In conclusion, that as the political events unfold,  we, the Coalition of North  Central Support Group, have affirmed to render unflinching support, loyalty and mobilisation to PDP aspirants, and a candidate from south, that will emerge as PDP presidential flag bearer, soonest. 

''This is  our stand. Long live PDP! Long live Nigeria!! 

PDP: Power to the people!!!

End

We won’t vote any old man as President in 2023, Youth4Youth Movement Reacts to Tinubu’s Declaration

 

By Tyna Andrew

Nigeria youths have restated their commitment to ensure that they are ruled and governed by a viable, agile, visionary and youthful president, who is in tune with their challenges and ready to face it head on. 

A political pressure group, Youth4Youth Movement who made the declaration also called on Nigerians to give the youth of the country a chance to govern the nation in 2023. 

The group in a statement signed by its Director of Communications  Comrade Timiprye Sam,  said Nigeria cannot continue to recycle old leaders and expect a change in fortune, insisting that 2023 is the year of the youth. 

Timiprye said the Group is made up of members of different political parties, urging all parties to consider candidates below the age of 50 for the Presidency. 

“We boast of members from all political parties,  especially APC, PDP and APGA. We are not interested in partisan fanaticism in 2023. We will only vote for a party that produces candidates below the age of 50, especially for the Presidency as we are ready to change our fate. 

“We have enlisted over 7 million youth across the nation and we have continued to get the buy-in of youths to key into the Youth4Youth project. 

“Out of frustration, the youth are the ones recruited into crimes and violence. The youth are the ones suffering the lack of economic prosperity and lack of jobs. The youth are the worst hit when there is bad governance. 

“Therefore, it is time we take our destinies to our own hands and elect an informed, dynamic, pragmatic and energetic young man or woman to lead our nation to prosperity”.

On the recent declaration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Presidency, the group said it is a “disservice to the millions of Nigerian youth”. 

“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man we respect so much and we never expect would come out to deny the youth their chance in 2023. But that is democracy. It is now the responsibility of all Nigerian youth to reject gerontocracy. 

“The old people brought us to this level, the youth should be given the chance to clean their mess. President Muhammadu Buhari might have gotten wind of BAT’s declaration before he met him, reason the President complained about the toll governance is taking on him. He was probably passing  a strong message to Tinubu. 

“Presidency is not for the old, ailing people. It is for those who can work 24 hours a day. Tinubu doesn’t fit into that bill and should therefore rescind his decision”.

Youth4Youth Movement expressed gratitude to visionary youths across the country for speaking with one voice for in a long time, saying President Muhammadu Buhari is a hero for signing the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill into Law.

The group reiterated that as the engine room for national growth and development, the youths will not fold their hands and watch the elders toy with their future by imposing and old candidate on them come 2023.

2023 Presidential Race: GAP3 kicks against zoning, canvas for North Central

As political permutations for 2023 general elections continue to gather momentum across the country and discussions on zoning of key political offices by political parties,  stakeholders, support and interest groups takes the front burners and heating up  the polity, the latest is coming from the Global Alliance Of Progressive Professionals code named GAP3 declaring  support for the North Central geo-political zone to produce the next president of the country and the candidature of the Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello.

The group made the disclosure in Abuja in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary Hon. Suleiman Muhammed Siraj and made available to newsmen.

The group noted that their decision to back the North Central geo-political zone and a candidate from the zone for the 2023 general elections in the All Progressive Congress (APC) was anchored on glaring political injustice and marginalization based on facts and figures since the enthronement of democratic government in 1999 till date. The statement read in parts; "what we stand for is justice, equity and fairness in the distribution of leadership positions of our great country".

"We state clearly base on  political statistics that out of the six geo-political zones created by the 1999 constitution, only North Central and South East geo-political zones have not been given the opportunity to serve the country in the capacity of President and Vice President respectively."

"As a group, what we are saying is that he who preaches equity must come with clean hands. To keep Nigeria one as indivisible country, it is critical therefore to accord all the political segment of the country a sense of belonging in leadership and trust. That is the only way to keep Nigeria one. That is the wisdom in the 1999 constitution which fragmented the country into the six geo-political zones for effective and efficient political administration".

"It is also on record that since the inception of democratic rule in Nigeria 1999 till date, the North West, Noth East, South West and South-South geo-political zones have had their turns as President and Vice President respectively. It is obvious therefore that in true spirit of justice, equity and fairness as envisaged by the 1999  constitution, the people of North Central and South East geo-political zones of the country should be allowed to produce the next President and Vice President respectively".

"In every sense of judgment,there is no way you engage in any sincere political arrangements without basketing and political basketing involves zoning. It is high time for our political actors to face the realities and do the neadful in the spirit of true federalism and patriotism. No section of the country should be treated as second hand citizen. We must see ourselves as equal partners in leadership".

"It is on the above premise as Progressive Professionals that we implore the leadership and stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) across the country to back the marginalized zones. As leaders, we must strive to live above board, drive the nation's political wheels above primordial sentiments and ethnic chauvinism and uphold the tenet, beauty and opportunities provided by the constitution of our land without prejudice".

On the presidential ambition of the Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, the group assured the overwhelming support of its members across the country because he comes from the marginalized zones and that he is eminently qualify for the top job.

"We confirm to you that the Global Alliance Of Progressive Professionals code named GAP3 is a political project  of Grassroot Aids Initiative, a non-governmental organization that is poised on encouraging young and talented Nigerians to take leadership position. Our structures cut across the thirty six states of the federation including the FCT".

"Our core mandate as a group is to contribute to the advancement of global community through the building of Nigerian society where citizens are provided the enabling environment and equal opportunities to develop their potentials economically and politically".

Super Eagles will win World Cup if Orji Uzor Kalu becomes Nigeria's President

Nigeria’s hope and aspirations of winning the coveted World Cup trophy will become a reality sooner than later only if former Abia State Governor and current senator representing Abia North district at the Red Chambers of the National Assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu, becomes the country’s president in 2023, www.bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

Nigeria is due to conduct a general election in 2023 to elect new leaders including the country’s president to oversee their affairs at national and regional levels.

As the election date draws closer with each passing day, Nigerian Journalists who spoke on the background of the endorsement of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for the 2023 Presidential election in Nigeria by former military head of state, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida IBB said should the Abia State born sports administrator and politician decides to contest for the number one position in the country and emerges victories, Nigeria’s hope of winning the World Cup is a huge possibility.

Recall that the former Military head of state, IBB in a recent interview disclosed that given Senator Orji Uzor Kalu the needed chance and support to become the president of the country, he would transform the nation.

Speaking, IBB noted that for equity and fairness in the country, the North should support the South-East region to produce the next president adding “We have the likes of Orji Uzor Kalu who is interested in ruling the country and why not,” he said.

Reacting to the endorsement, a renowned sports journalist and TVCNEWS presenter, Akiri Miyen said that he is convinced beyond doubt that if Orji Uzor Kalu becomes Nigeria President, Super Eagles of Nigeria will win the World Cup.

“I swear if Orji Kalu becomes President, Nigeria will win the World cup. Where is the God of Nigeria?,” He Said.

Another sports journalist based in Abuja, Ebube Dike said he has no doubt about Chief Orji’s pedigree in ensuring that Nigeria wins the World Cup under him as Nigeria’s President.

“There is no doubt about his capacity and ability as a seasoned sports administrator as well as a trusted politician who have governed his state for two terms and etched his name in sports history that no current or former Governor has attained.

As the governor of Abia State, hé sponsored the state’s Football club, Enyimba International to win the CAF Champions League twice in 2003 and 2004 seasons. He was the first and only Governor to achieve that in the country.

“If you look at Enyimba, despite their relative dominance in the domestic league, it has not been translated to the continent since the Senator left office in 2007.

“Do not also forget, that there was a time he had a go at the CAF presidency. It was because of his football antecedents as well as in sports generally that he was crowned Africa’s Pillar of Sports.

“So I have no doubt about what he can do with regards to sports especially football. Winning the World Cup under him as President is a realisable dream,” he said.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu was the Executive Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007 during which he reconfigured sports in general and football in particular in the state.

Under his governoship, Enyimba International Football Club became a dominant and fearsome club not just in the domestic league – Nigeria Premier League (now Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL) but that dominance was extended to African continent as the club made up of reputable players took the CAF Champions League and Super Cup by storm winning the two trophies back-to-back in 2003 and 2004, 2004 and 2005, respectively.

At the domestic league, the “People’s Governor,” as he was popularly referred by his beloved Abia people, made it possible for Enyimba to win the League on five occasions. Enyimba International FC were champions of the Nigeria league in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2007. Ostensibly, the team had the greater chunk of their 8 league trophies under him.

It is undebatable, that since he left office in 2007, Enyimba have not been able to reincarnate their former self both at home and abroad.

They have only won the league three times since then in 2010, 2015 and 2019.

Since winning the CAF Champions League in the 2000s, Enyimba’s best performance at the continent post-kalu have been Semi-finals in 2008 and 2011 and Confederation Cup in 2018.

As an APC chieftain, It would be easy for the Igbos to clinch power through APC if Orji Kalu wins the presidential ticket in 2023.

Orji Kalu was born on 21st April 1960, he is representing Abia North in the Nigeria Senate. According to IBB, Nigeria “needs a President who is not above 70 who would lead us to the promised land.”

It is hoped that the Igbo political elite as well as the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC will give him the needed maximum support and encouragement to ascend the highest position in the land because beyond sports and football, the Africa’s Pillar of Sports have distinguished himself meritoriously.

And Nigeria football in particular and sports in general will breath a breath of fresh air.

Source: https://bestchoicesports.com.ng/2023-election-nigeria-will-win-world-cup-if-orji-uzor-kalu-becomes-president/