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2023: Ibori Ex-convict Negative Status Injurious To Atiku’s Presidential Race.  By Agofure Okpodovan

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2 years ago

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The presidential race of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, may hit the rocks again if the Turaki Adamawa does not distance himself from an ex-convict and corrupt former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori.
The media reported that Ibori is currently flirting around with Atiku over who should be his presidential running mate. And it appears failures associated with previous attempts to become President of Nigerian has been wipes off Atiku’s memory . This time around he may be in for another regrets if the PDP presidential candidate refuses to distance himself from an unrepentant criminal and corrupt ex-onvict, Ibori.
Atiku is aware that acute corruption bedevils this country in monumental proportion and Nigerians neither want to hear nor see any trace of corrupt individuals piloting the presidential campaign of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. Ibori is well known locally and in the international community as a  corrupt, crude and hardened criminal who pleaded guilty for looting Delta State treasury during his tenure as governor between 1999 and 2007.
The Econet (now Airtel) unscrupulous transaction and many other shady deals for which Chief Ibori pleaded guilty and was jailed in London, cannot be forgotten in a hurry. About £4.2 million of Delta State stolen funds by Ibori was repatriated to Nigeria last year and withheld by the federal government. Delta State Government is still battling for the recovery of the money and several billions of Naira in foreign currencies hanging in foreign banks, yet to be repatriated.
Atiku as an experienced politician and a forthright presidential candidate of PDP, is aware of the electoral and electioneering disaster that will befall him and PDP over renewed political romance with a hardened fraudster and ex-convict, Chief James Ibori. This should never be allowed to happen at all.
Ibori of 1999 is no longer the Ibori of 2022, in terms of political relevance and control of Delta State politics. The just concluded gubernatorial primary in the state wherein his partner in money laundering and looting of Delta State treasury, Olorogun David Edevbie, was rejected by delegates arrest to the fact that Ibori is an expired politician.
Atiku cannot afford to take Nigerians for a ride, he must stay away from Ibori otherwise his victory in 2023 cannot be guaranteed.
At the just concluded PDP presidential primary in Anuja, Chief James Ibori could not influence one single delegate votw fort Atiku The state governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, is unarguably the current leader of Delta State politics and Chairman, South-South Governors Forum. He is in perfect control of the state political structures, loved by Deltans, and if Atiku must win in 2023, he should of a necessity avoid ex-convict James Ibori.
It was reported that Ibori accompanied Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to PDP Secretariat for official transactions and this singular act may attract negative public reactions. For him to succeed, he must not be seen to patronise unscrupulous elements, corrupt past leaders and ex-convicts like Chief James Ibori. Atiku must thread with caution this time around.
2023 presidential election is obviously Atiku’s last chance to become Nigeria’s president and he must not waste this golden opportunity because of an ex-convict. Atiku must listen to PDP leaders and NEC of the party to pick his running mate. He must never allow an ex-convict to dictate or determine who become his running mate. Millions of Nigerians will abandon Atiku because of his political romance with Ibori. He must at all cost avoid this foreseeable political and electioneering disaster.
In Delta State, Chief Ibori is no longer in charge of the political structures. He deliberately distanced himself from party politics since he returned to Nigeria after serving his jail term in London. Ibori is only interested in planting rogues in government to steal Delta State resources.
Deltans have resolved never to allow Ibori have access to their state treasury via partners in crime. This also accounted for reasons why his co-conspirator, Olorogun David Edevbie, could not emerge as 2023 governorship candidate in the state. Atiku must not waste this opportunity, he should avoid patronising past corrupt leaders with little or no electoral value.
There is no gainsaying the fact that Ibori is a political leper and a corrupt leader, his personal relationship with Alhaji Atiku Abubakar not withstanding. And if Atiku truly want to win the 2023 presidential election, he must avoid the former rogue governor of Delta State.
As the saying goes “show me your friend and I will tell you who you are.” Darkness and light cannot cohabit, they are separate entities; one is positive and the other is absolutely negative.
Atiku must surround himself with positive leaders and not negative corrupt ex-convicts with no electoral value like Ibori.
If Atiku allow Ibori to dictate who become his running mate, 2023 presidential election will be a monumental disaster for him and his party, because Nigerians will not vote for a candidate who is fraternising with ex-convicts and corrupt past leaders.

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LG Elections: Senator Yayi Criticises Governor Abiodun Over Alleged Imposition of Candidates

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4 weeks ago

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October 12, 2024

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Senator Adeola Olamilekan, popularly known as Senator Yayi, representing Ogun West Senatorial District, expressed strong concerns over the upcoming local government elections in Ogun State. His remarks followed the heated discussion on the Benue LGA elections, which Senator Abba Moro described as a “sham” on the Senate Order Paper. Yayi drew parallels between the situation in Benue and what he termed “undemocratic practices” in Ogun State.
Speaking on the matter, Senator Yayi highlighted the increasing interference by state governors in local government elections, specifically pointing fingers at Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for allegedly handpicking candidates for the upcoming local government polls without conducting proper primaries. According to Yayi, all candidates vying for the 20 chairmanship positions and 236 ward councillor seats in Ogun State’s LGAs were selected based on their loyalty to the governor rather than their competence or popular support.
The senator further alleged that the chosen candidates, all members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), were required to swear an oath of loyalty to Governor Abiodun and the candidates reportedly submitted letters of resignation, effectively surrendering their positions even before assuming office, ensuring that they would remain under the governor’s control, all these alleged to have happened at Mitros Hall, located opposite the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta.
Senator Yayi expressed his frustration over the exclusion of party members who maintained ties with other influential political figures in the state, including former governors and himself. “This imposition of candidates and deliberate sidelining of legitimate party members is not only undemocratic but also dangerous for the future of local governance,” Yayi remarked, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Governor Dapo Abiodun is not the first Ogun State leader to face accusations of manipulating local government elections. Former governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, had similarly been criticized during his tenure for allegedly imposing candidates in local elections, sparking tensions within the state’s APC structure. Other governors in Nigeria, such as Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue and Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna, have also faced similar accusations, raising concerns about the broader issue of state interference in grassroots democracy across the country.
One of the key issues raised by Senator Yayi, and echoed by several other senators during the debate, is the negative impact of not granting local governments full autonomy. Local government autonomy is seen as a vital aspect of democracy, ensuring that grassroots governance is effective, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people. However, the current practice in most states, where governors exercise disproportionate control over local government elections, undermines this principle.
Critics argue that when state governments handpick local government candidates, it leads to a breakdown in democratic processes at the grassroots level. Local government officials, often mere extensions of the governor’s political machinery, become unresponsive to the electorate’s needs. This top-down control stifles innovation, hampers development projects, and creates an environment where local government executives are more loyal to the state governor than the people they were elected to serve.
Senator Yayi stressed that the situation in Ogun State is emblematic of a larger national problem. “If we continue to allow state governments to hijack the local government electoral process, we are undermining democracy itself,” he warned. “Local governments must be allowed to function independently, free from the political manoeuvrings of state governors.”
As Ogun State prepares for its local government elections, the growing dissatisfaction among stakeholders like Senator Yayi raises important questions about the legitimacy of the process. The allegations of candidate imposition and demands for oaths of loyalty represent a significant challenge to democratic norms, and they highlight the urgent need for reform in the relationship between state and local governments in Nigeria.
With tensions rising within Ogun’s APC structure and the local government elections looming, all eyes will be on Governor Dapo Abiodun to see whether the elections will reflect the true will of the people or remain another example of state-level control over grassroots governance.

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APC chieftain Akinterinwa felicitates Adejoke Orelope Adefulure on 65th birthday

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1 month ago

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September 29, 2024

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Wale Akinterinwa, has extended his warm congratulations to the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, on her 65th birthday anniversary.

In a statement on Sunday, Akinterinwa described Orelope-Adefulire, the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State as an iconic woman whose remarkable leadership traits continue to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians and humanity.

Akinterinwa maintained that Orelope-Adefulire has displayed exemplary leadership and compassion both in her private and official capacities.

He praised her for her ‘unforgettable’ contributions to the growth and development of Ile-Oluji community in Ondo state.

The statement reads, “On behalf of myself, my family and the good people of Ile-Oluji, I celebrate an iconic woman, the Special Adviser to the President on Sustainable Development Goals.

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Senator Gbenga Daniel Congratulates Edo Governor-Elect Monday Okpebholo

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1 month ago

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September 24, 2024

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Otunba Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East senatorial district and former governor of Ogun State has extended his congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo following his victory in the Edo State Governorship election held on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
In a message on behalf of the people of Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Daniel commended Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their success in the polls.
Daniel highlighted Okpebholo’s previous role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, where he earned a reputation as a standout leader. He praised Okpebholo for his contributions to the committee, noting his leadership and strong relationships with fellow members.
“Your campaign efforts in towns and villages, combined with your humility and respectful engagement with voters across party lines, have paid off,” Daniel said. He described Okpebholo as a “deep thinker” and “highly responsible strategist,” adding that his election marks a victory for Edo State.
In his closing remark, Otunba Gbenga Daniel concluded by offering his best wishes to Okpebholo as he embarks on his new role as Governor of Edo State, assuring him of his highest regards.
The congratulatory message underscores the unity within the APC and the shared optimism for the newly elected governor’s administration in Edo State.

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