News

Popular Nigerian singer, Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, also known as Oxlade as clinched a new deal with Columbia records.

The development has stirred reaction online as some Nigerians are wondering how the singer got the new contract a month after his sextape was leaked.

Social media users refered to the case of award-winning singer, Tiwa Savage who lost deals and endorsement due to her sextape that got leaked.

The trolls wonder why the society is harsh to women, while it handles cases of men with a soft hand.

Oxlade in a post on Twitter had announced his contract with Columbia records a month after his sex tape leaked.

He wrote, “New beginnings. New Blessings. Let the year begin.”

Columbia records while confirming the deal also wrote on Twitter, “Welcome Oxlade to the Columbia UK family!”

See reactions of some Nigerians who wondered why the society is lenient on cases than involves men:

“Gender privileges will always exist no matter how much people complain, and nothing can be done about that cos we are not the same. Women have their privileges too that men do not have. These are just the peculiarities that come with belonging to any of the genders.”

— Austinochukwu ⭐𓃵 (@Augustinchidi) March 9, 2022

Oxlade got signed to Columbia Records UK after his sex scandal, whereas Tiwa Savage reportedly lost multiple endorsement deals after hers; What a world. Don’t mean to be a killjoy but this alone promotes gender bias in today’s society & it’s appalling to say the least. No shades.

— Daniel Regha (@DanielRegha) March 9, 2022

Gender privileges will always exist no matter how much people complain, and nothing can be done about that cos we are not the same. Women have their privileges too that men do not have. These are just the peculiarities that come with belonging to any of the genders.

— Emmanuel Ossai (@emmanuelossai__) March 9, 2022

Even as the endorsement of Oxlade by the Columbia record not about his sex tape. But I support you fully. The judgment and behavior towards women is something else. Oxlade was even celebrated in Lagos and so while tiwa was call names.

— Araki John (@ArakiJohn3) March 9, 2022

which kind behaviors toward women😏, do u even the kind privilege women dey see wey men no fit see till Jesus come. If me and a girl with same certificate come ur office say make u employ me, shey u no go pick d gurl before me?

— Kay Rapture🇳🇬 (@Kayrapture_) March 10, 2022

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State is set to lose his governorship position following his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking the removal of the governor from office due to his defection to the APC.

In the suit filed by its lawyer, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), the PDP asked the court to declare the impeached Deputy Governor, Mahdi Aliyu Gusau as the duly elected governor of Zamfara State.

The PDP is also asking the court to sack about 37 members of the National Assembly and the state assembly who defected to the APC.

In his reaction, counsel to Matawalle, Mike Ozekhome (SAN) sought an extension of time to file their responses to the matter.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, however, fixed April 7 for a hearing of the suit following an application for joinder and the submissions of lawyers in the matter.

Recall that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, sacked Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State and his Deputy, Dr Eric Kelechi Igwe, for dumping PDP for APC.

Delivering judgement on Tuesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered Umahi and his Deputy to immediately vacate their officer, asking INEC to replace them with a candidate from PDP.

He held that the total number of 393, 042 votes Umahi secured during the March 9, 2019 governorship election in Ebonyi state, belonged to the PDP and cannot be transferred to the APC.

Ekwo said that following the outcome of the governorship election, the office of the governor and deputy governor in Ebonyi state, “belong to the Plaintiff and no other political party”.

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

The Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle may soon lose his office as a Federal High Court has fixed April 7th for hearing into a suit seeking his removal filed by the Peoples Democratic party, PDP. This development is coming shortly after a Federal high court in Abuja sacked the Governor of Ebonyi state, Dave …

The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.

Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has berated Governor Mai Mala Buni over his leadership of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC).

In a statement to newsmen on Thursday personally signed by him, Akeredolu accused Buni and some pocket-filling black legs in corridors of power of trying to supplant President Muhammadu Buhari’s will.

The governor expressed his unconditional support to Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello of Niger State who has taken over the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Akeredolu, most governors are determined to see the party through its current crisis.

He also accused some individuals closed to Buni of shopping for a court injunction to scuttle the upcoming APC national convention.

Akeredolu statement reads: “With nostalgia, one can recall the moments of our struggle as compatriots from all walks of life enunciated and berthed Nigeria’s most ingeniously successful political network. Without being immodest, APC’s birth was a novel instance. The party’s philosophical beacon woven around its ideological leaning was alluring.

“Undoubtedly, the firm leadership, candour and honesty exemplified by Mr President who heads the administration that is the product of the APC deserve no less of support and complimentary responsibilities from all stakeholders.

“The installation of the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the APC was beyond a call to service. It was a child of necessity moulded to one, instill discipline in leadership and engender coherence among stakeholders and more importantly, to deepen the Rule of Law in our party.

“However, the insidious and appalling happenings within our party in the last few months, especially under the immediate-past leadership clearly posit a huge embarrassment. Without necessarily dwelling on details that are known to critical stakeholders, the path taken lately by Governor Mai Mala Buni, the immediate past head of the CECPC and an indivisible few, is a unenviable trajectory undeserving of our dear party. It is a disdainful narrative.

“Nevertheless, the courage and determination as well as shrewd sincerity of purpose demonstrated by most of the APC Governors remain a delight. Significantly, the swift response and prompt action taken by Mr President have, in no small means, salvaged our great party from internal scavengers. We indeed, survived a Civilian Coup largely inspired by mischief and incurable lust for power through artificial barricades.

“Succinctly, aside feeling very delighted as a major stakeholder in the latest successful Rescue Mission, I express my confidence in the ability and capacity of Governor Sanni Bello(ABU LOLO) to take APC through. We, the Governors are for the party except for the few “Yahoo, Yahoo” Governors (apologies to Salihu, former DG of the Progressive Governors’ Forum) who were hand in glove with Buni to circumvent the Will of majority of our Party (APC) members. Progressive Governors in the true name, mostly all of us, are determined to see our Party through these patchy parts at all cost.

“None of the scanty number has the guts to carry out their imaginary threats as reported in sponsored stories. We dare them to leave the party. Their short-lived antics in armtwisting Governor Buni and probably, some pocketfilling elements within the corridors of power to supplant the President’s will through fake letters, endorsements as well as ‘Black Market’ injunction (procured since November, 2021) are despicable.

“Now that the clear motive aimed at frustrating our national convention as been botched, our dear party is on the track to greatness. Gov. Sanni Bello, ABU LOLO, carry on; you have the backing of the majority of us. You shall see our FULL backing come Thursday, 17th March, 2022 at the National Executive Committee meeting.

“But as you know, this is ONLY for the conduct of the NATIONAL CONVENTION.”

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

Popular Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido has revealed how his music career started with three others in a crew.

Davido in an interview with The BeatFM London said his crew members believed in him when it comes to music but he was not the best in academics.

The award-winning singer disclosed that they were rappers and featured in a talent show which they won and that was the beginning of his career.

Davido when asked how his crew members saw him when he began his career said, “It was funny but I was so small then. We were like four in the crew (Annie, Anico, Tobi and Emeka).

“I think I will say I was not the best in academics but I feel like they believed because I loved music. if there was anything they believed was that I was serious, we used to record music, we were like a group.

“So we were rappers, we did a talent show and won and I took it seriously. Any time they see me they would be like eh!!! It happened… It’s great to see! It’s a good feeling like when someone that knew you when you were just like nobody.”

The DMW boss when asked how he felt when performing in the UK said, “The UK has always been amazing because it was my first international show out of Nigeria. My coming to the UK like then when I started music was like you!! I remembered because I grew up around D’banj and some of my mentors. After all, my cousin used to work for them so I always use to be around them in their crib.

“But I used to come for holidays here cause my dad has a house here; so we used to come here. So D’banj at the show, I just told my dad I want to stay at the show and just watch. I was the youngest and they were all just like me. At a point, I performed to a song that nobody knew but it was an opportunity and from that day I was like I need to do this.”

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

Former presidential aide and controversial author, Reno Omokri has reacted to Chidinma Ojukwu contesting in a beauty pageantry while awaiting trial.

Naija News had earlier reported that Ojukwu emerged as the winner of the competition after competing alongside other ladies at the Kirikiri correctional facility.

The development sparked an outrage with some people being welcoming,  while others feel it shows insensitivity to the plight of the Ataga family who are seeking justice for the alleged murder of their son.

Amongst people who expressed displeasure is Reno Omokri condemned the  actions of the prison warden to engage the alleged killer of Super TV CEO, in a beauty pageantry.

According to the controversial author, prison is supposed to be a place of punishment and rehabilitation, adding that once it becomes a place of fun, then the purpose is defeated.

Read his statement below; “Prison is a place of punishment and rehabilitation. Once it becomes a place of fun, the purpose is defeated. How will Usifo’s family feel to see Chidinma prancing about as a beauty queen in prison?Heads should roll, except Chidinma has a prison official sugar zaddy!

“To those saying a beauty contest is rehabilitation and correctional, why were we all annoyed when Buhari had a graduation party for so called repentant Boko Haram? Education, skill acquisition and religious activities are correctional. A beauty contest is luxury!”

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

The suspended Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Lagos State Council, Musiliu Akinsanya better known as MC Oluomo has withdrawn from the national body.

Naija News had reported earlier that the national leadership of the NURTW on Thursday handed an indefinite suspension to its Lagos chapter’s Chairman, Mc Oluomo.

The letter of suspension signed by the NURTW General Secretary, Kabiru Yau accused MC Oluomo of insubordination and inciting members of the union against the national leadership.

The letter dated March 9, 2022, directed MC Oluomo to hand over all union properties in his care to the state secretary and hand over the leadership to his deputy.

Reacting to the suspension, MC Oluomo and all members of the union announced their withdrawal from the national body.

Rising from a meeting at the state secretariat, Agege, Akinsanya said all attempts to have an amicable resolution to the crisis with the national body have failed.

Akinsanya noted that himself and other members from over 200 branches and zones have decided to withdraw their membership to promote peace in the state.

According to him, members have protested to the Lagos State Government about the state of affairs in the union.

“Being a law abiding and responsible citizens, we have decided to explore all avenues for peace in the interest of all, we will not support any action that can threaten the peace that we cherish so much in Lagos State,” Akinsanya is quoted as saying.

“Therefore, I, Comrade Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, on behalf of the State Administrative Council (SAC), State Executive Council (SEC) members and the entire union rank and file members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Lagos State Council with over 200 Branches and Zones hereby resolve to immediate withdraw of our membership and operation from the National body of NURTW for peace to reign in Lagos State and to write the Lagos State Governor, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation (MOT) and other relevant agencies about our decision,” he said.

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

The Lagos State Transport Union has withdrawn its membership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW. This development is coming shortly after the national union suspended the chairman of the Lagos state chapter, Musiliu Akinsanya alias MC Oluomo. Rising from an emergency meeting at the state secretariat at Agege, MC Oluomo said; “Being …

The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may suffer yet another disappointment on the conduct of it’s National Convention.

Naija News reports that as a majority of party faithfuls are still celebrating the ousting of the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) fresh facts emerging shows the convention may not go ahead as planned.

Having repeatedly rescheduled the party congress, Buni led committee had scheduled Saturday, 26th March 2022 for the national convention of the party for the purpose of electing national officials.

The Yobe State Governor is now no longer in the picture as he has been replaced with Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State who is expected to take over affairs of the party at the national secretariat.

With two weeks away from the ruling party’s earlier announced date for the convention, reports obtained by Naija News on Thursday suggested many factors that would stop the exercise.

Though an official statement is yet to be released in respect to the development, revelations to newsmen today, however, noted that, aside from the in-house crisis bedevilling the ruling party, there are other legal and technical impediments standing against the national convention.

Aside from other lingering issues in the party, a subsisting court order restraining APC from conducting its national convention has not been vacated nor appealed as at the time of this report.

Naija News understands that a Bwari division of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, in suit number FCT/HC/CV/2958/2021, had restrained the ruling party from holding its convention, until a substantive suit has been heard and determined.

The suit, filed by Hon. Salisu Umoru at the court, had the APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Governor Buni, as respondents.

“That the 1st Defendant/Respondent can only conduct its national convention after the hearing and determination of the substantive suit pending before this honourable court,” the court order is observed to have read.

Justice Bello Kawu, also ruled that “in the interest of justice, accelerated hearing of the substantive suit is hereby ordered.

“That this matter is hereby adjourned to the 10th day of January 2022 for hearing of the substantive suit at High Court No. 15, Kubwa, FCT-Abuja.”

While there is pressure on the APC to hurriedly conduct the congress, the court recently adjourned a hearing of the substantive matter to March 30, after which the party will know its fate on whether to go ahead with its national convention or not.

According to Daily Post, these limited timeframe given by the INEC’s guidelines would spell doom for the APC during the 2023 general elections.

With two subsisting judgements in respect to Rivers and Zamfara states APC candidacies in the 2019 general elections, it would now translate to the party not fielding any legitimate candidate in any of the general elections in 2023.

The fact remains that, the court order restraining INEC and the APC/CECPC is still in force and valid until it is vacated. As of Thursday morning, two weeks to the planned convention, the order had not been vacated.

A section in the newly passed and signed amendment to the Electoral Act is another big trouble for the APC as the party continue to face a puzzle over the conduction of its convention.

Section 82(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), reads: “Every registered political party shall give the Commission at least 21 days’ notice of any Convention, Congress, Conference or Meeting convened for the purpose of ‘merger’ and electing members of the executive committee, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any of the elective offices specified under this Act”

The simple interpretation of this clause means that, after the order is vacated, APC/CECPC needs to give INEC 21 days’ notice that it wants to conduct a national convention. Today is 10th March, the order still subsists, already making a notice of 21 days for convention impossible.

With INEC having published an elections timetable, the APC is now under pressure to meet stipulated timelines, failing which it may not be able to field candidates in the 2023 general elections, Naija News reports.

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

Many passengers have reportedly lost their lives in a multiple crash accident which occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Naija News reports that the accident involved two vehicles and a tanker which went up in flames around the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry (MFM) Prayer City.

The Spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Ogun Command, Florence Okpe, confirmed the dire incident to newsmen in Abeokuta.

She said “A multiple crash involving a Tanker and two other vehicles just occurred around mountain of fire church on the outward section of the LAGOS-IBADAN Expressway.

“There is an outbreak of fire at the scene. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously and remain calm until the fire is extinguished.”

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the schedule for its 95th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

In a statement released on Thursday, the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Samuel N. Anyanwu, revealed that the 95th NEC Meeting of party will hold on Thursday in Abuja.

The statement enjoined all members of the National Executive Committee of the party to be in attendance, Naija News reports.

Anyanwu explained further that the meeting would take place at the party’s national headquarters, Wadata House in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Naija News understands that the country’s major opposition party will discuss crucial matters at the meeting ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Meanwhile, some stakeholders within the Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have said they have had enough of Governor Godwin Obaseki and his administration, hence he should leave the party immediately.

Recall that the Edo State Governor resigned his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in June 2020.

Obaseki’s resignation from APC followed his disqualification from contesting the party’s governorship primary election then slated for June 22.

The incumbent governor who was having a political battle with his predecessor and the then national chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole, was received into the PDP fold and also given all the support he needed.

Barely two years after his reception into the opposition fold, some PDP stakeholders in Edo State are now pointing fingers at the incumbent governor.

In a statement obtained by Naija News on Wednesday, a faction within the party, the PDP Defenders Forum, slammed Obaseki over threats issued to dissatisfied party members regarding his leadership style.

The group as contained in the statement signed by its coordinator Ken Ekpe, lamented the attitude of the governor and his supporters to those who were members of the party before they joined.

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

The Lagos state Police command has ordered a total beef-up of security around motor parks in the state. POLITICS NIGERIA reports that this is coming on the heels of the indefinite suspension of the Lagos State Chapter Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly called MC Oluomo, over alleged …

The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.

Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), while reacting to the apology tendered by the Governor of Ebonyi state, Dave Umahi over the uncomplimentary statement made against a judge, revealed it will appeal to Justice Inyang Ekwo and the Chief Justice of Nigeria to accept it.

Recall that Dave Umahi, on Tuesday, described his removal from office by Justice Inyang Ekwo as “a hatchet” man’s job, which had unsettled NBA who described Umahi’s comments as a national embarrassment and unacceptable.

Following the backlash, Umahi apologized while addressing over two thousand members of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC, in Ebonyi State at a solidarity rally that took place at the Udensi roundabout on Wednesday.

Reacting to the apology, NBA President, Olumide Akpata via his Facebook page, confirmed the apology, adding that NBA will forward same apology to Ekwo and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko.

“Following that Statement, H.E. Engr. Umahi made extensive efforts to reach me and in the course of our conversation, I reiterated that the NBA has no interest in the case other than to ensure that the sanctity of the judicial system is protected & the rule of law respected.

“In line with our demands, H.E. Engr. Umahi addressed a cross section of Ebonyi State citizens, where he unreservedly apologised for his comments, clarified his intentions and very importantly too, called for calm from his supporters while urging them to refrain from denigrating the Judiciary.

“I will immediately transmit this apology to His Lordship, Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo and My Lord the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, who is the head of the Judiciary in Nigeria, and urge them to also accept same,” Akpata stated.

The NBA president also explained the procedure for challenging unfavourable decisions of courts is to appeal it.

“Now that the right thing has been done and the appeal process has been activated, we shall resume our backseat and allow the process take its course. As far as the NBA is concerned, this brings an end to this unfortunate episode but we hope that important lessons have been learnt,” he added.

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Iyorchia Ayu, on Thursday, gave Senator Ademola Adeleke his Certificate of Return as the governorship candidate of the party in the July 16 governorship election in Osun State.

Recall that Adeleke was declared the winner of the party’s governorship primary election held on March 8th, 2022.

The Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo who happened to be the chairman of the primary declared Adeleke as the winner of the electoral process.

Ewhrudjakpo stated that Senator Adeleke polled 1,887 votes to win the governorship ticket of the party ahead of the Osun State governorship election.

The Chairman of the primary election while declaring Adeleke as the winner noted that 1,916 delegates were accredited, while 24 invalid votes were recorded.

The Chairman of the party, Ayu presented the certificate to Adeleke at the Wadata Plaza in Abuja on Thursday.

Adeleke was accompanied by his supporters to receive the certificate of return.

See photo below:

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

The manager of La Liga side, Barcelona, Xavi Hernandez has released the full squad list to play against Galatasaray in the Europa League round of 16 first-leg tie today (Thursday).

Xavi released the 22-man squad list in a post on the official website of the club.

Recall that Barcelona eliminated Napoli to qualify for the Europa League last-16.

The La Liga side head to the game following a 2-1 win over Elche.

See the squad list below:

Ter Stegen, Dest, Piqué, R. Araujo, Sergio, Riqui Puig, O. Dembélé, Memphis, Adama, Braithwaite, Neto, Lenglet, Pedri, L. De Jong, Jordi Alba, Ferran, F. De Jong, O. Mingueza, Eric, Aubameyang, Nico and Arnau Tenas.

The kick-off time for the game is 9 pm.

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

The Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, has not received any letter suspending him, his spokesman, Jimoh Buhari, said on Thursday. POLITICS NIGERIA had reported earlier today that MC Oluomo was suspended by the NURTW national leadership in Abuja, for insubordination, misconduct …

The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.

A viral video on social media has sparked reactions after a rich man was captured on camera doing something that calls for questioning.

In the video seen by Naija News on Facebook, the unidentified rich man is seen spraying money at a couple as they dance at their wedding.

His actions, however, has raised many eyebrows as he used one of the notes to wipes the bride and groom’s face before walking away with the particular note.

According to Munachy Harry, a social media user who shared the video, the wedding event took place in Imo state in January 2022.

Nigerians on the internet have been asking questions about the event, as they suggest the rich man’s action is weird and should be investigated.

Sharing the video, Harry captioned: “Let’s all be careful. Things are really happening.
As seen on the video below.

“A marriage was held somewhere in Imo, a man came and was spraying the couple dollars.

“At the end, he took one of the dollars rub it on their faces, and went away with it. The strange thing is, Why did he use it to rub their faces?

“Why didn’t he drop it after rubbing it on their faces? I pray nothing happens to the couple.”

Watch the viral video clip below:

[video width="234" height="426" mp4="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Couples-Rubbed-with-Money-on-their-faces.mp4"][/video]

See some of the reactions that followed below:

A Facebook user, Paul Mary was curious how the couples were carried away by the event not to have noticed what the man was doing to them.

She wrote: “They were just carried away by the money, I think something is wrong somewhere may God help us.”

On his part, Okechukwu Orabueze suggests the rich man’s action is beyond physical and hence should be investigated.

The netizen wrote: “The money he used wiped their destinies (cleaned their faces), he didn’t drop it and that sends a serious signal to the legends. Let them look for that man for spiritual release.”

Meanwhile, Uwakwe Gad Anya was offended by the Cameraman who possibly may have noticed the moment but kept mute.

“The cameraman must be vary stupid. After recording such he still kept quiet and let the evil go.
May this not be our portion in Jesus name,” Anya prayed.

“And they are there jubilating whereby the man has done the worst on the couple…he has taken what is bigger than the money he sprayed.

“This couple needs to go for deliverance, they need serious prayers”, curious Blessing Madu wrote.

Also reacting, Glory Uzoeke Uzuegbu believed that the man’s power will fail since his ‘secret’ has been exposed.

“For posting and exposing it, the man has failed. He is doomed. The mouths of people are God’s mouth.
Wind will carry that note,” the netizen wrote.

“They should locate the man show him the video as evidence In case if anything happens to them they will hold him responsible,” Chiamaka C Agwunenu commented.

Chioma Ozonna Chiedozie, however, disagreed that the event was a wedding. He was curious if it was some kinda ritual that demands the scenario.

The Facebook user wrote: “It doesn’t look like a wedding to me. Could they be performing some rituals that require that? Hmmm nothing is impossible. Some humans are evil.

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed how the governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma can end insecurity and deal with the bad boys in his state.

Obasanjo advised the governor to ensure youth participation in all areas of the economy as a means of curbing insecurity.

The former president shared his ideas during a dinner organized by Uzodimma to mark the former leader’s 85th birthday in Owerri on Wednesday.

He advised the governor to overlook the behavior of the youths and make use of them as much as possible.

According to him: “Hope is your name, it means a lot because life without hope is meaningless.

“There are three categories of bad boys: those genuinely frustrated and angry, those who are being sponsored by politicians for political vendetta, and those who by nature are criminally minded.

“We have to find a solution if insecurity remains a problem in our society. And for the genuinely frustrated and militants, we have to learn to deal with them by talking to them.”

This article was originally published on Nigeria News

The National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has emphasized the need for the party to strengthen its internal democratic processes in order to remain relevant.

Tinubu in a personally signed statement sent to Naija News on Thursday said APC must not be allowed to become like other parties.

The former Lagos State Governor went ahead to praise the fatherly role of President Muhammadu Buhari in leading and keeping the party together since its formation but pointed out that stakeholders within the APC have more to do by remaining democratic and fair.

Tinubu pointed out that party objectives must always be superior to personal ambitions so the party would not go astray and will be able to overcome all challenges that may arise.

He recalled how President Buhari whom he described as a founder of the party, himself, and other stalwarts have invested time, energy, ideas, and resources in forming the APC, urging that their efforts must not be allowed to become a waste.

He commended all those working for the good of the party and urged them to keep the collective goal in mind.

According to Tinubu, the APC must not be allowed to go the way of other political parties in the country.

“Recently, President Buhari made a characteristically concise and important statement regarding the strength and purpose of our political party, All Progressives Congress,” he said.

“He underscored the need for the party to perfect its internal processes so that it keeps faith to the progressive purpose for which it was founded: to bring forth a better society through just and compassionate good governance.

“While the election season is upon us and politics begins to acquire a heavy intensity, we must never lose sight of this higher purpose, this greater good. Like the president said, we all must recall how progressive forces forged an alliance that produced the APC.

“Our party came into being to answer the call of reform so that progressive governance for the good of all Nigerians could be established in the land. President Buhari won the 2015 election and was re-elected. But the essential task of fundamental reform and improvement of society has not been completed.

“We still have vital work to do. But the work can only be done by a party which is democratic and fair in governing itself as well as in governing the nation. This means that while people pursue their political goals they must also and always kept the greater collective purpose in mind.

“Let us be guided by the progressive and enlightened reason for the party. If we do so, the party shall not go astray or be riven by personal agendas and competition that becomes so heated that it turns into animus.

“Let us be more united in democratic purpose and practice. In this way we shall surmount the challenges, and complications inherent in any electoral cycle. The party can then gird itself for its finer purpose, giving the people the chance at better lives in a better society.

“Again, we all should thank the president for the Sunday remarks which he made. We should take full notice of the enduring import of what he said, his eyes on his legacy, on leaving behind a worthy legacy. Let us keep the APC on its rightful path and reject any ruse or artifice that would cause the party to betray its great calling.

“Many progressive leaders had invested time, energy, ideas and resources in forming the APC with a view to providing a better Nigeria. The president is a founder of this party. I too have lent my humble bit. As founding fathers of this party, we must continue to guard its purpose.

“Let not the APC descend into the ways and rank of the other parties. Instead, may we strive to be an exemplar for a caring and democratic society. Only in this manner can we ensure the legacy of the party while leading our nation to its greater improvement.

“We must also commend our president for assenting to the 2022 amendments to the Electoral Act. The new law will hopefully aid in the national pursuit of the fairest elections possible. As such, the act may prove to be a historic milestone on our nation’s democratic journey,” Tinubu added.

This article was originally published on Nigeria News