Politics
Kanu: Fayose Hails S’East Governors, Says Buhari Can’t Bully Opposition
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has commended governors of the South-east states for their Wednesday’s meeting with the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
He said: “The meeting has provided a veritable platform which all Igbos must key into otherwise they will remain guinea pig as long as this country exists.”
The governor, who appealed to the federal government to allow political solutions to agitations by Nigerians as against the use of brute force, which, he said had become the hallmark of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government, said he remained committed to the call for full and total restructuring of Nigeria through dialogue and negotiation because it was too late for Nigeria to disintegrate.
Special Assistant to the governor on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, said in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti yesterday that Fayose said he was “particularly glad that South-east governors have come to the realisation that they cannot ignore their own in times like this as agitations are normal and must not be ignored, although the approach should be handled with caution.”
He blamed the actions and utterances of President Buhari for the agitations going on in the country, saying; “The father figure of this country is President Buhari and if his language does not represents unity, there will be agitations like we are witnessing now.
“A father figure rallies even the bad boys in his house. His utterances and actions when he became President were against the unity of this country. How can a president say that he will only attend to the needs of those who gave him 97 per cent vote and neglect others who didn’t vote for him.
“For Nigeria to move forward and in unity; there must be no sectionalism, there must be no oppression and there must be justice and equity.”
The governor, who commended the northern leaders for standing up to ensure that the Arewa youths’ quit notice against the Igbos in the North was resolved and withdrawn without necessarily arresting and detaining anyone, said; “I am sure that the same can be achieved by the Igbo leaders as arresting or re-arresting Kanu may be counterproductive as it may be perceived as vilification of the entire South-east geopolitical, zone and not necessarily Kanu as a person.”
The statement read in part- “This meeting has provided a veritable platform, which all Igbos must key into otherwise they will remain guinea pig as long as this country exists.
“That His Royal Highness, Eze Israel Okwu Kanu, the father of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu and elder-statesman, Professor Ben Nwabueze (SAN), were part of the meeting is a sign of strong determination and unity on the part of the South-east leaders and their governors, which I believe will end up in the amicable resolution of all issues involved, especially by pro-Biafra activists, especially the IPOB.
“While I appeal to the federal government to allow political solutions to agitations by Nigerians as against the use of brute force, which, regrettably, has become the hallmark of this administration, I remain committed to the call for full and total restructuring of Nigeria through dialogue and negotiation. Even though it is too late for Nigeria to disintegrate, we do not need APC kind of restructuring.”
Politics
Oseni Salutes Senator Folarin’s Decades of Service at 61
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, has paid tribute to former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, on his 61st birthday, celebrating his decades of dedicated service and contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), lauded Folarin’s unwavering commitment to leadership and the well-being of the people.
Highlighting the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial nominee in the 2023 elections for three terms in the Senate, the lawmaker noted that Folarin’s legacy of service continues to be a guiding light for emerging leaders and a source of inspiration for countless individuals across the state.
“Senator Folarin has built an admirable legacy through years of selfless public service, consistently advocating for progress and unity,” remarked Oseni.
Reflecting on Folarin’s role as the Ikolaba Olubadan of Ibadanland, the lawmaker commended his leadership approach, which has bridged divides, fostered coalitions, and promoted initiatives aimed at stabilising democracy.
“Senator Folarin’s career is an example of visionary leadership,” he added, “and his commitment to public service will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
As Senator Folarin marks this milestone, Oseni extended warm wishes for his continued health and success, expressing hope that his exemplary life of service will keep inspiring positive change across the nation.
Politics
Ugandan Court Hands Ex-LRA Commander 40-Year Sentence
In a historic ruling, a Ugandan court on Friday sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison.
This landmark decision, marking the first time a member of the notorious LRA has faced trial for war crimes in a Ugandan court, follows the group’s brutal two-decade insurgency against the Ugandan government.
Kwoyelo, who was convicted in August on 44 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, faced charges including murder, rape, torture, pillaging, abduction, and the destruction of settlements for internally displaced people.
Michael Elubu, lead judge of the case at the International Crimes Division (ICD) of Uganda’s High Court, delivered the sentence in the northern city of Gulu, underscoring a rare moment of accountability in the decades-long history of the LRA’s violence.
Judge Elubu stated that Kwoyelo retains the right to appeal both his conviction and sentence within 14 days.
Kwoyelo, who was abducted by the LRA at the age of 12 and later rose to a low-level command position within the organization, denied all charges brought against him.
The Lord’s Resistance Army, founded by Joseph Kony in the 1980s, sought to establish a regime based on the Ten Commandments. Under Kony’s leadership, the group unleashed widespread terror across Uganda and neighboring regions, resulting in over 100,000 deaths and the abduction of 60,000 children.
The violence eventually spread to Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Central African Republic.
Politics
“A Perfect Fit”: Rep Oseni Applauds Sunday Dare’s Appointment as Presidential Adviser on Public Communications
The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has hailed the appointment of Chief Sunday Dare, Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication and National Orientation, describing it a “perfect fit.”
In a statement released Thursday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni praised Chief Dare’s extensive background in journalism and public service, adding that his vast experience will significantly enhance national communications and orientation efforts.
“Chief Dare’s illustrious career, from his pioneering role in Nigerian journalism as a founding member of The News and Tempo magazines to his strategic leadership as Minister of Youth and Sports Development under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, speaks volumes about his commitment to national development,” he remarked.
Oseni, who also represents the Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state, noted that Chief Dare’s new role comes at a critical time when fostering national unity and effective public engagement is crucial, stressing that his deep understanding of media, both locally and internationally, will strengthen public trust in government communications.
“As an accomplished journalist and public servant, Chief Dare is uniquely positioned to reshape the national narrative and bolster public confidence in government communication efforts,” the lawmaker said.
He expressed confidence that Dare’s appointment will not only advance the ideals of democracy and transparency but also serve as a point of pride for Ogbomosoland and Oyo State.
The APC chieftain wished Chief Dare success in his new role, pledging his unwavering support in ensuring the objectives of the office are fully achieved.
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