Politics

Kwara Group Stages Massive Protest in Support for CCT trial of Saraki (photos)

Published

9 years ago

March 25, 2016

A non governmental organisation, Movement for Genuine Change on the state of affairs in Kwara State has declared their support for the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The group, which staged a peaceful rally at the Flower Garden, Ilorin yesterday urged federal government to repatriate all the alleged stolen money from the former governor to Kwara State for the payment of civil servants, pensioners and workers in the state.

They displayed different placards such as: “Buhari, No compromised on Corruption; Nigeria is bigger than anybody; Saraki killed Trade Bank; Return all stolen money to Kwara to pay pensioners, workers; Saraki resign now; No more hiding place for the thieves, among others.

While addressing journalists, the group spokesman, Alhaji Tunde Muhammed said Senator Saraki has brought shame to the people by all his actions and with his current trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.”He has turned Kwarans to a laughing stock. However we, the People of Kwara are happy that he is now being prosecuted even though, we expected that long before now, he should have been made to face all corruption related matters that he is alleged to have committed.

“While we support Senator Saraki’ ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, we warn that nobody should attempt to erect any barrier against justice by trying to shield Saraki’s prosecution.

“While we support President Buhari’s anti-corruption war, we noted with sadness that it is only in this country that when the poor and the week transgress the law, the full weight of the law through its punitive mechanism is crushingly brought to bear on them but when the powerful, the mighty, and the rich” offend the law, they do so with relish without the mildest punitive reaction”. Muhammed added that before the emergence of Senator Saraki’s in Kwara state politics, the people of the state and their leaders have no history of “this type of indecent behaviours”.

“Senator Saraki’s case is that of shameless leadership that has always been jumping fence in the face of legitimate prosecution process.” He said the people of Kwara State are grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari and law enforcement agencies for having the courage to take Saraki to court.

Meanwhile, the group alleged that the Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),Kwara State, Chief Iyiola Akogun was invited by the police for questions over their protest on Senator Saraki.

Muhammed who confirmed his arrest after the group protest said he received a phone call by OC Operation of the Kwara State Police to come and he honoured the invitation.

He told journalists that when he got there, he was asked whether the PDP is holding rally today and he said no but he was not released and was still in custody till the time of the rally was over.

When contacted, the Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), Kwara State Command, ASP Ajayi Okasanmi denied the arrest of Chief Iyiola Akogun. He said there was nothing like that”.

culled

News

Tinubu Engages Power Sector Leaders, Pushes for Lasting Energy Reforms

Published

6 days ago

July 25, 2025

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday held a strategic meeting with key stakeholders in Nigeria’s power sector at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, as part of renewed efforts to tackle the nation’s long-standing electricity issues.

The high-level session was chaired by the President, with his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, in attendance.

Also present were some of the industry’s most prominent figures, including Heirs Holdings Chairman, Tony Elumelu; Chairman of the Association of Power Generation Companies, retired Colonel Sani Bello; Managing Director of Sahara Group, Kola Adesina; and Acting Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Musiliu Oseni.

The meeting focused on exploring sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, regulatory reform, and long-term investment.

News

Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda Elected as New APC National Chairman at Party’s 14th NEC Meeting

Published

1 week ago

July 24, 2025

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In a significant development within Nigeria’s ruling political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda has been officially elected as the new National Chairman. His election was ratified at the 14th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party, held in Abuja on Wednesday.

The decision comes following weeks of internal consultations, with Yilwatda emerging as the consensus candidate after the resignation of former Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. Party insiders say the move is part of broader efforts to reposition the APC ahead of upcoming state and national elections, as well as to stabilize internal party structures.

Prof. Yilwatda, a former university lecturer and current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, is well-regarded in both academic and political circles. He previously served as the APC gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State during the 2023 elections and is known for his technocratic approach to leadership. His emergence as chairman is seen by some analysts as a strategic attempt by the APC to blend intellectual credibility with grassroots political experience.

Addressing the NEC and other stakeholders shortly after his election, Prof. Yilwatda expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in him. He pledged to promote unity, discipline, and inclusivity within the party, stating that “a house divided against itself cannot stand.” He also emphasized the importance of returning the party to its founding ideals and promised to foster open dialogue and reconciliation among aggrieved party members.

The NEC meeting, which brought together top-ranking members including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC governors, national assembly members, and other party leaders, also featured deliberations on policy direction, party reforms, and electoral strategies.

President Tinubu, in his remarks, congratulated the new chairman and called for loyalty to the party’s mission of delivering good governance to Nigerians. He stressed the need for organizational discipline, urging members to support the new leadership in building a stronger and more cohesive APC.

As Prof. Yilwatda assumes leadership, expectations are high that he will help steer the APC through the evolving political landscape, mend internal rifts, and strengthen the party’s hold ahead of future elections.

News

ADC Constitution Blocks Peter Obi’s 2027 Presidential Ambition — Clears Path for Atiku, Amaechi, Amaechi

Published

2 weeks ago

July 19, 2025

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) may have ruled out former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from contesting under its platform in the 2027 general election, based on a key provision in its constitution.

According to Article 8 of the party’s Third Schedule on Primary Election Guidelines, all presidential aspirants must not be affiliated with any other political party at the time of their declaration.

This clause could serve as a major roadblock for Obi, who is still officially a member of the Labour Party. His media aide, Mr. Tanko Yunusa, confirmed the development, stating:
“That will be made public if he decides to do that. At the moment, he is still a member of the Labour Party.”

With Obi’s eligibility in question, political observers say the stage may now be set for figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to emerge as strong contenders should they seek the ADC presidential ticket.

This development adds a new twist to the build-up toward the 2027 elections, as opposition alliances and party crossovers continue to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.