CODIFIER

...urges security agencies to investigate, prosecute persons found culpable The attention of the Kogi State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to allegations making the rounds on social media of an alleged abduction of the Witnesses of Action Alliance by persons suspected to be APC Supporters within the premises of the National Judicial Institute (NJI) where the Kogi State Governorship  Election Tribunal is currently sitting.  While it is reported that the said witnesses were abducted within the NJI premises, some other reports stated that it was outside the premises. While some reports alleged that the said witnesses have been released by their abductors, some reports alleged that they are still in the custody of their alleged abductors.  The APC Kogi State Chapter categorically refutes the mischievous allegation that any of its supporters abducted  witnesses of the Action Alliance political party or even had any altercation with any witne...

. Declares 'Kogi State is working, editors highly impressed'  The Nigerian Guild of Editors has commended the Kogi State Government for what it described as a highly impressive performance in infrastructure, education and health.  The Guild gave the commendation during a tour of some of the projects initiated and completed under the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello.  The President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, who briefed journalists at the end of the project tour, specifically said, from what he and other editors had seen, first-hand, the former governor had left a legacy worthy of emulation in critical sectors.  He, however, added that the current Governor of the state, Alhaji Usman Ododo, was doing well to consolidate on the good work of his predecessor.  The NGE was in Lokoja to hold its standing committee meeting. In all, about 40 editors, across the print, electronic and online media participated in the meeting. The editors use...

. Court adjourns to Feb 22, 23 for continuation of trial Drama erupted on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged that its main witness, Rabiu Musa, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022: FRN v. Ali Bello & Anor, had been scared away from trial.  The witness, an Abuja based Bureau De Change operator, was alleged to have been threatened, following his appearance at the last trial and got scared. Lawyer to the anti-graft agency, Hannatu Kofamaisa, made the allegations at the resumed trial of Ali Bello and Daudu Suleiman. She told Justice James Omotoso that the witness would not be in court to continue his evidence, based on his experience of threats at the last adjourned date, adding that she had called the witness five times but that he was no longer picking her calls. Counsel to Ali Bello, Abdullahi Aliu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, told the court that he would not react to the EFCC's allegations because the...

Anti-Corruption Civil Society Organisations, on Wednesday, warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, under the leadership of Ola Olukoyede, to refrain from allowing "cankerworms of the previous management left in the system" rubbish his credentials as the Head of the Commission.  The over 300 anti-corruption activists, under seven broad frontline organisations, noted that it was pertinent for them to sound an early note of warning in view of the fact that the misuse of the EFCC by political gladiators, as a veritable tool of victimization and score-settling, which they thought had been tackled, was suddenly rearing its head again.  The anti-corruption Civil Society Organisations advised the EFCC boss to sit up and stop the Commission from being accessed by "political miscreants who think EFCC is an extension of their political structures to be manipulated at will." They specifically referred to the Kogi State Government's press statement, which was re...

The Kogi State Government has raised the alarm over what it described as a desperate attempt by "criminals masquerading as politicians" to tarnish the image of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, HE Yahaya Bello, for selfish reasons, through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.  The state government said, in its desperation, "which would leave Nigerians wondering who exactly is afraid of Yahaya Bello", the EFCC has, in an amended charge, accused the former Governor of diverting Kogi State Government funds in September 2015, four months before he assumed the position of a Governor. It said this was not only laughable but portrayed the EFCC as an agency infested with persons whose intents disagree with the noble intention of Mr. President to defeat corruption in Nigeria.  A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information in Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo, said, "The fact that the EFCC, in charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022: FRN V. 1. Ali Bello 2. Dau...

Trial continued, on Monday, in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022: FRN V. Ali Bello & Anor, before Justice J. K Omotosho at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division.  The 1st and 2nd Defendants' Counsel, A.M Aliyu SAN and Nureini Jimoh SAN, respectively, cross examined the Prosecution’s 2nd  Witness, Edward Bananda, from the United Bank for Africa, with respect to the evidence he tendered (Statements of Accounts).  The witness, upon a perusal of the entire bank statements he produced at trial, stated that he could not remember seeing the names of Ali Bello and Dauda Suleiman as beneficiaries who made withdrawals from the Account tendered.  He, however, confirmed that one Abdulsalam Hudu made most of the withdrawals from the account statements.  The Witness also stated that he played no role in the entries contained in the Statements of Account and only became a witness in the matter due to EFCC's invitation.  Edward Bananda also confirmed that the cash...

• Controversies Trail Aiyerin's Plan to rejoin APC  A former commissioner for Agriculture under governor Mimiko's administration, Charles Olusegun Aiyerin, has been resisted members and leaders of All Progressives Congress, APC, in his political ward, Ilutitun Ward I, in Okitipupa local government area of Ondo State. Aiyerin was alleged to be a mole of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, being the party he left the APC for in the heat of the 2023 general elections and publicly worked for, against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). It was argued that he had not formally return to the APC as he openly did for PDP, and thus cannot be trusted. It would be recalled that Ayerin publicly resigned from APC in a letter dated 6th of February, 2023, addressed to the Chairman, Ward one Ilutitun in a disparaging manner that put the APC in a public odium.  In the letter and subsequently, Aiyerin allegedly castigated and campaigned vigorously against all the APC candi...

The commanding officer in charge of Ondo State Chapter of the Tantita Security Services, Senior High Chief Felix, Idowu Gbemijoye Asonja, has extended his hearty congratulations to the new governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. Asonja, on Wednesday, in a statement he personally signed and made public, regretted the sudden passage of former governor Akeredolu. He prayed that against a reoccurrence of  similar incidence in the affairs of the state. His words: "The sudden passage of Governor Akeredolu is a very devastating occurrence. Personally, I feel a personal sense of loss and pray that God will grant his soul enduring repose. I sympathise with the entire Akeredolu family and the entire state. The Senior High Chief extended heartfelt congratulations to Governor Aiyedatiwa whom he described as a man who has what it takes to lead the state in a time like this. "I felicitate the new helmsman, Governor Aiyedatiwa, very heartily, and p...

With High Chief( Dr) Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore JP, FCILG, Chairman De Wayles Group of Companies ON  MOMENTOUS OCCASION OF HIS   BIRTHDAY JANUARY 6TH 2024 WITH A FULL PAGE PAID ADVERT IN THE VANGUARD NEWSPAPER. On the 6th of January 2024, High Chief( Dr) Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore JP, FCILG ,  Chairman De Wayles Group of Companies Celebrated his Birthday and the Conferment of Honorary  Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) on him by the Prestigious Highstone University.  Sacramento USA. The Management and Staff of WELLINGTON HOTEL Ltd  booked a full page advert  in the vanguard Newspaper to celebrate the auspicous moment. Above  is the pictoria published   online Dated January 8, 2024

. Commend gov for prompt salary payment, 50% hazard allowance, solid infrastructure, others The Nigerian Medical Association, Kogi State chapter, has lauded Governor Yahaya Bello for his massive investments in Kogi health sector, declaring that the governor's giant strides in the sector are unmatched in the country. The medical doctors said under the administration of Governor Bello, the health sector received the greatest attention and commitment in terms of standard health care delivery for the people of the state in the last eight years, noting that "this has never been witnessed before in the state." Kogi NMA, in a goodwill message written to the governor and signed by its Chairman, Dr. Baoku Olusola and Secretary, Dr. Jonah Bola Kelvin, heaped praises on Governor Bello for prioritising the health sector and funding it massively. The doctors maintained that the infrastructure and plethora of other health care facilities built by the current administration ...

+ The former Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr Owolabi Olaide Adelami, mni  hereby commiserate with the family of Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, the government of Ondo State, the good people of Owo kingdom and the entire Ondo state over the passage of H.E. Arakunrin Odunayo Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, the Governor of Ondo state who answered the ultimate call on wednesday 27th of December 2023 at the age of 67 after a prolonged illness.  The Owo born retired public servant described the passing away of Akeredolu as a big blow to the people of Ondo State especially to Owo kingdom as the ancient town lost one of her illustrious son. Adelami elougises Akeredolu on his fairless and unique leadership style, describe him as a notable son of Owo, who will be remembered for his diligent support for the security of lives and prosperities of the good people of Ondo State through the establishment  of a security outfit otherwise known as Àmòtékùn in the south western...

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has presented 25 ambulances to all the local government areas of the state and some tertiary institutions as well as fire fighting vans to the state's Fire Service in Lokoja. These were part of efforts to further aid the smooth functioning of the state’s health sector adjudged as one of the best in the country currently, in line with the State government's prioritisation of the sector and to enable quicker handling of emergencies.  The Governor also presented 40 SUV cars and four Hilux vans to the state’s lawmakers and judges at a brief ceremony on Friday, in Lokoja, the state capital.  Governor Bello stressed that the autonomy granted to the legislature and Local Government was geared towards service delivery, noting that the Judiciary, Legislature and Local Governments had enjoyed their autonomy under his administration. He said, "Today we can boost of a reference specialist hospital in Okene, that has been adjudged the best in Sub Sah...

In their determination to derail the Edo Agenda for a Governor of Esan extraction in 2024 being championed by Governor Godwin Obaseki , some aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state have decided to join forces together.  In a meeting held in the Abuja residence of the South South Zonal Chairman of the PDP on Thursday, the aspirants undertook to collapse their ambition and present a common front against the perceived favourite of the Governor, Barr. Asue Ighodalo.  Aspirants who attended the meeting included Comrade Philip Shuaibu,  Rt. Hon. Ogbeide Ihama and Hon. Felix Akhabue aka Joefel.  In the meeting also were Chief Dan Obih, Chief Benjamin Ceaser the State Treasurer,  Destiny Oreye the State Youth leader, Barr Nosa Adams, Hon. Johnson Agbolagba,  Mrs Lucy Omagbon, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye, Hon. Jude Imague and Hon. Zuberious Edeoghon.  According to an insider, they all agreed that Barr Asue Ighodalo will win the primary if they all...

Former Osun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande, has attributed the peaceful conduct of the Kogi State governorship election on November 11 to the broad acceptance of the All Progressives Congress candidate, Usman Ododo.   During the reception of Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor-Elect Ododo at his Abuja residence on Thursday, Akande expressed commendation.  He lauded Governor Bello for overseeing the remarkably peaceful election and urged the governor-elect to remain true to his promises and steadfast in fulfilling the responsibilities of his new office. Governor Yahaya Bello, while speaking during the visit, assured citizens and party stakeholders that the state’s governor-elect, Usman Ododo, would fulfill his campaign promises to the people with increased development in the state. He also emphasised Ododo's commitment to delivering on electoral pledges. Governor Bello acknowledged the significant roles played by Baba Akande before, during, and after the November 1...

'Melaye has no confidence in himself, not just Judiciary'  The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress has said that the Social Democratic Party has a lot of explaining to do as regards the purported attack on the Secretary of the Election Tribunal in Kogi State, which was said to have occurred in "spurious circumstances". Addressing a press conference at the APC National Secretariat, in Abuja, on Thursday, the National Publicity Secretary (NPS)  of the party, Felix Morka, said SDP's utterances and actions, prior to, and since the purported occurrence, betrayed "suspicious special knowledge of the incident" and called on security agencies to do a thorough investigation into the alleged incident. The party condemned, as dangerous, the incendiary rhetoric of opposition figures in Kogi State who continued to inflame passion and incite strife, noting that "their actions and utterances provide a charged atmosphere for escalation of vi...

The Kogi State Police Command has urged the general public to refrain from statement that “may prejudice ongoing investigation into” the alleged attack on the Tribunal Secretary, David Mike.  The Spokesperson for the Command, SP Williams Ovye Aya, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Lokoja, the state capital.  The statement reads, “On Monday 04/12/2023 about 1820hrs, one Mr David Umar Mike 'm', Secretary to Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, along with Labode Apreala (f) Confidential Secretary and Hassimu Adamu, Assistant Secretary, came to State Criminal Investigation Department, Kogi State Police Headquarters and reported that on the said date, the three of them left their Hotel rooms in Lokoja about 1300hrs heading to their Office at the High Court Complex driving in his (David’s) Peugeot 406 car.” “That just before the CBN at about 1320hrs, one SUV vehicle which had earlier overtaken him blocked his car with two other SUVs following behind.” “Al...

Our attention has been drawn to desperate moves by the Social Democratic Party in Kogi State and ethnic jingoists to paint the state unsafe by orchestrating supposed attacks on the Secretary of the Tribunal, Mr. Mike David, to cover up their already exposed plans of filing petition against the November 11 election outside the period allowed under the Electoral Act. Recall that some patriotic lawyers, from across the three senatorial districts of the state, had, in the early hours of Monday, alerted the public to the clandestine plan of the SDP and its Governorship candidate to file their petition through the backdoor and backdate same in order to circumvent the provisions of the Electoral Act. It is not hard for the discerning to see through the concocted lies and warped strategy of the SDP, as the purpoted attack on the Tribunal Secretary was said to have occurred on the day their dubious, anti-democratic plan was exposed. Why was he not attacked before the midnight of December 3, 202...

. Call on Tribunal to fish out members allegedly contracted to execute plan . Vow to challenge any move contrary to law with 'incontrovertible facts' Lawyers and Activists from Kogi State have raised the alarm over what they described as a clandestine move by the Social Democratic Party and its Governorship candidate to file their petition against the outcome of the November 11 election through the backdoor and backdate same to circumvent the provisions of the Electoral Act. The lawyers, under the aegis of the United Front for Democracy, raised the alarm following the closure of the window allowed for the filing of electoral petition with all allegations and petition relating to the petition front-loaded, in line with Section 134 of the Electoral Act. They spoke at a press conference in Lokoja, on Monday.  Convener, United Front for Democracy, Barr. Yetunde Olubunmi Shaibu, who spoke on behalf of the activists, said they had credible intelligence that the SDP candidate had yet ...

The Kogi State All Progressives Congress Governorship Campaign Council has called on the Police, Department of State Services and other security agencies to immediately curb what it described as the slide to anarchy in the state.  The Council called for the arrest the Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, and his supporters who allegedly masterminded the attack on the residence of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state in the early hours of Friday. The APC Campaign Council said the attack was perpetrated days after it alerted the nation of the plans of SDP thugs to attack INEC, adding that "they have finally done their worst by attacking the residence of the Kogi State INEC Commissioner, engaging security agents in a fierce gun battle and eventually burning down some vehicles in the residence and in the area." The Director of Media and Publicity/Spokesperson for the Campaign Council, Kingsley Fanwo, who spoke at an emergency p...

In a shocking turn of events, eleven members of the Ondo State House of Assembly are allegedly planning to declare the embattled deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as acting governor without recourse to the governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.  These clandestine meetings reportedly took place in Abuja, where each of the eleven members received a substantial bribe of $10,000. Adding to the intrigue, the Chairman of the APC in the state, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, was present at the meeting, which raised suspicions that he had betrayed Governor Akeredolu in exchange for personal gratifications.  It is also said that some Northern Governors are involved in this move, seeking revenge against Governor Akeredolu for his stance on the southern Presidency and his  strong voice against the issue of killer herdsmen. Aiyedatiwa, backed by the state APC chairman, Adetimehin, has joined forces with certain individuals from Northern Nigeria to undermine Governor Akeredolu....