GRPolitics
ALARM: Gov. Bello has raised 12-man killer squad, PDP Campaign Council alleges
By: Oliseama Okwuchukwu
The Kogi State Presidential Campaign Council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP-PCCO) said on Sunday night that it has uncovered “a grand plan of the 12 man killer squad of the governor Yahaya Adoza Bello and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to give organised bloodshed a new meaning.”
“The council is compelled to believe the various sources of intelligence within government circles without any iota of doubt that plans have been finalised to roll out an operation “blood on the mountain” in Kogi State starting from the 23rd of January 2019,” said a statement signed by the Head, Media and Publicity, Usman Austin Okai.
According to the statement, “It is in consideration of the facts in our possession that we are constrained to submit that unless outgoing governor, Yahaya Bello is called to order, cautioned and reprimanded by all lovers of democracy, the 2019 elections in Kogi State will trigger a chain of events which will cause an inferno that will consume at least 1,729 lives across the state. We remind the world that less than 4 days after our battle cry on the proliferation of weapons in the state and unauthorized possession of heavy arms by persons directly linked to the state cabinet, an execution ceremony held in Okene where in one night, at least 3 members of the opposition were snatched from their beds, paraded before their family members who were compelled to watch as they were sat naked on bare grounds and shot in either the chest, head or groin at least 3 times each by thugs loyal to the Kogi State Governor.
“Those who seek evidence of this should visit Inoziomi, Obehira-Egba and Obeiba.
“We also remind the world that outgoing Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello was caught on tape boasting of a capacity to authorise the death of any individual opposed to the APC winning the coming elections.
“It is our belief that since the sinking Kogi State Governor like His adopted father President Muhammadu Buhari has failed on all indices with which governance and leadership are measured, extreme violence is a last resort as means to guarantee a positive outcome in view of the coming elections.
“The council therefore alerts Nigerians that as at now, over 3,000 assorted automatic weapons have been acquired by the Governor and distributed to different locations across the state.
“In Kogi Central the homes of the current Commissioner for Water Resources and His Local Government affairs counterpart double as arms depots where raw acid, AK47 rifles, British pump action rifles, night vision googles, IEDs and an unknown quantity of enriched uranium are currently stored.
“What this means is that a mini factory producing nuclear weapons of mass destruction currently exists on Nigerian soil.
“We also note that the sole administrator of Okehi LGA has in His residence 3 bales of complete military camouflage comprising uniforms for the Nigeria Army and Navy. We say this on record and openly challenge the DSS and directorate of military intelligence to clear themselves of complicity by conducting a televised raid on the location.
“It is for the records that it must be clearly stated that Ogugu community in Olamaboro LGA, Kogi East is the war theatre command centre from where Mr. Edward Onoja; who doubles as chief of staff, government house, Lokoja holds court vetting a list of individuals including Moslem clerics, youth leaders and community leaders who must be decimated before February 16th.
“As a matter of fact, we are aware that an emergency session was summoned by Mr. Onoja earlier this week wherein clear orders were handed to selected members of cabinet, local government sole administrators and senior special assistants to the governor to the effect that they must work together with well trained and armed thugs in Ayingba, Ankpa, Kabba, Ijumu, Okehi, Ajaokuta, Ejule and Idah.
“Similarly, last week in Ayingba, hardliners in the APC held a closed door session on how destruction of campaign materials of the PDP will be destroyed. The litmus test was An invasion of the home of Capt. Joe Agada in Ogugu to disrupt a party meeting, the destruction of campaign billboards of Hon. Barry Idakwo and disruption of a rally organized by Hon. Benjamin Ikani Okolo.
“Whereas the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Council would ordinarily wish that the facts before it is inaccurate, we are concerned that a principal actor in the line-up is a certain candidate of the APC contesting for a seat in the House of Representatives elections.
“This candidate who is a special envoy of the outgoing Kogi State Governor has been roundly indicted and is being investigated by the Nigeria Police for ritual killing and trading in human organs.
“We therefore ask – is the Kogi State government house now a transit point where human parts are sold and purchased?
“What other clue is there to the fact that indeed all is set for large scale violence of an unimaginable magnitude to be unleashed on Kogi State with an aim to instill palpable fear in voters such that for fear of who the next victim may be, they would rather remain indoors on the day of voting?
“Pursuant to the foregoing, we draw the attention of the acting inspector general of Police to the various makeshift militant training camps along the water ways of Lokoja and task Him to adopt a pragmatic approach to Kogi State as means of boosting the confidence of Kogi people in the police force because the current governor had the immediate past I.G. in His pocket.
“We invite the presidency to note that as at the 17th of January 2019, a batch of 703 men passed out of training and are currently incubating in the home of one of the prime actors in the failed assassination of Sen. Dino Melaye and other locations in Kabba and Mopa both in Kogi West.
“We notify the office of the National Security Adviser that the Kogi State government is in touch with some individuals who were before now standing trial for murder and remanded in Koton Karfe prisons from where they were taken out by outgoing governor Yahaya Bello for reasons best known to Him.
“We are aware that not less than 6 persons who until December were standing trial and remanded in Koton Karfe prisons for homicide, gun running and murder are currently lodged in hotels in Lokoja and are walking the streets of Kogi State as free men courtesy the Kogi State government in exchange for the rendition of unknown services during the coming elections.
“The 2019 presidential election is less than 30 days away. We therefore consider it a patriotic obligation to the Nigerian state to call on the world to focus on Kogi State.
“We acknowledge that already Kogi people are looking forward to exercise their rights to vote for a new set of leaders who can steer the affairs of the state in a manner that conforms with civilisation.
“We therefore task the Ag. Inspector General of Police to deploy resources towards taming the tide of violence that is brewing in Kogi State.
“We demand that the policemen providing security to prominent thugs in Kogi State be withdrawn and also demand their immediate arrest because Nigeria cannot afford to have more IDP camps.
“We also demand a round the clock aerial surveillance of all the water ways and boundary communities in Kogi State with proof.
“The will of Kogi people will not be circumvented by a band of executive urchins whose only purpose is to spill blood, maim, kill and enthrone a reign of terror in Kogi State.
“We therefore call on our supporters to be vigilant and escalate to the campaign council any strange movement, activities of strange persons as well as any unusual happening in their immediate environments to assist our ongoing efforts to collate and publish a compendium of actions of the Kogi State government and governor which are capable of destroying the fragile peace of the state and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
GRPolitics
PDP Crisis: Saraki, Dickson, Dankwambo Storm Enugu, Meet with Gov Mbah
… South East is important to PDP, says Saraki – REPORTER: SANDRA ANI
In a clear bid to stem the tide of crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the PDP Special Reconciliation Committee chaired by former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Friday, met with the governor of Enugu State and leader of the party in the South East region, Dr. Peter Mbah.
Other members of the Committee present at the meeting, which held behind closed doors at the Government House, Enugu, were former governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, and former governor of Gombe State, Dr. Ibrahim Dankwambo.
It is recalled that the leaders of PDP in the zone had in a communique issued after the South East PDP Zonal Executive Council, ZEC, meeting a fortnight ago announced the re-nomination of former PDP National Youth Leader, Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye, to serve out the remaining tenure of the National Secretary, threatening possible exodus should their decision not be respected.
“In the event that our position is not promptly implemented by the Party, the South East PDP, as a family, will be compelled to reconsider our relationship with the PDP going forward,” the communique stated.
But addressing newsmen after the closed-door meeting with Mbah, Saraki said, “We are members of the PDP Reconciliation and Strategy Committee that was set up recently by the PDP Governors’ Forum to work towards ensuring that our upcoming National Executive Council meeting and also likely convention is rancor-free and and works smoothly.
“In line with that, we are here in Enugu State to consult with one of our leaders, Governor Peter Mbah, who is the leader of South East PDP.
“This is the first state we are coming to because we appreciate the importance of the South East in our PDP family. As you all know, the South East has played a key role as the bedrock of the popularity and the strength of our party.
“In recognition of that, we are here to consult with him and first to commend him on the leadership role he has been playing in the party. More importantly also, to commend what he is doing in Enugu State, which is a reflection for Nigerians to see what happens when you have a PDP government.
“In doing that, we discussed how we will ensure that we carry out the assignment given to us and go ahead to have our NEC and our convention. We will have one that is rancor-free and smooth, peaceful and lays the foundation for the PDP that we all are wishing for.
“We have had a very good discussion. Frankly, we have had a very, very useful discussion. We are going away with some of the suggestions that we have here and hopefully work on that.
“With this, we can say here in Enugu we laid the foundation for a greater new PDP that is coming.
“What we have also seen today is that there is nothing insurmountable in the challenge ahead and the spirit, the commitment of all of us, especially our leaders, is very very inspiring,” he stated.
… It’s time to stand together – Mbah
… We’ve been trampled upon – Wabara
… We don’t want to be taken for granted – Achike Udenwa
The crisis currently rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has worsened as the South East caucus of the party has threatened mass exit from the troubled party if its choice of Hon. Udeh-Okoye as the National Secretary is not respected for the umpteenth time.
This was even as the governor of Enugu State and leader of the PDP in the zone, Dr. Peter Mbah, said it was time for the zone to speak with one voice, while the Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, and former governor of Imo State, Chief Achike Udenwa, expressed fury over what they described as the party’s disrespecting and trampling of the region.
The zone vented its displeasure in a communique read by the Zonal Chairman, Chief Ali Odefa, at the end of a meeting by the South East Zonal Executive, ZEC, at the Government House, Enugu on Wednesday.
It said the meeting was convened to nominate a candidate to complete the remaining term of the position of National Secretary in line with the directive of the party’s National Working Committee, NWC, during its 600th meeting in Abuja.
Rendering the communique, Odefa said, “The South East ZEC exhaustively deliberated on the directive of the NWC and came to the conclusion that it offered a sure pathway to peace, unity, stability, and progress of our party. Consequently, the ZEC unanimously recommended Hon. Sunday Udeh-Okoye as the candidate to complete the term of office of the National Secretary.”
The South East PDP, however regretted that it had to go through the process of nominating Udeh-Okoye severally since October 2023, and urged the NWC to not only immediately ratify his nomination, but also ensure that Arch. Setonji Koshoedo effectively occupies the Office of the National Secretary in acting capacity pending Udeh-Okoye’s ratification by the NEC.
The South East PDP, however, threatened to review its continued membership of the party should its position suffer further delay despite its agelong loyalty to the PDP.
“The South East has consistently served as a stronghold of the PDP from inception. In PDP’s near three-decade existence, we have given our loyalty and all to the party.
“Currently, while the party has been losing key members post-2023 general elections, the South East PDP is at the vanguard of strengthening the Party by rallying major opposition figures such as in Enugu where the Labour Party, LP, gubernatorial candidate, two LP House of Representatives Members, numerous members of the House of Assembly, among other stalwarts into the PDP fold.
“Therefore, we hope that this time around, the position of the South East PDP regarding the Office of the National Secretary is accorded the honour and immediacy it deserves. This would bring to a closure to the needless lingering dispute over the matter.
“However, in the event that our position is not promptly implemented by the Party, the South East PDP, as a family, will be compelled to reconsider our relationship with the PDP going forward,” the communique concluded.
Wabara, on his part, said it was in order to review the region’s relationship with the party should what he described as trampling of the zone by the party persist.
“We have been trampled upon, not taken seriously. If such a position were vacant in the South-South, it would not be like this. And now, it came to us. I mean, the usual thing is to play politics with the Igbo man. Yes, we may have to reconsider our stand as far as the party is concerned. But I trust the NWC,” he stated.
Udenwa, on his part, Udenwa said, “We are expecting that this issue will be finally ironed out once and for all. We do not want to be taken for granted by anybody again.”
GRPolitics
2nd anniversary: Nsukka leaders score Gov Mbah’s administration high
…as Nsukka retired army generals, DSS, police throw weight behind Mbah’s security reforms
Leaders of Enugu North Senatorial District, also known as Nsukka Zone, have scored the administration of the state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, very high and satisfactory, stating that the governor’s second anniversary in office deserved commendations.
This was as retired senior security chiefs, comprising army generals, directors of the Department of State Services (DSS), commissioners of police, among others, declared support for the governor’s security reforms and tech-driven policing system.
The Nsukka leaders who converged on Adada House, Nsukka, weekend, under the aegis of Enugu State Coalition for Progress, Enugu North Senatorial Zone Chapter, comprised a cross section of socio-cultural groups, senior academics, retired security officers, captains of industry, traditional rulers, association of farmers, politicians, among others, drawn from the 6 council areas, said the governor had done well in the governance of the state.
The gathering which featured a dialogue series themed, H.E Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Administration – The Journey So Far (Education, Politics & Security), had the former Minister of National Planning and Chief Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof Osita Ogbu, delivering the keynote address.
Referring to the former Singaporean Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew’s sacrifices that led to the transformation of Singapore from a third world country to a developed nation, Prof Ogbu said the country was in need of leaders that were committed to the welfare and growth of their people.
He commended the governor for substituting partisan politics for all-inclusive, people-driven governance in the state.
Noting that the governor was fulfilling his campaign promises, Prof Ogbu pointed at the revitalization and completion of abandoned projects, funding of quality education, financial independence through fiscal discipline, private sector mentality and efficiency in public governance.
Speaking on the concept of “Tomorrow Is Here,” the renowned economist said the governance philosophy had zero tolerance for lazy and unintelligent acts, zero tolerance for corruption, strive for new opportunities, adherence to strict democratic accountability, clean and green environment, and the pursuit for healthy and happy citizens with rights and responsibilities.
“We did analyses of the budgets of all the states and we did a comparison. Enugu State, in absolute terms, in relative terms, spends more on education than even Lagos State. It’s the highest spender on education across the federation,” he added.
Speaking on security, a discussant, Maj. General Victor Ezeugwu (rtd), said the retired veterans from the zone met with the governor on some of the challenges facing the zone with proposals, adding that the governor had already done almost 60% of them.
“We visited the Command and Control Centre in Enugu today, and from that centre we watched Uzo Uwani and the forests around Uzo Uwani, and other areas, and all of us were very amazed that he has brought technology to bear on security. We’ve proposed to the governor that all the senatorial zones have a replica of that spectacular innovation which he has promised,” Ezeugwu said.
The veteran, who called for a joint taskforce where all the security apparatuses would work in sync to tackle the menace of killer herders and the ESN, said Governor Mbah had provided welfare and also informed them of the planned increment of salaries for local vigilante and neighbourhood watch operatives.
Acknowledging that veterans from the zone were already working in synergy with the governor through a 5-man committee approved by him, Gen Ezeugwu called on the people of the district to support the state government to do more.
Also speaking were the Member representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, Rt Hon Dennis Agbo, the Deputy Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Ezenta Ezeani, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Innovation, Dr. Chinyere Onyeisi, Coordinator of the group, Hon Chinedu Onuh, and the secretary, Prof Simon Ortuanya, who lauded the governor for championing landmark projects in the zone.
Justifying the significance of the gathering, Hon Agbo said the governor had done well particularly for the people of the zone which was the motive behind the discussion. He called on the people to continue their support for the administration.
Lending his voice, the Deputy Speaker said it was time to tell the world the remarkable projects the governor was championing in the senatorial zone, and to also convey a message of appreciation to him.
“From what we have gathered from our people, the governor is getting more popular on a daily basis. It’s because of the litany of development projects and it has never happened, so we’ve come out en masse to appreciate his good works. We’re a very grateful people, and we are grateful to the governor. What we’re discussing here is governance beyond politics,” he added.
On her part, Dr Onyeisi stressed that the world-class 260 smart schools in the state were an initiative of the Mbah administration to address inadequate infrastructure, outdated curricula, and equip both teachers and students with the essential soft skills for the 21st century tech revolution.
Declaring support for the governor on behalf of other security chiefs, Maj. Gen. Godwin Ugwuoke (rtd) said security comes first in any clime at all levels, saying the governor had accepted to set in motion all that was required to execute the terms and proposals made by them.
According to him, “Everything that he’s putting in place, it’s only security that will make us enjoy it – the economy, education, health, and all that the government is doing. The most important thing we from the Enugu North Zone can do is to encourage him to continue to do more, and let us not distract him unnecessarily. From afar, you’d think that the governor is unapproachable, but if you approach him with a good idea, you’ll discover that this is a leader.”
Other dignitaries at the dialogue moderated by the Chairman of Udenu LGA, Mr Aka Eze Aka, were the former Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Dr Dan Shere, the Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, Igwe Samuel Ikechukwu Asadu, State Secretary of PDP, Chief Chukwudi Nnadozie, foremost entrepreneur, Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, and the chairmen of the 6 local government areas of the zone led by the Deputy Chairman of the State Chapter of ALGON, Barr Ferdinand Ugwueze, among others.
“His Death Leaves a Huge Void”, Gov Mbah Mourns Music Icon, Ejeagha
Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Bags Ugosimba Chieftaincy Title in Enugu
From Bomb Blast to Praise: Maureen J’s Miracle Song
LASG Acquires New Outboard Engines For Optimum Boat Performance
Elon Musk builds Hotel in Mars, Sets to launch soon at $5million per night – Photos
