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APC members see Okorocha as Devil says Ohakim

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The immediate past governor of Imo state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, on Friday claimed that the chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Rochas Okorocha “is hated even in the political party he spent billions of Naira belonging to Imo people to build”, alleging that party members see his successor as Devil.

Aside describing the incumbent Imo governor as “a misnomer”, who has now become “an outcast in his own party”, Ohakim challenged Okorocha to a popularity contest on the streets of Owerri to see who is more loved by the people of Imo state.

Okorocha had identified the Ohakim administration in Imo as the most hated and devalued of all the past governments in the state, adding that ever since the ex-governor made public his intention to re-contest the governorship position in the state, he (Ohakim) has chosen to attack him in the media day in day out.

Responding in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Collins Ughalaa, in Owerri, Ohakim pointed out that Okorocha is already losing sleep over his (Ohakim’s) governorship ambition in 2019 right before the kick-off of electioneering.

The ex-governor said he “cannot run his mouth like a broken gong, the way Okorocha does” because both of them are not on the same level.

He added that he “cannot descend to the level of dishing falsehood, familocracy, land grabbing, conversion of public assets to private use, corruption, inordinate acquisition of wealth and mind-boggling stealing.

The statement reads, “No one should tell Governor Okorocha that he is anathema when members of his party see him as the Devil and dine with him with extraordinarily long spoon. And despite his rantings, Imo people know he has become afraid of Ohakim just before the race gets started. We can only assure him that his nightmare would end when Ohakim wins the 2019 governorship election and is sworn in the second time for one term only.

“We restate that Okorocha loathes the truth but feeds on the lie. That Imo people resisted his demolition/relocation of Eke-Ukwu Owerri, to the extent that a 10-year-old boy paid the ultimate price, that in 2016 a young man jumped from the pedestrian bridge at the Orlu Road Junction, Owerri, and took his life in broad daylight after cursing the Governor, are pointers that Okorocha has been deserted. No other sitting Governor in Imo State witnessed these. And perhaps these two are Okorocha’s “fantastic” achievements.

“To cover his shame Okorocha thinks that reeling out his so-called achievements could make Imo people like him, but they are in such a hurry to see him leave instead. Okorocha’s achievements are well documented, and they include: iberiberism (stupidity), the highest infant mortality rate in the entire Southeast, dead healthcare system, lack of potable water and rural development, contract failure, wastages and financial recklessness, land grabbing, converting public assets to private use, skyrocketing unemployment, bastardised economy, dead bureaucracy, N200bn judgement debt, over N700bn debt, non-adherence to the rule of law and due process, amongst others. Above all, the Okorocha family which had barely enough to eat has suddenly become stupendously rich after Rochas Okorocha became Governor. To Okorocha therefore, this, too, is an achievement worthy of celebration.

“Ikedi Ohakim served Imo State for four years without incurring a kobo judgement debt but Okorocha has wiped out in advance the entire 2019 and 2020 Imo State allocations for the incoming government just by recklessness and contravention of contractual agreements leading to massive judgement debts.

“It is Imo people’s money that will be used to pay the debts, not Okorocha family money. He is jittery that he will eventually be called to answer questions on how he had mismanaged the well over N1t while still incurring massive judgement debts.

“Governor Okorocha is ruing the fact that Imo people have chosen to stick with Ohakim. That Ohakim remains the issue in the politics of the state seven years after he left office shows he is well loved by the people who also voted for him in 2011. They are appreciative of his selfless service while he was in office as Governor, including his fantastic healthcare system, 1,395 water schemes, Imo Mass Transport Service (IMTS), Imo Housing Scheme, including the Nekede and Arugo gardens estates, Imo State Investment Promotion Agency (ISIPA), the 10,000 jobs, Imo Job Center, modernisation of the Judiciary, Agro Nova, Clean and Green, the new government at New Owerri and the Ahiajoku center, etc.

“Imo people are also grateful that Ohakim built 720km quality roads, including the road that leads to Okorocha’s house in Ogboko, while another 325km were at various stages of completion before he left office. If Ohakim had continued Imo State would have had a brand new government house, a refinery, Oguta Deep-sea Port, Oguta Wonder Lake and Conference Center, Imo Free Trade Zone, Imo Freeway of 150km linking 19 local government areas with toll plazas, housing scheme for all, etc.

“I hereby challenge Governor Okorocha that within one week himself (even though he is a serving Governor) and Ohakim should take a walk along major streets in Owerri and test who is more popular and who has been rejected by the people.

“Having failed the people these seven years, Governor Okorocha should stop blabbing and begin to write his handover notes to Dr Ikedi Ohakim in 2019. This alone will keep him busy instead of losing sleep over Ikedi Ohakim who has been the darling of the people.

“Imo people should wait for Ohakim’s next letter to Governor Okorocha which will contain full indisputable facts and figures of Okorocha calamity in the state. Only then can they know between Okorocha and Ohakim who is a disaster. Media propaganda and microphone theatrics will fail him this time like it has failed him all the time.”

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GRPolitics

With Commitment, Resilience We’ll Defeat Banditry and Terrorism – Badaru

…it is time to end it…Reports SANDRA ANI

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Minister of Defence H.E Mohammed Badaru Abubakar

The Honourable Minister of Defence H.E Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has called  on the Nigerian Airforce to intensify the use of their various platforms to bring an end to banditry and terrorism.

According to the Minister, you are key to this this fight and we must put our acts together on your active component to end this war.

In a statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike, director information and Public Relations, Badaru said this during his operational visit to the Air Component Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA at Katsina state on Monday 18th November 2024.

The Honourable Minister appreciated the heroic Air warriors who has continued to shine as beacons of hope, courage and resilience which is an inspiration to Nigerian people.

Furthermore, “the Minister opined that their efforts are yielding positive results as farmers are gradually returning to their farms, schools are reopening, businesses are picking up and Nigerians can now sleep peacefully.”

According to the Minister, the President and commander in chief of the Armed forces Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has expressed confidence on their unwavering loyalty, perseverance and professionalism. He recognizes the personal sacrifices you make every day to keep our country together.

It is pertinent to know that the President has provided the Nigerian Airforce with state of the art Aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles to enhance their attack capabilities. With the induction of these new platforms including the   T129 Attack Helicopter, ” I am confident we will make Mr President and Nigerians proud.”

Consequent to this, ‘it is no coincidence that I am here today to flag off this critical phase of the Operations’. “I therefore urge you to synergize with the ground forces and other stakeholders to ensure maximum effect from these combat enablers” Badaru said.

The Honourable Minister of Defence H.E Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON mni continued his operational visit by also going to sokoto to inspect the combat readiness of the platforms and also toured the new site where the permanent base of the newly established  Airforce component of military operations against banditry and terrorism  and facilities will be built at Sokoto Airport.

In his remarks, the chief of the Air staff ,  Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, appreciated the Minister’s servant leadership style which is an inspiration to all. For him , the T129 Attack Helicopters will transform our operational capabilities to those who think they can destabilize our nation.

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Jigawa Youth Agenda Refutes Allegations Against Badaru

By, Al-Amin Aliu, a Public Analyst

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Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar
Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar

The Jigawa Youth Agenda has vehemently denied the unfounded allegations made by a mysterious group claiming to represent APC youth in Jigawa State against Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar.

After thorough investigations, it was revealed that this group is not officially registered with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa and seems to have been hastily formed to spread misinformation and disrupt party unity.

The Youth Agenda are in solidarity with Minister Badaru Abubakar as they reaffirmed its unwavering support for Minister Badaru Abubakar, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the APC and Nigeria. His leadership and commitment are indisputable, from his transformative tenure as Governor of Jigawa State to his current role as Minister of Defence.

The them, Minister Badaru has done excellently well and the highlighted his key schievements to include but not limited to the following:

– Strengthening National Security: Minister Badaru Abubakar has enhanced Nigeria’s military capabilities, ensuring protection of lives and property.

– Forging Strategic Partnerships: He has fostered vital alliances with global defence organizations to bolster Nigeria’s security and modernize defence infrastructure.

– Promoting Youth Empowerment: The Minister has launched initiatives focused on education, employment, and entrepreneurship in Jigawa State.

– Advancing APC Unity: Minister Badaru Abubakar promotes unity within the party, fostering collaboration across Jigawa and nationally.

The so-called APC Youth Group’s allegations are an attempt to create division within the united APC family. The Jigawa Youth Agenda urges APC members and the public to disregard these unfounded claims and focus on strengthening party unity and ideals.

Minister Badaru Abubakar’s legacy remains a source of pride for Jigawa State and Nigeria. His dedication to national development, APC principles, and the Tinubu administration demonstrates his integrity and effectiveness. The Jigawa Youth Agenda urges Nigerians to recognize his achievements and support his efforts to build a stronger, more secure nation.

The Jigawa Youth Agenda reaffirms its full confidence in Minister Badaru Abubakar’s ability to lead and contribute positively to Nigeria’s development. Together, let us reject misinformation and uphold APC unity and progress at state and national levels.

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Unmasking the Campaign of Calumny against Dr Bello Matawalle

Writer: Habib Usman, writes from Abuja

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Bello Matawalle

Recent protests and allegations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, have stirred controversy.

Organized demonstrations outside the Department of State Security (DSS) headquarters in Abuja, filled with hired crowds by APC AKIDA sponsored by Tijjani Ramallan and the Zamfara state government with unsubstantiated accusations, reveal a calculated attempt by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to discredit Dr. Matawalle.

This orchestrated campaign, fueled by political motives and a desire to undermine Matawalle’s position, demands closer scrutiny.

Reports indicate that these so-called protests are not spontaneous outcries from Zamfara’s citizens but rather an agenda-driven spectacle designed to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation.

According to sources, the protestors arrived in approximately 12 long buses, clearly organized and funded to create an image of discontent aimed at the minister.

The protestors, reportedly waving placards accusing Matawalle of colluding with criminals, are part of a broader strategy to mislead the public and manipulate the narrative around Zamfara’s complex security situation.

This orchestrated misinformation aligns with the ongoing media offensive spearheaded by Governor Lawal who has now recruited Tijjani Ramallan and his cohorts. Despite lacking concrete evidence, the governor has been on a persistent media campaign, linking Matawalle with criminal elements and falsely alleging his complicity in the state’s banditry crisis.

However, these accusations have repeatedly failed to withstand scrutiny, as underscored by a recent ruling from the Kano High Court.

The court issued an interim injunction barring Governor Lawal and his associates from continuing their smear campaign against Matawalle, stating that any further defamatory actions would be illegal until a substantive hearing on the matter.

The court order highlights the groundlessness of the governor’s claims and serves as a reminder that accusations against public officials must be substantiated by evidence, not driven by political vendettas.

By pursuing a smear campaign against a fellow public servant, Governor Lawal risks destabilizing not only his state but also the critical national security efforts in which Matawalle is involved.

Such actions could divert attention and resources from urgent security issues, ultimately harming the very citizens the governor purports to defend.

The governor’s tactic of repeatedly visiting media houses to disseminate misleading information about Dr. Matawalle has sparked concern among political observers and security experts alike.

His attempts to block Matawalle’s reappointment appear to be rooted more in political rivalry than in any genuine concerns about Zamfara’s security. It’s no coincidence that this intensified campaign began just as discussions about a potential cabinet reshuffle surfaced.

Dr. Matawalle’s growing influence, coupled with his steadfast loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has evidently made him a target for those who feel threatened by his rise.

For Nigerians, it is crucial to separate truth from politically motivated propaganda. The allegations against Dr. Matawalle are part of a coordinated campaign to undermine a dedicated public servant who has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s defence apparatus.

As the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle plays an essential role in shaping security policy, a responsibility he takes seriously and executes with distinction.

The public is advised to view the recent protests and media blitz with caution. It is imperative to consider the context: Governor Lawal’s relentless pursuit to discredit Matawalle, despite the court’s injunction against these defamatory efforts. Rather than yield to such divisive tactics, Nigerians should remain vigilant, prioritizing the integrity of national discourse over political maneuvering.

In conclusion, let us reject efforts to smear individuals serving in crucial roles, particularly when these efforts lack factual foundation and threaten to undermine national security. The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, deserves due process and an unbiased evaluation, free from political interference.nmasking the Campaign of Calumny Against Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle

Recent protests and allegations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, have stirred controversy. Organized demonstrations outside the Department of State Security (DSS) headquarters in Abuja, filled with hired crowds and unsubstantiated accusations, reveal a calculated attempt by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal to discredit Dr. Matawalle. This orchestrated campaign, fueled by political motives and a desire to undermine Matawalle’s position, demands closer scrutiny.

Reports indicate that these so-called protests are not spontaneous outcries from Zamfara’s citizens but rather an agenda-driven spectacle designed to tarnish Matawalle’s reputation. According to sources, the protestors arrived in approximately 12 long buses, clearly organized and funded to create an image of discontent aimed at the minister. The protestors, reportedly waving placards accusing Matawalle of colluding with criminals, are part of a broader strategy to mislead the public and manipulate the narrative around Zamfara’s complex security situation.

This orchestrated misinformation aligns with the ongoing media offensive spearheaded by Governor Lawal.

Despite lacking concrete evidence, the governor has been on a persistent media campaign, linking Matawalle with criminal elements and falsely alleging his complicity in the state’s banditry crisis.

However, these accusations have repeatedly failed to withstand scrutiny, as underscored by a recent ruling from the Kano High Court.

The court issued an interim injunction barring Governor Lawal and his associates from continuing their smear campaign against Matawalle, stating that any further defamatory actions would be illegal until a substantive hearing on the matter.

The court order highlights the groundlessness of the governor’s claims and serves as a reminder that accusations against public officials must be substantiated by evidence, not driven by political vendettas.

By pursuing a smear campaign against a fellow public servant, Governor Lawal risks destabilizing not only his state but also the critical national security efforts in which Matawalle is involved.

Such actions could divert attention and resources from urgent security issues, ultimately harming the very citizens the governor purports to defend.

The governor’s tactic of repeatedly visiting media houses to disseminate misleading information about Dr. Matawalle has sparked concern among political observers and security experts alike.

His attempts to block Matawalle’s reappointment appear to be rooted more in political rivalry than in any genuine concerns about Zamfara’s security. It’s no coincidence that this intensified campaign began just as discussions about a potential cabinet reshuffle surfaced.

Dr. Matawalle’s growing influence, coupled with his steadfast loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has evidently made him a target for those who feel threatened by his rise.

For Nigerians, it is crucial to separate truth from politically motivated propaganda. The allegations against Dr. Matawalle are part of a coordinated campaign to undermine a dedicated public servant who has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s defence apparatus.

As the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle plays an essential role in shaping security policy, a responsibility he takes seriously and executes with distinction.

The public is advised to view the recent protests and media blitz with caution. It is imperative to consider the context: Governor Lawal’s relentless pursuit to discredit Matawalle, despite the court’s injunction against these defamatory efforts. Rather than yield to such divisive tactics, Nigerians should remain vigilant, prioritizing the integrity of national discourse over political maneuvering.

In conclusion, let us reject efforts to smear individuals serving in crucial roles, particularly when these efforts lack factual foundation and threaten to undermine national security. The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, deserves due process and an unbiased evaluation, free from political interference.

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