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Osun Governorship: Supreme Court Will Still Favour Me – Adeleke Tells Oyetola

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has told former Governor Gboyega Oyetola that he will lose at the Supreme Court.
This is as Oyetola prepares to challenge the election at the Supreme Court.
According to Adeleke, he will still be favoured by the Supreme Court if Oyetola decides to approach the court.
Adeleke was reacting to the appeal court that upheld his victory at the last year’s governorship election in Osun State.
The Osun Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in January held that Oyetola was able to prove that there was over-voting in some of the polling units.
But in its judgment on Friday, the Appeal Court overturned the ruling of the petition tribunal.
Speaking during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Adeleke said, “The Appeal Court has cleared everything and affirmed me as the authentic governor of Osun State. I have to thank the people of Osun State for their massive support. I dedicate this victory to God and the people.
 
“Democracy is at play here. If they feel like they should go to the Supreme Court, so be it. We shall meet at the Supreme Court. What gives the confidence is that my people love me and they voted for me massively. And the Appeal Court has vindicated that. There was no over voting. Our party, the PDP won all the three senate seats. We won everything.
 
“The Appeal Court is a high court. The judgment is a water-tight judgment. No any reasonable judge would go otherwise. Even if they go to the Supreme Court, it will still favour me.”
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Osun Monarch, Olokinni Is Dead

Oba Akadiri Okanola, the Olokinni of Okinni in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State is dead.

His demise is coming weeks after the passing of another traditional ruler in the state, the Elende of Eko-Ende, Oba Abdulrauf Olaniyan.

Oba Okanola reportedly passed away late Saturday in a hospital in Osogbo, the state capital.

His death was made public by Saheed Opatunji, a former Chairman of Egbedore Area Council.

Palace sources, who preferred anonymity, also confirmed the demise of the monarch.

Oba Okanola was installed in 1991, and altogether, he has reigned for 32 years.

He will be buried according to Islamic rites later on Sunday.

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I’m Still Alive – Pope Francis Says As He’s Discharged From The Hospital

The Bishop of Rome and sovereign of the Vatican City State, Pope Francis has been discharged following a brief hospital stay that involved scheduled tests and treatment for bronchitis.

While leaving, he jokingly told journalists before being driven away: “I’m still alive.”

Francis, 86, was hospitalized on Wednesday at Gemelli Polyclinic after reportedly having breathing difficulties following his weekly public audience. The pontiff was treated with antibiotics administered intravenously, the Vatican said.

The Vatican said that before departing, Francis hugged a couple whose daughter died Friday night at the hospital.

Francis sat in the front seat of the white Fiat 500 car that drove him away from Gemelli Polyclinic.

The pontiff’s hospitalization has led to worldwide concern about the pope’s health. In a Friday statement, however, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said that Francis’ recovery had been “normal.”

“Yesterday (went) well, with a normal clinical recovery,” Bruni said. On Thursday evening “Pope Francis had dinner, eating a pizza, together with all those who are assisting him in these days of the hospital stay.”

Annamaria Montio, a physiotherapist student at Gemelli, told the New York Times that Francis was in good hands at the hospital.

“I am sure he’s going to make it – he has such a strong spirit,” Montio told the outlet.

The spokesperson later added that, if the pope returns to the Vatican as expected on Saturday, he will be present St. Peter’s Square for Palm Sunday Mass – which marks the start of the Holy Week celebrations leading up to Easter.

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ASUU Declares Total, Indefinite Strike In Taraba

A total, comprehensive and indefinite strike has been declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Taraba State University chapter.
This follows a permission by the ASUU national to the state branch to embark on the strike action to press home its demands and the state government’s rebuttal of claims that it is not owing workers salaries.
Arising from a congress meeting, the union insists that the rationale behind their action is hinged on government’s failure to pay earned academic allowances, promotion arrears, fractional payment of salaries to staff as well as unsettled staff pension and gratuity scheme.
Mr Samuel Shitaa, the Taraba State University ASUU Chairman, noted that other reasons for the industrial action includes non implementation of agreements and perimeter fencing of the institution.
Reacting to the strike action, the state government through the Commissioner for Tertiary education Edward Baraya in a telephone interview said the union has not communicated their action to the state government.
He wondered why ASUU would take such a decision when the present government is doing everything possible to address the issues before leaving office.
Also reacting, the special adviser to the governor on media and publicity Bala Dan-Abu in a press statement said the outgoing governor is owing no worker salaries.
Below is Mr. Dan-Abu communique stating the government’s position on the issue.
Taraba state government.
 
Press statement
The outgoing administration of his excellency, arc Darius Dickson Ishaku, executive governor of Taraba state, is not owing any group of workers in the state monthly salaries and, therefore, will not be leaving behind any burden arising from unpaid emoluments for the in-coming administration.
This clarification became necessary following a press statement issued recently on behalf of the in-coming administration of Lt Col Agbu Kefas, the governor-elect which contained a promise to pay salary arrears in its first 100 days.
This veiled accusation is wrong and unnecessary. The Ishaku administration never toyed with the welfare of workers in its eight years of stewardship in the state. It had consistently paid their salaries since it assumed office in 2015, most of the time before the end of every month.
We find this so-called promise to pay outstanding salary arrears made on behalf of the governor-elect not only misplaced but also misleading.
It is also surprising coming from an in-coming administration widely known and regarded to be an offspring of the the present government of his excellency, arc Darius Ishaku.
We think we needed to set the records straight, hence this rebuttal.
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Rappers, Falz And Vector Ridicule INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu In New Song

Following the conclusion of the 2023 general elections, top rappers, Falz and Vector have taken a swipe at Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, in a new song titled “Mr Yakubu”.

The rappers in the new song insinuated that the chairman of the electoral commission exhibited fraudulent behaviours during the just concluded general election.

They also captured some of the excuses INEC gave on why February 25 presidential results were not uploaded in real time on its portal in lyrics of the song.

Some irregularities on the part of security operatives during the election were also acted out in the music video. They also recalled how youths were shot during the #EndSARS protest of 2020.

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You Don’t Deserve Oyetola’s Congratulatory Message – Osun APC Tells Adeleke

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has replied Senator Ademola Adeleke after he lamented that he’s yet to get congratulatory message his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola.
APC on Tuesday said there is nothing justifiable to warrant such over a subsisting election matter which will soon be challenged at the Supreme Court.
It will be recalled that Adeleke in an interview with Arise Television on Monday had stated that he was expecting a congratulatory message from Oyetola, the APC governorship candidate, in the July 16, 2023 election who was adjudged the winner of the election by the Justice Tertsea Kumeh-led governorship election petition tribunal but reversed by the Court of Appeal, Abuja, last Friday.
But, the party in a statement by its spokesperson, Chief Adekola Olabisi on behalf of the state Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal maintained, “I don’t understand the thinking of Adeleke. Is he saying that Oyetola should congratulate him for killing APC members?
 
“If Adeleke has conscience, does he want to pretend that he wasn’t aware that his party, the PDP, turned Osun State to a killing field before, during and after the elections, the results of which he is dubiously flaunting to feign non-existing popularity and acceptability?
 
“Adeleke will have to wait till eternity for a congratulatory message from Oyetola whom he robbed in the daylight during the elections that were won for him by the militia wing of his administration.”
 
“If congratulatory messages are being sold in an open market, it is not an hyperbolic expression to state that our candidate, Oyetola, cannot extend one to you for one Kobo.”
 
“Why would a potential respondent in the Supreme Court in an extant matter demand for a congratulatory message from an appelant if not for an ulterior motive or lack of knowledge of the workings of the judicial endeavours?
 
“Adeleke does not merit Oyetola’s congratulatory message as it is being forcefully demanded by the governor as it is not for frivolous ventures.
 
“Such a request for a congratulatory message by Adeleke from Oyetola sounds funny and bizarre when it was the PDP hoodlums who invaded some of the polling units and collation centres to rig the flaunted elections which could better be described as charades, for Adeleke.
 
“If the demand for a congratulatory message from Oyetola is another stratagem being hatched by the PDP’s tacticians in the state, it has missed its target as there’s no way that it can fly.
 
“This is a follow-up to the subtle pressure being put on Oyetola not to access the Supreme Court since about three days ago which was kick-started by the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA); one charge-and-bail activist lawyer Olajengbesi; Diran Odeyemi and the expired state caretaker committee chairman of the PDP, Dr Akindele Adekunle, among other apologists of the PDP”, the state APC acting chairman said.
He however posited that, there is no need for them to be developing a cold feet about or phobia for the Supreme Court on the subsisting Osun governorship logjam if truly there’s no skeleton in their cupboards.
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I Won’t Disappoint Nigerians – Tinubu Promises

The president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has vowed not to disappoint Nigerians.
He spoke on Wednesday during his birthday celebration.
Tinubu’s sober reflection, titled “My 71st Birthday Message to Nigerians”, raised a lot of hope as he vowed not to disappoint Nigerians when it matters most.
The development is coming one week after his media officer, Tunde Rahman, announced that the president-elect had departed the country for a vacation in Paris, France capital.
Rahman noted that after a short rest in Europe, he may stay back to observe Ramadan fast before heading for Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
Until his media aide cleared the air, blogs and social media platforms have been awash with news that the former governor of Lagos State was rushed abroad for medical attention.
However, in his first birthday message to Nigerians as president-elect, Tinubu reiterated that his swearing-in ceremony in two months would signify his preparation for the task ahead.
While expressing gratitude to God for sparing his life, the former governor stated that the holy month of Ramadan couldn’t have come at a better, adding that he cherished it more than the celebration of individual achievements.
He said, “Dear Nigerians, I thank all of you who have expressed your goodwill towards me on the occasion of my 71st birthday. I received your kind words with great pleasure and was profoundly touched by the depth of your care and support. Above all, I thank God Almighty for the life He has given me, for all the opportunities and doors He has opened to me along the way.
 
“This year, in particular, I see this day as one of deep reflection. The spiritual meaning and significance of the holy month of Ramadan matter to me much more than the celebration of any individual milestone. Yet, this is my first birthday as the President-elect. A few weeks back, Nigerians gave me the honour of a lifetime. In exactly two months, on the 29th of May my term in office will begin. It is a rare privilege indeed, and one that I do not take lightly and shall not squander.
 
“With such a privilege already granted to me, I will not go so far as to suggest I am due any birthday presents this year. I have already been given the greatest gift. A chance to lead and fulfil destiny. An opportunity to champion your aspirations and to bring about the Nigeria of your dreams.
 
“I will, instead, use this day as an opportunity to reiterate my commitment to the great and important task of rebuilding our nation and renewing the hope of the Nigerian people. I campaigned hard and made important promises. Those promises were not mere words; professed glibly or cynically to win support.
 
“They represent a bond that binds me to the task of creating a better Nigeria for the benefit of every Nigerian, whether you voted for me or not. I have prepared for this moment all my life, I will not fail. Henceforth, may growth, hope, peace and compassion stand proudly and ring loudly throughout the land. May we find the right way and the good courage to turn our beloved country into a strong, just and prosperous home for all. May Almighty God bless all Nigerians.”
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Tinubu Risked His Life, Fought Tirelessly For Nigeria – Gov Sanwo-Olu

Re-elected Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu “risked his life” to fight for democracy in Nigeria.

He also said that Tinubu fought tirelessly with other activists during the annulment of the June 12 elections to end the military regime.

He made this remark in a message congratulating Tinubu on his 71st birthday on Wednesday.

The statement was signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile.

Sanwo-Olu hailed the former Lagos Governor as a “visionary, consistent, loyal and enigmatic master strategist”.

The statement read in part: “It is also on record that he stood firmly on the side of the Nigerian people, even at the risk of losing his life and personal belongings during the dark days of the military junta.

“He fought tirelessly with other progressives and pro-democracy activists during the annulment of the June 12 struggle to end the military interregnum and enthrone democracy, which we all enjoy today.”

Tinubu cancelled the annual colloquium to mark his birthday this year and opted for special prayers and a thanksgiving service.

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British Police Offer £10,000 For The Capture Of Nigerian Man, Temitope Adeyinka Aka ‘Limo” (Photo)

A Nigerian man has been declared wanted in the UK.
This is as the UK police announced an increased reward of £10,000 for anyone that will help in the arrest of the Nigerian wanted for the death of a 50-year-old man at a party.
Robert Powell was shot multiple times in Roydon, Essex, on 13 June 2020.
Israar Shah, 38, from Brentwood, and Nana Oppong, 42, from Newham, have been arrested on suspicion of murder in recent months.
The charity Crimestoppers has upped its reward in the search for Temitope Adeyinka, a.k.a “Limo” 38, also from Newham.
Det Sup Stephen Jennings, of Essex Police, said: “There’s a loving family, a mother, children, grandchildren, who have spent more than two-and-a-half years in a state of limbo and grief. “They need and deserve answers.”
Mr Powell, a father-of-three and grandfather-of-two, was fatally wounded outside a house party in Water Lane in the early hours of the morning.
Two women received single gunshot wounds in the incident.
Police said Mr Oppong, who previously lived in West Road in Newham, was detained trying to enter Morocco from Spain in September last year.
He was later arrested on suspicion of murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and wounding without intent, and is due to be extradited to the UK.
Essex Police said Mr Shah had been located in Spain and extradited into UK custody. He is due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court charged with murder on 12 June.
Police said the third suspect Mr Adeyinka, also known as Limo, was subject to a European Arrest Warrant.The force said he was about 5ft 8ins tall (1.7m) and of medium build.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Temitope Adeyinka (a.k.a Limo) is asked to call 999 immediately.
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Oyetola Has Right To Approach Supreme Court – Governor Adeleke

Osun State Governor, Sen Ademola Adeleke has reacted to his victory at the Appeal Court.
He said his predecessor Adegboyega Oyetola has the right to approach the Supreme Court if he wishes to contest the appellate court ruling.
Adeleke said this during the Arise News morning show on Monday.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Friday affirmed the election of Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the governor of the state.
A three-member panel of the appellate court led by Mohammed Shuaibu unanimously overturned the earlier decision of the election petition tribunal which nullified the governor’s victory in January.
Oyetola, however, in a statement by his media aide, Ismail Omipidan said there is solid ground to seek further redress at the apex court.
Adeleke reacting to whether he is anxious, said, “No, not really. If they want to go to the Supreme Court, they have the right to do that. So, I have my people on my side.
 
“And I also have God on my side. If they want to go ahead, it’s their right to go ahead to the Supreme Court.
 
“Immediately after the news of the Appeal Court, I tried to reach out and called the former Governor Oyetola to let us forge ahead and move Osun forward.
 
“Although he has not called to congratulate me, I’m still hoping he will do that because we don’t have any other state than Osun state here. So, I’m ready. My hands are open. Please, let’s come together and move Osun state forward.”

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