Faleke rejects APC's decision to present Bello as guber candidate

Rep. James Faleke, running mate to the late Abubakar Audu, who participated in the Nov 21 governorship election in Kogi, has rejected the party's decision to present Yahaya Bello for the Dec 5 supplementary election.
INEC declared the Nov 21 election as inconclusive following the cancellation of voting in 91 polling units across the state.

However, Audu died on Nov 22 as the result of the election was announced and the electoral body asked APC to nominate another candidate to replace Audu in the supplementary election fixed for Dec 5.

Yahaya Bello was the runner-up in the party's primary where late Audu emerged as the candidate of the All Peoples Congress for the election.
Faleke said on Monday, while briefing newsmen at the APC national secretariat in Abuja‎, that the decision was not acceptable as Bello did not participate in any of the campaigns or primary before the election.

He said he was at the party headquarters for a meeting to resolve the issue but was shocked as he was only briefed on the party's position on the issue.

He said: ''We met for two hours as you have observed and of course we discovered at the meeting that what we were invited for was just a mere briefing rather than it being where we could have deliberated and solve the quagmire we find ourselves in.

''We were only briefed about the position of the party. The party told us that they had nominated Alhaji Yahaya Bello and of course we made it clear as the political family of Prince Abubakar Audu that it is not acceptable.
''We are not going with it and I personally observed that my name has been submitted to INEC as deputy governorship candidate to pair with Bello.
''I told the National Chairman in clear words that I have submitted a letter this morning distancing myself from that decision that on no ground will I want to be associated with the decision of the party to pair me with Bello because I am already governor-elect.
‎''The governor-elect cannot yet become another deputy governorship candidate.''
Faleke said he was not consulted on the decision of the party and would not take part in the supplementary election.
He said Bello did not take part in any of the campaign processes.
He said he would go to court to challenge the INEC decision should ‎the party insist on Bello.
''We are only contesting election in 91 polling units out 2, 548 and we have made it very clear that if they go ahead to conduct the election, it would be challenged in the court of law, it will be null and void.

''Mr Chairman told us directly right away without considering it twice that the party will not go to court and since the party is not going to court we have taken it upon ourselves as our right to defend ourselves in court and we are challenging the decision.''

Kogi Election: APC Adopts Yahaya Bello As Substitute For Abubakar Audu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted Yahaya Bello as its candidate in the December 5 supplementary election in Kogi State

Mr Bello replaces Abubakar Audu who died before the governorship election in Kogi State was concluded on November 21.

Bello was the first runner up in the primary election in which the late Audu emerged as candidate

The running mate to the late Audu, James Faleke, disagreed with the choice of the APC and threatened court action.

Mr Faleke had vowed to reclaim the mandate of the people of the state given freely to the APC during the election, insisting that he should take over as the governorship candidate of the party.

He had earlier on Monday chosen the son of late Audu, Mohammed Audu as his running mate, before the APC choe Mr Bello.

In Abuja, supporters of James Faleke and Yahaya Bello clashed at the party’s secretariat hours after Mr Faleke chose Audu’s son as his running mate.

The party’s National Working Committee members, reporters and visitors at the secretariat were held hostage by feuding youths.

Underage Voting Reported By INEC In Kogi State

A case of underage voting was reported in Gegu Beki Ward 8, Koto Karfi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State .
The picture made available by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) situation room report and depicts a youngster who appears to be in his mid teens.

The teenager’s Permanent Voter Card (PVC) was collected by an official who checked to confirm his status, it was discovered that he was below 18 year age mandatory age for voters.

Image was published from INEC situational room.

Kogi Decides 2015

 Okehi LGA: APC - 10,170 PDP - 8504 LP - 4272
Mopa-Muro LGA: APC - 3888 LP - 10 PDP - 4195
Ogori/Magongo LGA: APC - 1931 LP - 03 PDP - 2601
 Ajaokuta LGA: APC - 8581 LP - 550 PDP - 6903
 Kabba/Bunu Final Result. TOTAL APC 9660, PDP 7768 .

Ijumu final result - APC-9958. PDP-6040
Koton Karfe LGA: APC - 10426 LP - 10 PDP - 9316
 Okene LGA: APC - 14786 LP - 1437 PDP - 15968
Yagba West LGA 14 Wards. Registered Voters- 35,966.
APC- 7,930. PDP- 7,021
Yagba East LGA 10 Wards. Accredited Voters- 35,322.
 APC - 7129 LP - 16 PDP - 5368 
Idah LG 10 Wards. Registered Voters- 48,762. Accredited Voters- 21,471
APC- 11,779. PDP- 6,952. PPA- 59.
Ankpa LGA APC - 22983 PDP - 14731
 
Ofu LGA APC - 16800 PDP - 10997

Olamaboro LGA APC - 13227 PDP - 8202
 Igalamela-Odolu LGA APC - 9003 PDP - 8683
Bassa LGA APC - 11815 PDP - 9258
LOKOJA LGA: PDP 12,414. APC 13,517
Dekina LGA APC - 20994 PDP - 21602

Kogi Decides 2015

 Okehi LGA: APC - 10,170 PDP - 8504 LP - 4272
Mopa-Muro LGA: APC - 3888 LP - 10 PDP - 4195
Ogori/Magongo LGA: APC - 1931 LP - 03 PDP - 2601
 Ajaokuta LGA: APC - 8581 LP - 550 PDP - 6903
 Kabba/Bunu Final Result. TOTAL APC 9660, PDP 7768 .

Ijumu final result - APC-9958. PDP-6040
Koton Karfe LGA: APC - 10426 LP - 10 PDP - 9316
 Okene LGA: APC - 14786 LP - 1437 PDP - 15968
Yagba West LGA 14 Wards. Registered Voters- 35,966.
APC- 7,930. PDP- 7,021
Yagba East LGA 10 Wards. Accredited Voters- 35,322.
 APC - 7129 LP - 16 PDP - 5368 
Idah LG 10 Wards. Registered Voters- 48,762. Accredited Voters- 21,471
APC- 11,779. PDP- 6,952. PPA- 59.
Ankpa LGA APC - 22983 PDP - 14731
 
Ofu LGA APC - 16800 PDP - 10997

Olamaboro LGA APC - 13227 PDP - 8202
 

Kogi Decides 2015

 Okehi LGA: APC - 10,170 PDP - 8504 LP - 4272
Mopa-Muro LGA: APC - 3888 LP - 10 PDP - 4195
Ogori/Magongo LGA: APC - 1931 LP - 03 PDP - 2601
 Ajaokuta LGA: APC - 8581 LP - 550 PDP - 6903
 Kabba/Bunu Final Result. TOTAL APC 9660, PDP 7768 .

Ijumu final result - APC-9958. PDP-6040
Koton Karfe LGA: APC - 10426 LP - 10 PDP - 9316
 Okene LGA: APC - 14786 LP - 1437 PDP - 15968
Yagba West LGA 14 Wards. Registered Voters- 35,966.
APC- 7,930. PDP- 7,021
Yagba East LGA 10 Wards. Accredited Voters- 35,322.
 APC - 7129 LP - 16 PDP - 5368 
Idah LG 10 Wards. Registered Voters- 48,762. Accredited Voters- 21,471
APC- 11,779. PDP- 6,952. PPA- 59.
Ankpa LGA APC - 22983 PDP - 14731
 
Ofu LGA APC - 16800 PDP - 10997
 

Members of Labour Party defect in Ijumu PDP

The people of Iyah Gbedde Ward say their resolve to vote capt Idris Wada in next saturday's election is a commitment that is unshaken.

Bar S.M Ologe, spokesman  of the Ward gave the assurance when the Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi visited the area as part of efforts to garner support for Capt Wada ahead saturday's governorship election.

Bar Ologe, said having taken into account the antecedents of the major gladiators, Capt Wada is better placed to deliver on his campaign promises.

While assuring that all the six polling units in the area would be delivered to the PDP, he commended Capt Wada for his humility, transparency in governance.

Kogi State Governorship election is about the character of the candidates

This Saturday’s Kogi State Governorship election is about the character of the candidates, as Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, appealed to All Artisans and Craftsmen in Central Senatorial District of Kogi State to vote for the PDP candidate.

Awoniyi, made the call in a meeting with All Artisans and Craftsmen Association of Nigeria, Kogi central, held at Okene.

Awoniyi, described Capt Idris Wada, the Governor as a good man of whose prudent management resources has made the State witness giant leaps in all sectors.

The Deputy Governor, noted that the Governor’s good intention was limited by paucity of funds, lamented that the Governor came on the saddle as a time the State was experiencing serious financial challenge.

While noting that the State Governor has used the money that accrued to the State in the most unique manner, by making payment of salaries and provision of infrastructure a priority, solicited the support of the Association in the return bid of Capt Wada.

Awoniyi promised to look into the request by the Association for support, described the relationship between the PDP and the Association as long standing.

He assured the Association of continuous partnership if re – elected, said their role in driving the economy of the State cannot be over – emphasized as the constitute the bulk of those driving the State’s economy.

In a remarks at the meeting Momoh Sanni, President All Artisans and Craftsmen Association of Nigeria, Kogi central, said the Association is an umbrella organization controlling 29 different trades, promised their unalloyed support to the second term bid of Capt Idris Wada and the PDP.

Hon. Yahaya Karaku, SSA1 Okene Local Government Area, said the Association is formidable in the area, said their support for Capt Idris Wada would no doubt go a long way in the forthcoming governorship election.





ABU MICHAEL,
Chief Press Secretary,
Deputy Governor,
Kogi State.

Fr Mbaka angry

FEW days after the wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari visited the Catholic Adoration Ministry Enugu, its Spiritual Director, Rev Fr Camillus Ejike Mbaka, has cried out that enemies of peace and unity of the country are trying to cause rift between him and Buhari.

His note of alarm exclusively obtained by Daily Sun followed widespread rumour in some segments of the media, particularly, the social media that he had predicted and called for the break-up of the country in his mes­sage.

The fiery Catholic priest, who spoke through his Special Assistant and Media Chief, Mr. Ike Maximus Ugwuoke, said he was vilified, persecuted and attacked over his victory prophesy on Buhari, whom he had consistently prayed for as a God-sent to save the nation.

Explaining what happened, his media chief said: “This explains the only reason such a doctored portion of the message of the man of God five years ago, during President Jonathan’s administration should make the news and be a focal point at this point of the nation’s history.

“We state that Fr Mbaka as at date has not made any authoritative or decisive statement on the division of the country and those who are spearheading this propaganda have no business maneuvering his prophetic message to aid their agenda.

still on kogi bailout fund

The Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, has described as a sad episode how the efforts by someone who desire to govern the State would do things that is inimical to the workers of the State.

Awoniyi, made the remarks in a chart with newsmen, said the bailout funds to States was a unique window, Kudos to President Muhammadu Buhari, for states to access the loan at 9% interest with a 20 year repayment period, lamented that the efforts is been delayed for workers to get their legitimate entitlements.

While noting that the State Government has met the CBN’s condition to submit names of beneficiaries of the amount requested for, the Bank Verification Number (BVN) of all beneficiaries, and amount due to each worker, Awoniyi, lamented a situation where some politician think the money would be used for election.

Army confirms arrest of wanted Boko Haram suspect

The Nigerian Army, on Monday called for greater vigilance by Nigerians to track down Boko Haram members it declared wanted recently. This is contained in a statement issued by the acting Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman,
 `The Nigerian Army would like to reiterate the need for all well-meaning Nigerians and those residing in our great country to be more vigilant.

``We also solicit the assistance of citizens to security agencies with information about the declared wanted terrorists, their sponsors and other criminals in our midst, `` the statement said.

It said that the call became necessary following reports of mass exodus of the insurgents from their enclaves in parts of the Northeast due to sustained military offensive.

The statement confirmed the arrest of one of the suspected wanted terrorists at the Abuja airport.

``The declaration of 100 suspected Boko Haram terrorists has started to pay the desired dividends as one of them was arrested as he attempted to flee.

``On Sunday at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, a man suspected to be one of the wanted Boko Haram terrorists, Chindo Bello, was apprehended by Aviation Security as he was boarding Aero Contractors’ Airline flight to Lagos.’’

It said the suspect had been handed over to the military intelligence for interrogation and prosecution.
The statement also commended the ``eagle-eyed and patriotic security agents and citizens'' for the tip-off that led to the arrest of the suspect.

APC, 14 others shun Kogi guber debate

THE candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Prince Abubakar Audu and 15 others yesterday shunned the Governorship debate that was organised by the Coalition for Popular Participation and Credible Election in Kogi State (CoPPCEK)

The coalition is made up of the Justice, Development and Peace Commission of Idah and Lokoja Dioceses of the Catholic church, Council of Ulamas, the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

In his opening remarks the coordinator of the coalition Rev. Fr. Leonard Onu se Odemeja indicated that the debate was an opportunity for the candidates to inter phase with the electorates in a manner that the common man can have a platform to hold his leader accountable on promises made.

He said despite the believe that election debates are not new many people were not aware of it.

Fr. Odemeja indicated that invitations were sent out to all the 22 political parties adding that about 19 sent in acknowledgement of having received the invitation.

However during the event only seven political parties’ candidates showed up.

Those present for the debate included the candidates of Peoples Party of Nigeria,(PPN),  Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) National Conscience Party( and Democratic Peoples Congress(DCP)
The APC candidate and those of the other 15 parties failed to either show up or send representatives and yet no reason was given.

According to the cordinator “This debate is basically a platform for the contestants to interphase with the electorates, let the electorate have a good idea of what the candidates have in stock for them.

“This feedback is like more or less a feedback mechanism especially for those who had opportunity to rule the State before to feel the pulse of the electorate as per their performances before and the electorates can now hold them by their words whoever emerges Governor.”

On the apathy on the part of the contestants , he said it was not a new issue to Nigerians .

He however noted that apathy would soon give way to active participation as change was a gradual process.
He said it was to galvanise active participation that encouraged the coalition to put the debate together adding that it might not be very successful at the start but would create an awareness among the electorate that they can really track the candidates to come and listen to them to hear them on what they have in stock for them.

In his key note address, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mallam Hussein Halilu Pai represented by Head of Voter Education, Daniel Kuře said his commission was encouraged to participate in the debate because of the peaceful impact it will have in the conduct of the polls.

In his words, “I advice participants here to note that laws guiding conduct of elections are in the Electoral acts 2010(as amended) and the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Group plans debate for Kogi governorship candidates

Ahead of the November 21^st governorship elections, The coalition for popular participation and credible election in kogi state is organizing a debate which will provide a platform for governorship aspirants to elaborate on their manifesto.

The coalition in a statement signed by reverend father Leonard odomeja  states that  the debate will also enable electorate make informed decisions at the November 21^st governorship polls noting that participation at the November 8^th debate at reverton hotel Lokoja is strictly by invitation.

The statement says accreditation of candidates and all invited persons starts from 3pm to 4pm tomorrow Sunday the 8^th of November , while their shall be no admission into the hall without evidence of invitation.

According to the statement, the debate is not a plat form for candidates to cast aspersions or rain insults on persons or turn the event into a campaign ground, pointing that strict compliance to instructions, orderliness and rules is expected of every participant.

The statement encouraged uninvited persons to stay clear the premises and environment.

Odomeja said that the aim of the debate was to make the electorate have better knowledge and understanding of the candidates and their manifestos.

He listed the Justice Development and Peace Commission of the Catholic dioceses of Lokoja and Idah, the state chapters of Council of Ulamah, Christian Association of Nigeria and the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as members of the coalition.

Kogi Election. Choice between good and evil, corruption and integrity- Awoniyi

The forthcoming governorship election in Kogi State would afford electorate the choice between good and evil, corruption and integrity, said Capt Idris Wada, is the most preferred option for the state.

Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, stated this at Iyara, Ijumu LGA, in continuation of the governorship campaign rally.

Awoniyi appealed to the people to see capt Wada as light, and a symbol of integrity, assured that another term in office, would enable the governor consolidate on his vision to transform the state.

Awoniyi assured the people of Ijumu LGA of appropriate attention in infrastructures and appointment, said the support the governor has enjoyed from the people of the area, would not be misplaced.

The Deputy Governor, urged the people not to be deceived by the lies of the opposition, said their antecedents places them as people who would not have the interest of the people.

While urging the youths and women to secure their future with their votes, Awoniyi urged for a peaceful and violent free election.

Awoniyi commended Capt Wada for prudent use of resources, said his kind is what the state needs in this period of financial challenge facing governance in the country.

Awoniyi called on the people of Ijumu to vote massively for the PDP and for Capt Wada, assuring that better days awaits people of the area, describing Capt Wada as the light the state needs.

Saraki unveils Senate committee chairmen

Ahmad Lawan (Defence); Oluremi Tinubu (Women Affairs); Dino Melaye (FCT),  Kabiru Marafa (National Population Commission).

Kogi Govt Spent N7b to Offset 1991-2007 Gratuity and Pension

The Capt Idris Wada’s administration has so far paid the sum of N7billion as outstanding gratuity and pension arrears of workers his administration inherited since 1991 to 2007.

Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, made the disclosure at the presentation of cash to some indigenes of Mopa, under the Somidire Poverty Eradication Programme, held at Mopa Town Hall, Mopa.

Awoniyi who represented Capt Idris Wada at the event, described the delay in the release of the bail out funds due to the state as reason for council workers and teachers yet to get their outstanding salaries, assured that the funds could be delayed but that the workers legitimate entitlement cannot be denied them.

Awoniyi commended Godwin Abayomi of GODAB Engineering Company, an indigene of Egbe for grading Egbe to Ayetoro road, said the time for individuals to partner with government due to the present economic realities facing the country is now.

Awoniyi assured workers of the local government councils employed in 2010, but now disengaged to be patient as efforts is been made to revisit their matter.

N1.2bn Fraud: FG Files Fresh Charges Against Oronsaye, Others

The federal government has filed fresh charges against the former Head of Service of the Federation, Mr Steve Oronsaye and five others before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday.  

 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier filed a 24-count charge against Oronsaye and two other defendants over alleged fraud and money laundering offences involving 1.2 trillion Naira. 

 

But at the resumption of hearing, the Prosecuting Counsel, Mr Adebisi Adeniyi, informed the trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, that he had filed an amended charge and sought for an adjournment to serve the charge on three new co-defendants who had been included in the fresh charge.

With the filing of the amended charge, the initial 24 counts had jumped to 35 counts, while the number of defendants increased from three to six.

Justice Kolawole, however, adjourned the matter to  November 25 to enable the prosecution to serve the fresh charges on the new co-defendants for them to take their pleas.

The amended charge dated November 2, 2015,  has the following defendants: Stephen Oronsaye, Osarenkhoe Afe, Global Services Limited, Cluster Logistics Limited , Kangolo Dynamic Cleaning Limited and Drew Investment & Construction Company Limited.

Army clears Boko Haram camp in Duwabafi village in Borno

The Nigerian Army said that it had cleared a suspected Boko Haram camp in Duwabafi village, Borno.
This is contained in statement issued by Col. Sani Kukasheka, the Army Acting Director, Public Relations on Monday in Maiduguri.

``In continuation with the fight against Boko Haram terrorists, on Sunday, troops of 243 Battalion, 5 Brigade Nigerian Army on fighting patrol encountered some suspected elements of the terrorists holed up at a Primary School in Duwabafi village in Borno.

The statement stated that the Army killed four suspected terrorists in a heavy gunfire, recovered two Ak-47 rifles four various sizes of solar energy panels, different types of drugs and five motorcycles.

``There was heavy exchange of gunfire in which the patrol killed four suspected Boko Haram terrorists, recovered two AK-47 rifles, four various sizes of solar energy panels, several types of drugs and five motorcycles,'' Kukasheka said.

It stated that the patrol had returned to base and to further restrategise for more onslaughts on all remaining vestiges of Boko Haram elements within the area.

Wada Lied Over Bailout Fund – Audu

Tom

The governor of Kogi state, Idris Wada has in his characteristic manner lied to the people of the state especially the TUC, NLC and others over the circumstances surrounding the bailout fund promised by the federal Government.

Wada, from our investigations failed to apply but lied to the whole world that he had applied but was denied by the CBN and the Federal government. He even at a point lied that it was Audu Abubakar that advised the federal government not to grant him the loan.

Our investigations, revealed that Wada had tactically refused to apply for the loan because of the backlog of loans arrears the state is already enmeshed in. The federal government bailout fund was initiated by president Buhari after the cash strapped states like Kogi, approached the federal government for assistance because they were owning their respective civil servants many months of salary arrears.

The loan is repayable at the interest rate of 9% over a 20 years period and it is specifically designed for paying the backlog of salaries.

As at 18 September 2015, 24 out of the 27 that applied for the bailout fund had received about ‪#‎222bn‬. Only Borno, Bayelsa and Cross River are yet to receive their own.

The question is why is Wada lying and claimed he has applied, when did he apply?

Where is the resolutions of the state Executive Council authorizing the borrowing? When was the meeting held and who were the people in attendance including minutes of the meeting? Where is the document by the state house of Assembly consenting to the loan as required by the law setting up the fund? Where is the issuance of irrevocable standing payment order from the ministry of justice of the state to the federal government guaranteeing a timing repayment at source from the state federation account allocation? Let Wada answer these questions.

Kogi 2015: Buhari absent at APC ‘grand rally’

President Muhammadu Buhari was absent at the All Progressives Congress (APC) grand rally in Lokoja, Kogi State  to drum support for the candidature of Prince Abubakar Audu in the  November 21  governorship election.

The rally, held    at the Lokoja International Stadium, was also not attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo or any representative of the President, although it drew some national leaders of the party and some APC governors from the North Central.

Buhari was expected to present his party’s candidate to the electorate by raising his hand at the rally in line with political tradition.

The rally, earlier scheduled for Saturday, October 24, was shifted to yesterday after the President had reportedly asked to be excused because he was indisposed. There was, however, no official communication on why Buhari did not turn up at the rescheduled event yesterday.

Some APC members linked Buhari’s absence at the rally to the six-year-old case against the governorship candidate by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Reinstatement of Council Chairmen and Wada’s 2nd Term Bid

The reinstatement of the 21 local government council chairmen by an Abuja appellate court may have boost the chances of the incumbent governor of Kogi state, Captain Idris Wada who is seeking second term in office.

The sack order by a Koton -karfe High Court came as surprise, leaving political pundits to ponder as to why the state government has allowed this to happen at a crucial period of preparation for governorship election in Kogi in particular and Nigeria in general.

But the council chairmen however took their destiny in their own hands and appealed the judgment of Koton Karfe High Court at Court of Appeal, following inability of the state government to appeal the judgment sacking the 21 councils chairmen in the state.

The All Progressive Congress, APC had dragged Kogi state government to court alleging that Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, KOSIEC was wrongly constituted by bringing on board card- carrying members of the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

In a judgment delivered at Koton Karfe High Court by Justice Alaba Omolaye Ajileye, the court ruled that the composition of the KOSIEC was null, void and inconsistent with section 100(1) of Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended) and as such the composition of KOSIEC was not recognised by law It was on the basis of non- existence of the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission legally that subsequently 0led to the sack of the 21 local government chairmen in the state

The trial Judge Justice Ajileye noted among others that Section 200(1) of 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended forms the fulcrum of the case, stressing that the case of claimant is that KOSIEC was not properly composed in accordance with 1999 Constitution as amended.

Be that as it may, the Abuja Appeal Court has however put smile in their faces as it gave consequential order to state government to immediately reinstate the 21 council chairmen and all the councillors who have been replaced by the 3 Senior Advisers in all the 21 local governments.

The Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, Kogi State chapter, Aloysius Okino has commended the judiciary for living up to their responsibility, stressing that it has continue to remain the last hope of the common man.

Okino who was reacting to the Appeal Court judgment Abuja division which reinstated all the 21 council chairmen in Kogi state, which were removed last year by the state government, on the strength of a high court judgment.

Kogi-born Journalist Nominated for Nigerian Writers Award

Samuel Oluwagbemi Ahmadu, SavidNews Sports Editor and Goal.com correspondent has been nominated for the 2015 Nigerian Writers Awards.

Ahmadu, a Kogi born journalist was shortlisted alongside seven other top sports correspondents in the country following his nomination for this year’s NWA which closed on 5 October 2015.

The up-and-coming journalist, who recently returned from a self-sponsored coverage of the Fifa 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, had few of his articles considered by the Award Jury for the 2015 Sports Writers of Year Award.

According to the award organisers on their official website, Ahmadu was nominated in the Sports category along six others: Punch duo of Pius Ayinor and Arukaino Umukoro; Shina Oludare Charles, his colleague with Goal.com, and Victor Akhidenor of The Cable.

Kogi : A vote for Audu is a vote for divisiveness, Wada warns

Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming governorship election in the state has warned that a vote for former Governor Abubakar Audu will be a vote for divisiveness and ethnic jingoism, which will not augur well for the unity of Kogi people.

In a statement issued on Monday by Governor Wada’s Chief Communications Manager, Mr Phrank Shaibu, the governor said no governor in the history of Kogi State, has championed ethnicity and other primordial sentiments as ex-governor Audu did during his four year reign as the governor between 1999 and 2003.

 ''Coupled with  Abubakar Audu’s tendency for violence , voting the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC)  as governor , therefore, poses a great risk for the unity of the state,” Shaibu said.

 Wada said recent utterances by the APC candidate, especially the statement he made in Kabba a couple of weeks ago ,asking APC supporters to kill any PDP hoodlum offers a window into Abubakar Audu’s innermost mind.

''Add this to his dark past that was characterised by acid attack on journalists and politicians , one begins to wonder whether a man with such a provincial world view can successfully lead a complex, multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-lingual state like Kogi State,'' Shaibu said.