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Makinde and Adeleke Slam Ganduje Over APC Alleged Takeover Threat

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and his Osun State counterpart, Ademola Adeleke, have criticized Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), for claiming that the APC would capture Oyo and Osun states following its victory in Ondo State on Saturday.

Ganduje, speaking to journalists in Akure on Sunday after the Independent National Electoral Commission announced Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the winner of the Ondo State governorship election, expressed the APC’s goal of consolidating political control in the South-West by ousting the Peoples Democratic Party from Oyo and Osun states.

Ganduje had said, “Our next target now is the South-West geopolitical zone, and you know we are good at hitting the target, and this is Osun State and Oyo State. We will do all that is possible to bring them into the fold so that we have political homogeneity in the South-West geopolitical zone.”

Responding on Monday, Oyo State Governor Makinde dismissed Ganduje’s claim as mere wishful thinking, while Osun State Governor Adeleke warned the APC National Chairman against making undemocratic statements or engaging in actions that could unsettle the South-West.

The Oyo State governor, speaking via his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, in an interview with The PUNCH, declared that neither the state government nor the Oyo PDP would relinquish control to the APC.

Olanrewaju noted that the governor supported the remarks made by the acting Publicity Secretary of the Oyo PDP, Micheal Ogunsina, who criticized Ganduje for his alleged takeover agenda.

Ogunsina, in his statement, said it was unfathomable for the APC to believe that the people of Oyo State would abandon the “oasis of peace, ease and good governance” under the Makinde government for “devastation, pain, sorrow, and tears.”

Instead of discussing state capture, the Oyo PDP stated that it had anticipated the APC-led Federal Government would focus on alleviating the hardships inflicted on Nigerians by their purportedly misguided policies.

“It is a shame that instead of easing people’s burden, what preoccupies the mind of the APC and its leadership are the capture of states and the abduction of people’s destinies. Where then is the difference between what the APC does and what forest bandits do?

“Our people are tired of a party and people that are progressive only in name. Ganduje and his cohorts who want to extend the pains of APC to Oyo State should stop plotting against God and the people. We reject the curse from Ganduje and his APC; our God, who hates the wicked, rejects them too.

“Our state has been an oasis of peace, ease and good governance in the midst of the ruins wreaked by the APC across the country. We do not intend to surrender our freedom to predators. And we will not.

“Perhaps we should let the APC people know that no sensible person in Oyo State wants to be inflicted with greater pains than what the people bear now from APC’s misrule.

“A ruling party with a conscience would, by now, be working very hard to repair the damage it has done to the economy of our country and the finances of the people. But, because APC cannot give what it does not have, it is not concerned at all about the people’s plight. Its politics is solely about grabbing power, capturing states and snatching people’s joy,” the Oyo PDP said.

In an interview with our correspondent, Makinde, via his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, stated that the party expressed his views.

Adeleke, through a statement issued by his media aide, Olawale Rasheed, stated that the stance of the APC National Chairman was in stark contrast to Tinubu’s democratic credentials.

“As a well-read politician, one would have expected Dr Ganduje to know that electoral contests depend mostly on local indexes and factors and what is obtained in Edo and Ondo are surely different from political facts on the ground in Osun State. Local permutations, grievances, and interests dictate how people vote rather than superimposed force.

“Osun State is the cradle of Yoruba people where political freedom is cherished and where resistance to electoral fraud is a strong tradition. Ganduje is a threat to democracy and an insider enemy of President Tinubu.

“If Dr Ganduje truly loves Mr President, why is he pushing to destabilise the President’s home zone through open threats to violate electoral law and deny the electorate their rights to vote and be voted for? By threatening to hijack opposition states, the APC leader is undermining the consensus among Yoruba people, which accept Mr President as their own irrespective of political differences.

“If however the statement of the APC leader is borne out of ignorance, he is invited to study Osun politics to get better informed of the dynamics of this state’s politics and to appreciate that what works in Edo and Ondo cannot play out here for several reasons,” Adeleke said.

In a similar vein, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the PDP, Timothy Osadolor, on Monday, accused the APC in power of rigging the governorship elections in Ondo and Edo States.

Osadolor further pledged to mobilize millions of Nigerians in resistance against the APC’s efforts to seize control of Oyo, Osun, and other states currently under the governance of the opposition party.

He said, “It is a wishful statement and an alarming statement at the same time that should be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians. What happened in Edo and Ondo states are not elections, but manipulations to install their selected candidates. It is a power grab and very dangerous for our democracy.

“The system is being run as if we operate a one-party system, rather than the multi-party system that we have. The APC-led Federal Government is more focused on using security to achieve electoral victory, rather than using security for the benefit of all.

“Rather than focusing on insecurity and economic challenges, the ruling party is concerned about priding itself on how it rigged its way into power from one state to another in the office-cycle elections.”

The Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in Osun State, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, also warned Ganduje to avoid stirring up political unrest in the South-West with his recent statements.

Odeyemi criticized his comments as irresponsible and inappropriate for a figure of his status, particularly considering the ongoing economic struggles faced by Nigerians under the present administration.

“One would have expected Dr. Ganduje to demonstrate better communication skills befitting his position. With the economic challenges Nigerians are facing, who would willingly vote for the APC? Ganduje should not be carried away by what transpired in Ondo State.”

“Osun people are wise and peace-loving. Each party must allow voters to decide freely. Ganduje must not turn the South-West into a war zone. Spoken words carry weight, and 2026 must be crisis-free in Osun,” he added.

In the same vein, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, urged caution, stating that such remarks could provoke violence.

Ifoh further expressed his belief that he did not foresee the APC gaining control of the entire South-West, either at present or in the foreseeable future.

He said, “I sympathise with the APC National Chairman because his party has failed Nigerians. We have learned from past mistakes. The fear that the APC will take over the South-West is not there. Oyo State, as I talked to you, is not under the APC. Osun too is not under the ruling party’s control. So there is no way they can take over the whole of the South-West. It is not going to work.

“I want to also let you know that the hunger crisis in Nigeria today is felt more in the South-West, outside the North. So, I wonder what will be the incentive for anybody to ask this government to continue with the situation.”

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Tinubu should be blamed for PDP crisis – Sowunmi

A PDP member, Segun Sowunmi says President Bola Tinubu should be blamed for the crisis rocking the party

A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi, has said that President Bola Tinubu should be blamed for the crisis rocking the party.

He said this while criticizing Tinubu’s appointment of the former governor of Rivers State and PDP member, Nyesom Wike as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking in an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday, Sowunmi lamented that the president didn’t consult the elders of the party before making the appointment.

He said: “President Tinubu is the problem of the PDP, he has no business taking Wike from our party and appointing him as minister without talking to us.”

Sowunmi said Tinubu ought to have learnt from former president, Olusegun Obasanjo who consulted the Peoples Democratic Party before forming a government of national unity.

He explained that for the crisis in the PDP to be resolved, Wike should be relieved of his duty by the president and returned to the party.

According to him, once that is done, the opposition party will have the stamina to move fast in unity and clear ambition.

News

CAF Awards: Oshoala Missing as Nnadozie, Ajibade bag nomination

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has nominated Super Falcons stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Chiamaka Nnadozie for the prestigious 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.

The pair, who have consistently showcased their exceptional talent on both national and international stages, are part of a ten-player shortlist for the coveted honor.

Ajibade and Nnadozie were key members of the Nigerian women’s national football team at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Despite the team’s overall performance, the duo stood out with their remarkable contributions, solidifying their status as two of Africa’s finest female footballers.

Beyond their national exploits, they also excelled with their respective clubs, further cementing their reputation as world-class players.Rasheedat Ajibade, a dynamic forward, played a crucial role for Atletico Madrid during the 2023/24 season.

Her performances were instrumental in helping the Spanish club secure a third-place finish in the highly competitive Spanish Iberdrola league.

Ajibade’s ability to deliver in critical moments and her consistent goal-scoring prowess have made her one of Atletico Madrid’s most dependable players.

Her agility, vision, and knack for finding the back of the net have earned her widespread acclaim and recognition.

On the other hand, Chiamaka Nnadozie has continued to redefine the goalkeeping position with her exceptional talent and composure under pressure.

The Paris FC shot-stopper played a pivotal role in her club’s qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League, a feat that underscored her importance to the team.

Known for her quick reflexes, commanding presence in the box, and remarkable shot-stopping abilities, Nnadozie has consistently proven to be one of the best goalkeepers in Africa and beyond.

Her outstanding performances during the year also earned her the Best Goalkeeper award at the 2023 CAF Awards, a testament to her excellence between the posts.

The nomination of Ajibade and Nnadozie reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian female footballers on the global stage. It also highlights the legacy of excellence maintained by Nigerian players, with Asisat Oshoala winning the Women’s Player of the Year award in 2023.

As the countdown to the 2024 CAF Awards begins, fans and football enthusiasts eagerly await the final announcement.

Whether Ajibade or Nnadozie clinches the title, their nominations alone are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and exceptional contributions to the beautiful game.

News

Naira crashes against US Dollars

The Nigerian naira has resumed its depreciation against the United States dollar, recording significant losses at both the official and black market foreign exchange (FX) platforms on Wednesday.

Data from the FMDQ Securities Exchange reveals that the naira weakened further to ₦1,687.52 per dollar at the official FX market, down from ₦1,678.93 per dollar traded on Tuesday.

This decline represents a loss of ₦8.59 in just one day, signaling continued challenges for Nigeria’s currency amidst ongoing economic uncertainties.

Similarly, in the parallel or black market, the naira exchanged for ₦1,750 per dollar on Wednesday, reflecting a ₦10 drop from the ₦1,740 rate recorded the previous day.

The sustained weakness in the naira is a source of concern for businesses, investors, and citizens, as it exacerbates inflationary pressures and increases the cost of imported goods and services.

The depreciation occurred despite a rise in FX transaction turnover, which climbed significantly to $173.29 million on Wednesday compared to $128.59 million on Tuesday.

This 34.7% increase in trading volume indicates a higher demand for foreign exchange, which may have contributed to the naira’s weaker performance.

Market analysts believe the persistent volatility of the naira stems from a variety of factors, including high demand for foreign exchange, speculative trading activities, and limited supply of dollars in the economy.

The widening gap between the official exchange rate and the black market rate further underscores the inefficiencies in Nigeria’s FX management system, raising concerns about the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) intervention strategies.

Over the past several months, the naira has been on a fluctuating trajectory against the dollar, despite various policy measures and interventions implemented by the CBN.

These measures, aimed at stabilizing the currency, include adjustments to interest rates, efforts to attract foreign investments, and targeted funding for critical sectors of the economy.

However, the results have been mixed, with the naira continuing to face significant headwinds.

The challenges with the naira’s value reflect broader economic issues, such as dwindling foreign reserves, heavy reliance on oil exports, and subdued revenue generation from non-oil sectors.

Experts are urging the government to adopt more holistic and sustainable economic reforms to address structural problems and restore confidence in the naira.The current depreciation trend highlights the urgent need for coordinated policy responses to stabilize the FX market, manage inflation, and ensure long-term economic stability in Nigeria.

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AFCONQ 2025: Rohr Explains Super Eagles’ Shock Defeat to Rwanda

Benin Republic’s Cheetahs head coach, Gernot Rohr, has weighed in on the shocking defeat of Nigeria’s Super Eagles against Rwanda in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

The match, which took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Monday, saw the underdog Rwandan side claim a memorable victory over the three-time African champions.

Despite the result, the Super Eagles had already secured their qualification for the tournament in Morocco after Libya’s earlier triumph over Rwanda.

However, the defeat on home soil has raised questions, and Rohr, who previously managed the Super Eagles, offered insights into what might have gone wrong.

In comments attributed to him via Fraternit, Rohr suggested that Rwanda’s victory was partly due to Nigeria’s perceived complacency following their confirmed qualification.

He highlighted that this overconfidence often leads to a lack of intensity, allowing opponents to capitalize.

“Against Nigeria, we were pegged back by Osimhen a few minutes before the end,” Rohr explained, reflecting on his own experiences coaching against the Super Eagles.

“I know this team well from having coached them. They sometimes tend to take their foot off the gas when they think they have qualified.

This can give their opponents the opportunity to spring a surprise, as was the case with Rwanda.”

Rohr’s analysis resonates with a recurring issue in football where already-qualified teams approach subsequent matches with reduced urgency.

For the Super Eagles, this complacency might have given Rwanda the motivation and space to exploit their vulnerabilities, especially in front of their home crowd.

Nigeria’s squad, filled with star players like Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze, was expected to dominate the match.

However, the team seemed to lack the sharpness and determination typically required to overcome a resilient opponent like Rwanda.

Rohr’s comments suggest that while the Super Eagles possess immense talent, maintaining focus and intensity, even in seemingly inconsequential matches, remains a challenge.

Rwanda’s victory is a significant milestone for the East African nation, underscoring the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of mental preparedness.

For Nigeria, the loss serves as a wake-up call as they prepare for the main tournament in Morocco, where they will face stronger teams with little room for error.

The defeat has sparked discussions among fans and analysts, with many hoping that the Super Eagles will address these lapses in future matches.

As one of Africa’s football powerhouses, Nigeria’s expectations remain high, and performances like this serve as reminders that success requires consistent effort, regardless of prior achievements.

News

Kaduna Court Orders Man to Sweep Premises for Stealing Tiles Worth ₦130,000

A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kaduna has sentenced a 30-year-old unemployed man, Vincent Danladi, to sweep the court premises for three weeks after he was found guilty of theft.

The items stolen included a carton of floor tiles and other materials valued at ₦130,000.

Danladi, a resident of Ungwan Pama in Kaduna, was charged with theft under the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.

He pleaded guilty to the offence during his court appearance on Wednesday, admitting to the allegations brought against him by the prosecution.

In his ruling, Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel emphasized that the court had taken into account Danladi’s status as a first-time offender when determining the sentence.

Instead of imposing a fine or custodial punishment, the magistrate ordered Danladi to report to the court daily to sweep its premises for a period of three weeks.

This judgment reflects a rehabilitative rather than punitive approach, particularly for minor offences.According to the prosecution, led by Inspector Chidi Leo, the theft occurred on November 9 at a house under renovation in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna.

Danladi, along with two accomplices who are still at large, was accused of stealing a carton of 3×3 floor tiles, a bucket of paint, and a carton of wall tiles.

The total value of the stolen items was estimated at ₦130,000.Leo explained that during the course of the investigation, the stolen items were recovered, and Danladi was apprehended. His accomplices, however, remain unidentified and are yet to be arrested.

The prosecutor further stated that the theft contravened the provisions of the Kaduna State Penal Code, highlighting the legal consequences of such acts.

While delivering the sentence, Magistrate Emmanuel highlighted the importance of justice tempered with mercy, particularly for first-time offenders.

The court considered Danladi’s economic circumstances and his admission of guilt as mitigating factors. The decision to impose community service instead of imprisonment or a fine aims to provide an opportunity for Danladi to reflect on his actions and reintegrate positively into society.

This judgment has drawn mixed reactions from the public.

While some praise the court’s decision as a progressive move toward restorative justice, others argue that stricter measures are necessary to deter criminal behaviour.

Nonetheless, the case underscores the judiciary’s efforts to balance justice with compassion, particularly for individuals who show remorse for their actions.

Danladi is expected to begin his court-ordered community service immediately, sweeping the premises under the supervision of court officials for the stipulated three weeks.

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VAT boosts October revenue as FG, states, LGs share N1.411t

VAT has boosted Nigeria's revenue for October 2024 as the FG, states and LGs shared N1.411 trillion

Value-added tax (VAT) has boosted Nigeria’s revenue for the month of October 2024 as the Federal Government (FG), states and Local Governments (LGs) shared N1.411 trillion.

A total of N668.291 billion was collected in October as VAT as against the N583.675 billion collected in September, increasing the revenue available for sharing to the three tiers of government.

This amount is higher than the N1.298 trillion that was shared in September by N113 billion.

The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) announced this on Wednesday at the end of its November 2024 meeting which took place in Bauchi State.

The meeting, which was chaired by the Accountant General of the Federation. Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, was held after the 2024 National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED) hosted by the Bauchi State Government.

FAAC in a communique issued at the end of the meeting said the Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue in October 2024 was higher than what was available in the month of September 2024 by N84.616 billion.

It said that the N1.411 trillion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N206.319 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N622.312 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N17.111 billion and Exchange Difference revenue of N566.000 billion.

The communiqué indicated that total gross revenue of N2.668 trillion was available in the month of October 2024. Total deduction for cost of collection was N97.517 billion while total transfers, interventions and refunds were N1.159 trillion.

According to the communiqué, gross statutory revenue of N1.336 trillion was received for the month of October 2024.

“This was higher than the sum of N1.043 trillion received in the month of September 2024 by N293.009 billion,” it said.

The communiqué stated that from the N1.411 trillion total distributable revenue, the Federal Government received a total sum of N433.021 billion and the State Governments received a total sum of N490.696 billion, while Local Government Councils received a total sum of N355.621 billion and a total sum of N132.404 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

On the N206.319 billion distributable statutory revenue, the communiqué stated that the Federal Government received N77.562 billion and the state governments received N39.341 billion.

The Local Government Councils received N30.330 billion and the sum of N59.086 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

From the N622.312 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, the Federal Government received N93.347 billion, the State Governments received N311.156 billion and the Local Government Councils received N217.809 billion.

A total sum of N2.567 billion was received by the Federal Government from the N17.111 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL). The State Governments received N8.555 billion and the Local Government Councils received N5.989 billion.

From the N566.000 billion Exchange Difference revenue, the communiqué stated that the Federal Government received N259.545 billion and the State Governments received N131.644 billion.

The Local Government Councils received N101.493 billion, while the sum of N73.318 billion (13 per cent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

The communique noted that in October 2024, Oil and Gas Royalty, Excise Duty, Value Added Tax (VAT), Import Duty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), and Companies Income Tax (CIT) increased significantly while Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) and CET Levies decreased considerably.