Ogun palliatives: CAN, Muslim community, CDC, others debunk viral video + VIDEO – Newstrends
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Ogun palliatives: CAN, Muslim community, CDC, others debunk viral video + VIDEO

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7 months ago

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Ogun palliatives: CAN, Muslim community, CDC, others debunk viral video

Stakeholders in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State on Monday debunked claims in a viral online video that a 10kg bag of rice was given to be shared as palliative in Sokeye Community.

At a meeting called by the leadership of the council to explain how the palliatives meant to alleviate the pains occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy were distributed, stakeholders said the formula used to share the bags of rice is the best they’ve ever seen in the state.

Speaking at the event, Bishop Ezekiel Olukunle, who represented CAN on the committee that shared and monitored the palliatives, described the video as a hatchet job and urged the public to disregard it.

“CAN was given 1000 bags of rice for our members who are vulnerable. We shared these diligently and Sokeye, like every communities, got its own share. How then can he say only one bag was to be shared by all households in the estate? He is definitely up to something bad and we plead that he should be ignored,” he said.

Corroborating the Bishop, Dr. Saheed Adeleye, who represented the Muslim Community on the sharing committee, said the formula used to share the palliatives is the best he has seen in his almost 40 years of living in the council area.

The community leader who said the man who did the video lives in the same area with him, describe him as a known opposition agent.

“There is no truth in the claims of the man. He is being used. We know him. He has never contributed to the development of our area but he is good at ganging up against every government.

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“I can tell you that we in the Muslim Community got 1000 bags of rice which we distributed to the vulnerable amongst us. I live in Sokeye and I can confirm that not less than 165 bags of rice were given to the needy in the community. This is the same community the man was lying about.

“And we are not the only one who got rice to share. CAN, youths, market women, traditionalists, Baales, the Obas, Hausa, Igbo, Igede communities the Isese, artisans and many other stakeholders also shared rice for people in Sokeye. We have never had it so good in the last 40 years that I have been there,” he affirmed.

Mr. Babalola Samuel Olakunle, who is the Chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC) covering Sokeye Estate, said not less than 2000 bags of rice were given to the CDC to be shared to the vulnerables in the various communities.

He added that the CDA chairman who did the video refused to be part of the efforts to distribute the palliative when contacted.

“The one bag of rice he displayed was specifically given to him for onward transmission to an identified vulnerable widow in his estate, not for the whole estate and he knew that.

He is being used by opposition politicians to tarnish the government. We know him very well and we can tell you his antecedents.

“Aside from the thousand of bags shared by the CDC part of which we got in Sokeye and other communities, the Muslim community, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), market association, youth groups, etc also collected bags of rice and shared for their needy members in the estate and other communities.

“How then can he claim only one bag was given to the whole estate? We find his online video mischievous and embarrassing. That is why we are here to profusely debunk it and apologise to the state government.

“We also think he should be made to explain his actions so as to prevent other people with the same motive from going the same way,” Babalola added.

Also, Chief Mrs. Kemi Ogunleye, the Iyaloja of the LGA, explained how market women were given 1000 bags of rice as palliatives.

“We shared it among out people and more than 60 bags were given to market women in Sokeye where that man lives. Just because the state government did not hand over all the rice to him to share as it used to be in the past, he is now spreading falsehood.

“He is angry because it is no longer business as usual,” she said.

In his own testimony, Chief Kasumu Jamiu Sonola, the Baale of Asese community and Chairman, Council of Baales in the local government, said he took delivery of 1000 bags of rice on behalf of the Council.

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“We didn’t keep it for ourselves. We shared it for the needy in our various communities. All the Baales collected and took it to the poor people in their domains.

“Sokeye got its own share. So the man cannot be saying the truth. I personally ensured that it was given to the targeted beneficiaries,” he said.

Speaking on the development, Oba Taofeek Owolabi, the Olu of Obafe and Chairman of the Council of Obas in the LGA, lauded Governor Dapo Abiodun for ensuring the diligent distribution of the palliatives.

“This time around, the sharing of the palliatives was done in a manner that it got to the people who should benefit from it.

“I am surprised to hear about the video. It is unfortunate that some people wanted to rubbish a fantastic innovation. This is the best way to share the palliatives and I appreciate the governor and everybody involved.

“Even we Kabyesis got 500 bags of rice which we shared to our people. With the way the palliatives were shared, no well meaning person should complain. Governor Abiodun’s style is the best we have seen in Ogun State,” he explained.

Urging the public to disregard the content of the video, Chairman of Obafemi Owode LGA, Hon. Lanre Ogunsola Adesina said the committee put in place to oversee the sharing of the palliatives did a good job.

“We started the process with the composition of pallative distribution committee that was inaugurated at the local government secretariat on 26th September 2023.

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“The members of the committee were drawn from the three zones made up the council area namely, Obafe, Owode and Oba zones with Kabiyesis, Baales, religious associations, youths, women, market associations, Community Development Associations, people with disabilities, security agencies and others ably represented.

“It is now unfortunate to see a viral video being presented by the CDA chairman to the public that a bag of rice was meant for the entire household in his estate. It is pertinent to say that the bag of rice shown in the viral video was meant to be sent to a vulnerable within the community through the CDA chairman.

“Several other members of the CDA in the area have gotten their own through Baales, market men/women, community development associations, christian association, Muslim association, youth council, people with disability and security agencies.

“A similar viral video earlier thrown to the public was later debunked by the CDA chairman who released it after he sought further clarification.

“This is why we suspected very strongly that the Sokeye CDA chairman may be out to intentionally work against the state government’s bid to reach out to the targeted vulnerables.

“After a careful look at the video, we wish to state that the action and statement of the CDA chairman is politically sponsored by the opposition.

“Please disregard the viral video as it is aimed as tarnishing the image of the performing governor, Prince (Dr)Dapo Abiodun (CON).

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Minister withdraws orphan-marriage suit against Niger Assembly Speaker

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5 hours ago

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May 17, 2024

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Minister for Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye

Minister withdraws orphan-marriage suit against Niger Assembly Speaker

The Minister of Women Affairs , Uju Kennedy -Ohanenye, has withdrawn a suit she earlier filed against the speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, following his decision to marry off 100 orphans from his constituency.

Speaking with reporters, the minister noted that the ministry in collaboration with the speaker of the Niger state assembly, and traditional rulers from the state, are currently investigating the ages of the girls to ascertain if they are within the stipulated age for marriage.

According to her, the Ministry of Women Affairs will, for now, focus on empowering girls, as well as others affected by insecurity in the state.

Last week, the speaker, Sarkindaji, announced plans to marry off 100 orphans in his constituency as part of measures to alleviate their sufferings.

While the development had sparked national outrages, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), urged the minister to withdraw the litigation and petition she wrote to the Inspector General of Police.

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The Chairman, Kano State Chapter of MURIC, Malam Hassan Indabawa, who made the call on Thursday night in a statement, urged Nigerians to learn to respect one another’s culture and traditions.

“We found the harsh and hasty decision taken by the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs over a matter that is entirely beyond the scope of her ministry.

“The minister’s attempt at media demonisation of marrying off of 100 poor and orphaned girls, who were largely traumatised for losing both parents to brutal and bloody banditry and insurgency, exposed her ignorance to the culture and traditions of the Muslim North.

“This elaborate media blitz, over the matter, MURIC observed, was deliberately done to sway public opinion against the marriage institution, and an attempt to vilify Sarkin-Daji, after demonstrating his genuine concern for the needs of members of his constituency,” Indabawa said.

The marriage arrangement in question is slated to take place on May 24, 2024.

Minister withdraws orphan-marriage suit against Niger Assembly Speaker

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Group protests against corruption allegation against Mattatwalle at EFCC HQ

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5 hours ago

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May 17, 2024

By

Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)

Group protests against corruption allegation against Mattatwalle at EFCC HQ

A group on Friday occupied the national headquarters of the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a protest they said was aimed at urging the anti-graft agency to ignore being cowed to prosecute President Bola Tinubu Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle over allegations of corruption.

The group led by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator of Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) carried various placards and urged the EFCC to resist any pressure and blackmail to prosecute an alleged offender, but follow the due process of the rule of law.

Onwubiko, who addressed journalists at the EFCC headquarters, called on politicians to stop pressuring the EFCC to prosecute citizens who they are at war with.

In the letter Onwubiko presented to the executive chairman of the EFCC, Olanipekun Olukayode, on behalf of the group, the group said, “We are compelled to address the recent developments regarding the protests against the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle.

“The protests, which appear to be sponsored, have reached a disturbing level and are now a cause for serious concern.

“HURIWA is here by advocating the observance of the tenets of the law that recognises even suspects as being totally innocent in the eyes of the law until a contrary determination is reached by a competent court of law and not court of seekers of ‘lynch mob’ injustice.

“It is crucial to emphasise that allegations alone do not constitute guilt.

“These claims lack substantial evidence and seem politically motivated.

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“We urge that such matters be handled through the proper legal channels, with written petitions submitted to the EFCC as required by law, rather than through public protests that aim to intimidate and exert undue pressure on the Commission.”

Dr. Matawalle has consistently operated within the bounds of the law and has expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the EFCC to ensure a transparent and fair inquiry, the group argued in the letter.

The letter further argued that, “His track record of service to the nation speaks for itself. volumes about his integrity and dedication to public office. As such, the EFCC must conduct its investigations without external pressures or distractions.

“The context of these allegations cannot be ignored.

“Nigeria’s political landscape is often marred by smear campaigns and character assassination attempts, particularly against those in positions of authority.

“The ongoing protests are likely aimed at diverting political office holders from their duties and responsibilities.”

“We requests the Executive Chairman of the EFCC to discourage these politically motivated protests against government functionaries.

“We advise those with grievances to follow due process by submitting written petitions or seeking redress through competent courts of law.

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“Furthermore, we propose that the protesters or their sponsors sign a bond agreeing that, should the investigation exonerate Matawalle, they will face arrest and be made to pay the same amount they are alleging as damages to Matawalle.

“The EFCC is a respected institution that must uphold its mandate with integrity and independence. We trust that you will consider our concerns and take the necessary steps to ensure that justice is served impartially.

“While the right to peaceful assembly and free speech is fundamental, these rights should not be exercised in a manner that disturbs public peace and security.”

Briefing journalist after the presentation, Onwubiko stressed that, “We are not here to defend Mattatwalle, but it looks like there’s a systematic, politically motivated witch hunt against the Minister of State for Defence by certain elements that have been procured by politicians from his state, Zamfara.

“I think the major reason these pressures have been activated recently is because he made a landmark statement that ‘if you are from the north and appointed into public office by the current president, that the duty you owe to the president as the appointing authority, is to give him 100 per cent loyalty’.

“But certain forces in the North, who have their political agenda to remain relevant, and their understanding of how to get into government is to conjure and chronograph protests all over the place.

“It is illegal for citizens to abuse privileges granted to them by constitution by politicising and weaponizing their enmity to a particular person because the person is privileged to be in government .

“It is not right to use ideology and Political differences to instigate undue pressure to try to score cheap points using clearly established and legally permitted organisations and institutions like the EFCC.” He stated .

Group protests against corruption allegation against Mattatwalle at EFCC HQ

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Tinubu solicits Faye’s help in bringing Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso back to ECOWAS 

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9 hours ago

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May 17, 2024

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Tinubu solicits Faye’s help in bringing Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso back to ECOWAS 

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to the President of Senegal, Bassirou Faye, to join him in persuading Mali, Niger and Bourkina Faso to return to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The three countries withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2024 after ECOWAS sanctions were imposed on them following the military takeover of their governments.

The military rulers of the three countries announced their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS in a joint statement.

They have refused to return to the regional bloc despite the lifting of the sanctions.

Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS, received the younger Senegalese President on a visit to the Presidential Villa Abuja on Thursday.

“As the Chairman of ECOWAS, I am inviting you to collaborate and meet those other brothers; to persuade them to come back to the fold,” the Nigerian President said.

Tinubu however said democratic governance, democratic values, and constitutional order are sacrosanct and must be protected.

He said, “But how can we work for our people and make them the focus of our democracy if we are violating the rule of law and promoting unconstitutional takeover of government?”

The Nigerian President added that critical institutions and precepts, like the judiciary and the rule of law, must be respected and observed for the sustenance of democracy.

“Constitutional democracy is what Senegal proved to the rest of the world and Africa.

“It is a joy to have you here; to meet the hope and aspiration of our youths. You fit in perfectly well.

“A critical time it is in the history of constitutional democracy, particularly in West Africa. What you have embarked upon, a struggle couched in freedom, is remarkable,” Tinubu said.

In addition, the Nigerian President called for a common front among African nations in the fight against challenges of terrorism and human trafficking bedevilling them.

Tinubu described Nigeria and Senegal as brotherly nations, recounting both countries’ long history of cooperation.

“We must be able to partner and build the freedom we believe in – in economic growth, development and other spheres of governance,” the President said.

In his remarks, Faye acknowledged Nigeria and Senegal’s shared values, ideals, and challenges, emphasising that both nations have always had good relations since the 1960s.

“The good relations we have and the relations between our private sectors should be beneficial to our countries,” he said.

The Senegalese President called for the reactivation of the Nigeria-Senegal joint commission to strengthen bilateral relations across the areas of diplomacy, trade, and other spheres.

Speaking on regional bloc, the Senegalese President said, “ECOWAS is the beacon of successful regional integration in Africa and globally. It is something we owe to the founding fathers of the community, and I have no doubt that you want to continue this legacy of integration.

“I know I can rely on your wisdom and experience, as the leader of this great African nation, and the more recent example of Senegal; so that together, hand in hand, we can grow together, and that we can discuss with our brothers and convince them to come back into the fold.”

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