Politics

Missing Certificate: I Made Second Best Result In 1976 — Okowa

Published

4 years ago

July 6, 2022

Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta State and the vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta State and the vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Tuesday debunked reports that he had no West African School Certificate (WASC), saying he made the second-best result during his set in 1976.

He said that the issue surrounding the certificate was a deliberate wrong perception and unnecessary politics, saying that virtually all universities in the country offered him admission based on his outstanding performance in WASC and Higher School Certificate (HSC) examinations.

Okowa disclosed this while speaking to journalists after inspecting ongoing projects at the Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area.

He said: “On the issue of my certificate, I think it is a misconception.

People try to play politics with everything. Yes, I lost my WAEC certificate, but I have the printout from Edo College, Benin City, which clearly stated that I have distinction in all subjects.

“The Higher School Certificate was attached and it has been acknowledged by Edo College and the school put it out there that I made an ‘A’ ‘B’ and ‘B’. “I do not pride myself but it was very difficult to make such a grade in high school at that time. My high school result was the second-best nationally in 1976 when I finished.

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So, many universities admitted me through telegram at that time, and I had to start making choices of which to accept.

“Of course, it’s very clear that I finished medical school at the University of Ibadan. I was 21 years and some months; I was less than 22 years of age.’’

On the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the governor called on the Federal Government to expedite action in resolving the issues, adding that every government should be sincere enough to keep to promises and agreements at all times.

“We continue to sympathise with our students who have been at home for several months now rather than being in school. I use this opportunity to call on the Federal Government to do something urgently to end the strike.

It’s not a good thing for the children, parents and even education in general. Unfortunately, the Federal Government has not been able to attend to issues as requested by ASUU.

“For every government, if promises are made, we must ensure that we keep to our promises and if there are things that cannot be done, you let people know,’’ he said.

Okowa remarked that lecturers were not on strike in the four universities owned by the state, saying, “For us in Delta State, we are fulfilling all the requirements and that is why you can see that this university and our three other universities are all active and in session because we do not have any issues with our lecturers.

“All our four universities are in session because we pay special attention to education in Delta State, and our presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has also assured that education occupies a prime position in our ‘Rescue Nigeria Mission.’”

He expressed satisfaction with the management of the university in Ozoro for successfully admitting 1,850 students in the first year, disclosing that no fewer than 3,000 applicants chose the university as the first choice in the new session starting in October.

“That over 3,000 applicants have chosen the University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, as the first choice is very heart-warming and it goes to show that our decision to upgrade the Polytechnic to a University of Science and Technology is a very good decision.”

He also lauded the university for using the engineering students to execute some projects in the school.

“We walked through some concrete paved roads executed by the university with engineering students and it is very encouraging that they are putting their students to practice and their lecturers also have the opportunity to practicalise what they teach.

“You will recall in the same manner when the school was a polytechnic that they used their students and their engineering staff to build the stadium on the campus.

“This is very encouraging because we must ensure that our students are not only groomed up in theory but also put to practice what they learn and that’s exactly what we look forward to,” the governor said.

DAILY INDEPENDENT

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PDP Chairmanship Candidate Withdraws, Backs APC Ishaku in FCT Polls

Published

4 hours ago

February 19, 2026

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PDP Chairmanship Candidate Withdraws, Backs APC Ishaku in FCT Polls

In a dramatic political realignment less than 72 hours before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Bwari Area Council, Julius Adamu, formally withdrew from the race and threw his support behind Joshua Ishaku Musa of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The decision was finalised during a bipartisan stakeholders meeting on Wednesday, following direct intervention by Nyesom Wike, who has increasingly played a kingmaker role in the territory’s political landscape.

Addressing supporters, Adamu described his withdrawal as a move to maintain local harmony and unity, emphasising his personal ties with Ishaku. “After deep consultation with the FCT Minister, I came to the conclusion that Joshua and I are brothers. It will not be nice for two brothers to fight over one office,” he said. He urged his political base to transfer their support to Ishaku, stressing the importance of consolidating votes for the betterment of the community.

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Minister Wike threw his full weight behind the newly forged alliance, linking Ishaku’s potential victory to accelerated infrastructure development in Bwari. Speaking to party members and voters, Wike said, “If you vote for Joshua, I will do more roads in Bwari. Let nobody make any mistake; on Saturday, come out and make sure that Joshua wins the election.” APC officials hailed the development as a demonstration of political maturity and strategic alliance-building that strengthens their chances in the contest.

The move has sparked mixed reactions among opposition figures and civil society groups. Senior PDP officials expressed surprise, highlighting concerns about internal party cohesion and grassroots mobilization. Some youth leaders lamented the abrupt withdrawal, warning that it could disenfranchise supporters who had actively campaigned for Adamu. Meanwhile, civil society observers called for transparency and voter education, stressing that alliances should not undermine informed voting and local representation.

Residents in Bwari voiced divergent opinions on the withdrawal. Some welcomed the pact, describing it as a step toward peaceful politics and improved community development, while others felt that voters should have had a say in the decision. Aisha Mohammed, a local trader, noted that “if this ensures unity and progress for Bwari, we support it,” whereas university student Emmanuel Adeyemi commented, “We should decide who represents us, not be instructed to follow party arrangements.”

The withdrawal significantly alters the electoral dynamics in Bwari, reducing vote fragmentation and strengthening the APC’s position in a previously competitive battleground. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is concluding preparations for elections across the six FCT Area Councils — Abuja Municipal (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji, and Kwali — scheduled for February 21, 2026. Observers have noted that the alliance could influence voter turnout and election outcomes, while political analysts continue to monitor Wike’s role as a strategic mediator shaping FCT politics.

PDP Chairmanship Candidate Withdraws, Backs APC Ishaku in FCT Polls

Politics

Two Killed, Five Injured as Violence Erupts at APC Ward Congress in Ondo

Published

17 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Trends Admin

Two Killed, Five Injured as Violence Erupts at APC Ward Congress in Ondo

Idanre, Ondo State — At least two people were killed and five others injured on Wednesday after violence broke out during the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congress in Idanre, Ondo State.

The incident occurred at Odode-Idanre, the headquarters of Idanre Local Government Area, as the ruling party conducted ward congresses across its 203 wards in the state. What was meant to be a routine party exercise quickly descended into chaos when suspected party thugs allegedly invaded the venue.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers opened fire and used machetes on party members, triggering panic and forcing residents and participants to flee. During the violence, a vehicle was set ablaze, while several people sustained serious injuries.

Sources said the Idanre violence may be linked to heightened political tensions from Tuesday’s disruption at the APC state secretariat in Akure, where suspected hoodlums reportedly stormed a stakeholders’ meeting and attacked party leaders. That incident had already raised fears ahead of the ward congresses.

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Among those targeted in the Idanre attack was Raphael Adetimehin, younger brother of Ade Adetimehin, the APC caretaker chairman in Ondo State. Raphael Adetimehin reportedly sustained machete injuries after attackers allegedly mistook him for his brother. His vehicle was also set on fire before he was rescued and rushed to the General Hospital in Idanre for treatment.

The Ondo State Police Command later confirmed that two persons died from the attack, while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical care. Police said five unidentified individuals were attacked during the violence.

Security operatives, led by the Commissioner of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) commandant, were deployed to the area and successfully restored calm.

Reacting to the incident, Ade Adetimehin alleged that the violence was politically motivated, accusing supporters of Tajudeen Adefisoye, a former member of the House of Representatives and ally of Lucky Aiyedatiwa, of orchestrating the attack. These allegations have not been independently verified, and no official response has been issued by those named.

Police authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible, as concerns grow over political violence, party congress safety, and rising internal tensions within the ruling party in Ondo State.

Two Killed, Five Injured as Violence Erupts at APC Ward Congress in Ondo

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Osun PDP Lawmakers Endorse Tinubu for 2027, Back Adeleke Re-Election

Published

4 days ago

February 15, 2026

Trends Admin

Governor Ademola Adeleke and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Osun PDP Lawmakers Endorse Tinubu for 2027, Back Adeleke Re-Election

Lawmakers of the Osun State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, while also declaring their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid in 2026.

The endorsement was announced at a joint meeting of the PDP lawmakers in Osogbo, where they said the decision was driven by what they described as the need for political stability, continuity in governance, and sustained development at both the state and federal levels.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, said the endorsement of President Tinubu was based on his administration’s policies and interventions, which, according to them, have had a positive impact on Osun State and the South-West region.

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Egbedun noted that backing President Tinubu for a second term would strengthen federal-state collaboration, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, security, and economic reforms, while also ensuring continued federal presence in Osun.

The lawmakers also unanimously passed a vote of confidence in Governor Adeleke, citing what they described as his people-oriented leadership style, commitment to workers’ welfare, and ongoing projects across key sectors, including education, healthcare, road infrastructure, and local government development.

According to the PDP legislators, Governor Adeleke’s administration has prioritised inclusive governance, fiscal discipline, and the restoration of public confidence in government, adding that these achievements make him deserving of a second term in office.

They dismissed suggestions that endorsing President Tinubu, who belongs to a different political party, contradicts their loyalty to the PDP, arguing that the move reflects political pragmatism and the overriding interest of Osun State.

The lawmakers stressed that their decision does not weaken the PDP in Osun but rather positions the state to benefit from harmonious political alignment between the state and the federal government.

Reaffirming their commitment to the PDP, the legislators said they would continue to work for the party’s success in future elections while supporting leadership choices they believe would advance peace, stability, and development in Osun State and Nigeria at large.