Politics
BREAKING: Rhodes-Vivour Cries Out Against Smear Campaign
The gubernatorial candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for the 2023 election in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has cried out against a smear campaign aimed at eroding his hard-earned political capital.
He made the cry in a public statement on his verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Tuesday.
He declared that the calculated efforts of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would not deter him focusing and achieving “a new Lagos, Ourlagos”.
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Rallying his followers not to be distracted, Rhodes-Vivour asserted that “Their lies didn’t deter us then, and it will not deter us now. We will continue to push our message of a new Lagos, Ourlagos.
“Therefore, I urge the public to remain vigilant and critically assess any disseminated negative information. Such propaganda is a calculated move by the APC to divert attention away from their failures in governance and their inability to effectively address the needs and concerns of the people.”
Rhodes-Vivour wrote, “It has come to my attention that the ruling APC has orchestrated a smear campaign in an attempt to tarnish my reputation through baseless and malicious character assassination. This planned campaign is a clear act of desperation to distract the public from the party’s glaring incompetence and lack of innovative solutions for the suffering of our people and our nation’s pressing issues.
“During the campaign, while I appeared on several debate platforms and engaged various stakeholders on our policy solutions, the APC focused on spreading lies, hate and fear. They lied about my family heritage and twisted my comments to suit their deceitful narrative. They viciously attacked my family with untruths and defamatory remarks all in an attempt to distract the public from issues that really matter, issues that we are all now forced to deal with. Issues such as hunger whilst our political elite continue to live lavishly, flooding whilst they move around in their jeeps, unemployment whilst they borrow money to fund their luxurious lifestyle without accountability or transparency.
“Their lies didn’t deter us then, and it will not deter us now. We will continue to push our message of a new Lagos, Ourlagos.
“Therefore, I urge the public to remain vigilant and critically assess any disseminated negative information. Such propaganda is a calculated move by the APC to divert attention away from their failures in governance and their inability to effectively address the needs and concerns of the people.
“I stand firm in my commitment to social democratic values and the pursuit of meaningful progress for our dear state. Let us not be swayed by these deceitful tactics but rather stay focused on holding those in office accountable.
“Together, we will build a Lagos that works for all, #ourlagos.”
Recent social media photos of Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo with governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have ignited speculation about a possible defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
But while political circles lit up with rumours, Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, has stepped in to clarify that the governor’s attendance was merely at a wedding in Taraba State, not a political gathering.
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The speculation emerged after images of Ododo with PDP governors circulated widely on social media, prompting conjecture about a possible defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fanwo, addressing the matter on X, clarified that Ododo’s presence was limited to attending a wedding in Taraba State and not a political gathering.
The post reads, “The Chief Servant of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo, jetted out hours after his Supreme Court victory to attend the wedding of the daughter of the Taraba State Governor, His Excellency Agbu Kefas, in Taraba.
“The wedding was also attended by captains of industry and other governors across the country. Governor Ododo wishes the new couple a happy married life.”
Former federal legislator Sam Onuigbo has commended President Bola Tinubu for his contributions to the South-East region, urging continued support for his initiatives.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia on Friday, Onuigbo lauded Tinubu for signing the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) bill into law.
Onuigbo described the SEDC as a significant milestone for the South-East, noting that it would address the lingering impact of the Civil War and promote regional empowerment through education.
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While acknowledging the efforts of past leaders in the region, he argued that Tinubu’s achievements stand out.
As the South-East representative on the Board of the North-East Development Commission, Onuigbo highlighted that the region had awaited this opportunity for over five decades since the end of the Civil War.
He further praised Tinubu’s commitment to nation-building and called on the South-East to recognize and support the president’s efforts.
He said, “We were fortunate during the eight years of President Olusegun Obasanjo to have had five Senate Presidents from the South-East. We also had a Deputy Senate President for 12 years and, of course, a Deputy Speaker.
“However, despite these, we were unable to secure a specific commission focused on addressing the devastations of the Civil War.”
Onuigbo highlighted that President Tinubu’s approval of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and other lawmakers, marks a key milestone for the region.
He noted Tinubu’s accomplishments since taking office on 29 May 2023, including appointing a Service Chief from the South-East, backing a Deputy Speaker, and other significant appointments.
“We are seeing many other appointments coming from him,” Onuigbo said.
He emphasized the importance of encouraging leaders who are making positive strides, stating, “When someone is doing well, what you do is encourage them to do even more.”
Additionally, Onuigbo reaffirm that Tinubu’s efforts in the South-East merit recognition, support, and commendation.
The Supreme Court has dismissed separate appeals by the Labour Party (LP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the election of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.
The apex court rejected the appeals filed by the LP candidate, Athan Achonu, and the PDP candidate, Samuel Anyanwu, due to a lack of merit.
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The court upheld Uzodinma’s election, affirming the decisions of the Imo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and the Appeal Court, both of which had dismissed the petitions earlier.
Justice Mohammed Baba Idris, delivering the lead judgment, stated that the LP and PDP candidates failed to prove allegations of over-voting and other electoral malpractices in the November 11, 2023, election.
Governor Uzodinma praised the Supreme Court’s ruling, describing it as well-researched and dedicating the legal victory to the people of Imo State.
He said, “A few hours ago, the Supreme Court confirmed me as the duly elected Governor of Imo State, arising from the November 11th, 2023 governorship election.
“It is, therefore, with a heart full of gratitude that I thank God Almighty for granting me another victory after I had also emerged victorious at the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal
“I express my gratitude to the Supreme Court for upholding the law despite the barrage of blackmail and intimidation by those who wanted sentiments to obfuscate justice.
“When Imo people overwhelmingly reelected me last year as their governor, it was simply based on my sterling performance, which remains unprecedented in the modern history of the state.
“During my second tenure inauguration, I pledged to serve them with renewed vigour, with honesty and transparency and accountability and with the fear of God.
“Today, with this Supreme Court victory, which I dedicate to all Imo people, irrespective of political or religious affiliation, I rededicate myself to the service of the good people of Imo state.”
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