Politics
Corruption Is In The Presidential Villa – Samuel Ortom
Benue State’s outgoing Governor, Samuel Ortom, has made a startling claim, stating that corruption exists within the Presidential Villa.
During an interview on Arise Television, Ortom accused the nation’s seat of power of orchestrating his loss in the senatorial election.
Despite the circumstances, the Governor expressed his forgiveness and willingness to move on asserting that there were concerted efforts to remove him from office, as certain individuals believed he posed a threat to their interests.
The celebration of my defeat which was orchastrated by the (Presidential) Villa showed they wanted me out at all cost. Monies were spent to stop me.
He said “People talk of corruption but corruption is in the Villa itself. I know how much was spent by the Villa on Benue to ensure that I lose electron. Yes I lost. Fine and good, God permitted it and I have accepted it. I have accepted to move on.
“They thought I was on their way but I wasn’t on their way. All I did was to ensure justice and equity for all”.
Governor Ortom vehemently criticized President Buhari’s alleged intention to relocate to Niger Republic if he faced discomfort in Nigeria after his tenure.
Ortom urged the President to dismiss any notion of leaving the country and instead encouraged him to remain in Nigeria and experience firsthand the consequences of his mismanagement and ineffective governance.
The Governor expressed his regret that the nation’s economy, which was once thriving when Buhari assumed office in 2015, has deteriorated over the course of eight years due to a lack of vision and incompetence.
He said “Buhari should not relocate to Niger Republic after leaving office. He should stay here with us. He has taken us from top to bottom. So, let him go no where. Let’s all stay here and work for the incoming administration, and by God’s grace move from bottom to top again.”
Ortom who served as Minister for Culture and Tourism under former President Goodluck Jonathan, recalled with regret that when Jonathan was in power, Nigeria was doing well in many sectors but suddenly nosedived under the watch of Buhari.
He added “I remember when some of us had the privilege of serving under President Goodluck Jonathan, we were talking Nigeria from bottom to top to a certain level, but now we are at the bottom.”
Asked what his relationship with his successor would be, Ortom said he would offer advice if his advice were solicited.
On life after power, the outgoing Governor said he would return to his farming career or take up job as a freelance journalist.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has assured that his administration would do everything within its powers to take care of Edo State civil servants and make them happy.
He made the pledge on Friday when he received Executives of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State Chapter, led by its Acting State Chairman, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide.
Egwekhide said they were in Government House to congratulate the Governor on his recent victory at the governorship election tribunal that affirmed his victory in the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
On his part, the Governor said whatever Edo State workers are enjoying in the state is the responsibility of his administration to do because it is worker friendly.
ALSO READ: Uromi Killings: FG, Edo State Set Up Fact-Finding Committee
Okpebholo said, “Whatever we are doing, which is favouring Edo workers, is done because it is our responsibility as a government. Edo people voted for us to work for them, and that is what we are doing to ensure life is made better for our people, including the workers.
“We embrace transparency in all what we do as a government to enable the people to trust us as we are not afraid of criticism. Positive criticism will put us on our toes to work harder for Edo people.
“The renewed hope agenda of the president has given us room and platform to perform and serve Edo people better as we embark on practical governance.
“We are doing everything in the State to ensure peace, unity, growth, and development. That is why we ensure smooth collaboration amongst the three tires of government. In all we do in the State, we ensure the three Senatorial zones are carried along.”
The NLC acting chairman, Egwekhide, commended the Governor for his developmental strides and the friendly environment created for Edo State workers to operate.
He said the visit was necessary as the body had come to congratulate the Governor for his deserved victory at the election petition tribunal in Abuja.
According to him, “Workers in Edo State are proud of you for the developmental strides in the State. You have created a friendly relationship between your administration and Edo workers as you have always taken steps to favour Edo State workers.
“Without asking, workers received their 13th month. You raised the subvention of Ambrose Ali University (AAU) from N41 to N500 million. You regularized casual workers in Edo State. You increased what is due pensioners monthly from N50 million to N1 billion naira for both local and State pensioners.”
He noted that a committee has been set up to look into the compulsory pension scheme, which has become a burden on retired civil servants, adding that the report will be submitted to him for his action.
“We thank the governor for several employments given to our people in the very short time in office,” he added.
In a related development, Gov Monday Okpebholo also received the new branch controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Edo State, Apanke Utande who was on a courtesy visit to Government House, where the Governor urged him to collaborate with his administration to improve the lives of Edo people.
Sir Jude Idimogu, a former two-term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, has strongly stated that there will be “no vacancy” in Aso Rock come 2027, reaffirming his commitment to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.
Idimogu, who served as the representative of Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II from 2015 to 2023, shared his views during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.
His comments followed the recent declaration from an opposition group promising to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
READ ALSO: Tinubu, AGF Snub Suit Seeking To Sack Rivers’ Sole Administrator
A steadfast member of the APC and deputy leader of the Ndigbo socio-cultural group in Lagos, Idimogu dismissed the opposition’s chances of defeating President Tinubu in 2027, asserting that no coalition of opposition leaders could pose a significant challenge to the president’s second-term aspirations.
“The ruling party has strong leadership and unwavering grassroots support that will carry us through to victory in 2027,” Idimogu stated, branding the opposition’s efforts as “futile.”
He further noted that power rotation between the North and South made it clear that it was the South’s turn to complete its eight years in office.
“There is no vacancy in Aso Rock come 2027, and I am appealing to all Northerners in the APC to support the president in completing his eight years,” he added.
In his assessment of the current administration’s progress, Idimogu lauded President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, citing positive developments such as better power supply, the strengthening of the naira against the dollar, and the implementation of policies that have helped reduce food prices and boost agricultural output.
“With the restoration of the naira-for-crude deal and the export drive, we are seeing tangible results. I don’t see any opposition candidate who can present a policy better than what Tinubu’s administration is already doing,” he explained.
Looking ahead to 2027, Idimogu expressed his firm belief that he would be among those advocating for President Tinubu’s re-election, given the progress already made under his leadership.
Idimogu concluded by urging the opposition coalition to reconsider its stance, suggesting that they join forces with the president for the greater good of the nation.
The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) under Julius Abure has been vindicated by the content of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgement between Nenadi Usman and the party.
This was contained in a statement on its verified handle on micro-blogging site, X on Wednesday night.
According to the National Publicity Secretary
Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh
As promised earlier, we warned that Senator Nenadi Usman and her cohorts have been in the voyage of misleading Nigerians with wrong interpretation of the judgement of the apex court.
ALSO READ: ECCIMA Applauds Dangote’s Impact On Nigeria’s Economy
There is no where it stated that the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure led executive has elapsed or that Nenadi Usman and her National Caretaker Committee has been directed to take over the leadership of the Labour Party.
The Supreme Court emphatically stated that issues within the political party are internal affairs of the party and that party supremacy must be observed.
It is pertinent for us to state clearly that there is no vacuum in the leadership of the Labour Party. The highest organ of the party, the national convention has in March 2024 elected its leaders in line with the constitution of the party and electoral act and their tenure is subsisting.
Consequent upon that, any meeting convened in disregard to the constitution of the party is illegal and the outcome null and void. We are therefore warning all those involved in the illegal meeting holding in Abuja to refrain from further factionalising the party and respect the constitution of the party as we will not fail to activate the provision of the party on disciplinary actions.
Gabonese Voters Head To Polls In First Presidential Election Since 2023 Coup
‘Hands Off Our Campus!’ — NANS Warns SSANU Over Protest Threats At FUOYE
Drop Akpabio’s Petition, Probe Threats Against My Life – Senator Natasha To IGP
Okpebholo Excites Edo Workers With Welfare Package
Empowering Leadership: Kebbi State Trains LG Chairmen On Security
