NEWS
Reactions Follow Deyemi’s Letter To Attah After Banky W Poll Loss
Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon, has caused a reaction on social media by penning an open letter to Thaddeus Attah, the Labour Party’s (LP) Eti-Osa Honourable-Elect, congratulating him on his victory over musician and politician, Banky W.
In a lengthy letter shared on his Instagram account on Friday, Deyemi asserted that he voted for Banky W because he believed he was the most suitable candidate for the job.
He also congratulated Attah on his victory and urged him to share his plans for Eti-Osa, acknowledging that despite his extensive research on the official, he was unable to find any concrete information.
Additionally, the actor extended an invitation to the newly elected official to respond to his inquiries through an Instagram chat.
He wrote,”(Edited) OPEN LETTER TO HOR-ELECT THADDEUS ATTAH.
“Dear Sir,
“I’ll like to use this opportunity to congratulate you, Mr. Thaddeus Attah @jt.atta of the Labour Party(LP), as the winner of the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
”Before I go ahead with what I will like to say, I will like to fully disclose that I voted for Mr. Bankole Wellington of the Peoples
“Democratic Party (PDP) as I honestly thought he would have been the best candidate for the job. I do have immense faith in our
“discernment as a people to elect the right candidate, however I am also quite worried about the role tribal sentiments,
“cyberbullying and herd mentality on all sides has played in our electoral process. That being said, I am a firm believer in.
“democracy and I would want nothing more than for the people’s wish to prevail so once again I congratulate you Sir.
“Mr Attah, same as with a lot of Lagosians, I only first heard of you when you were announced the winner a few days ago. Since
“that time I have made a significant effort to find out as much as possible about our newly elected federal HOR candidate. To my
“surprise, my quest for answers left me even more puzzled as to who you really are as well as what your qualifications, past
“precedents and plans are for the people of Eti-Osa. With little or no online presence, and for someone that overthrew both an
“incumbent and a public figure, I am yet to find any indications of your campaign manifesto. It would therefore be a great pleasure
“if you Sir will do me the honour of accepting an invitation to join me online for a live Instagram conversation this weekend to address concerns and respond to questions many others like myself may have.
“Finally, without seeking to influence or enforce any candidate on anyone, I will like to use this medium to urge all well-meaning,
progressive Lagosians ahead of the March 11 elections to find their own individual voice such that when we head to the polls we
“ensure the person we are voting for reflects our collective want for great leadership and our desire for excellent governance. I look forward to a lively discourse.
“Your constituent.
“Deyemi Okanlawon.
The statement caused a debate on social media, some trolls, argued that there was no need to question him.
Vincentokonkwo said,”Ko necessary he won out to grace and am sure so many candidates across Nigeria were equally lucky Abi you wan set ring light for over 84 elected LP members of house and senate or it is because it’s someone I know that is involved.
Ifbnw said, “How many of the APC reps in the past years did you single out for public questioning?. This is a poor mix of performativeness, bullying and hypocrisy laced with faux concern for how competent Mr. Thaddeus is.
“If you really want to get to know him, you’ll send a DM, send an email, arrange to meet him in person, discuss his ideas and plans and then translate that to your online audience or organize events for him to gain more visibility online, if you must. Instead of publicly putting him on the spot to question his competence simply because you don’t know him.
“Your logic indirectly also implies that this seat is Banky’s birthright because he’s popular and if you don’t see how that’s the problem we are fighting against on a national level, then you’re part of the problem.”
its_tegadominic said, “So, this is nicely written, but I beg to differ, personally I have seen his works and he campaigned, he may not have been as loud as Banky but he did his bit, like I said to those who cared, Labour Party was literally a minority at a time so most people didn’t believe in them, in the case of Banky it was all clear why he didn’t win, when you are angry it affects everyone, that’s what happened.
”When I first saw his bill on my street I knew he was going to win, I asked around about him and reports I got was also
encouraging, I have seen his manifesto and he means well, what we need to do is let them know that politics is not as before, you won’t be a mediocre and hide under the party umbrella and think you will last, I wish him all the best as he behaves well. I wish Banky all the best as well. There is a lesson to learn from this election… March 11 for GRV.”
mrcantuc said,”Oga go rest, is he the only person that you need to question over elections stuff?. You have been quiet over the presidential election na here you wan show yourself abeg go rest.”
NEWS
Tragic Building Collapse In R/State Leaves One Dead, Several Injured
A tragic building collapse in Rivers State has left a middle-aged contractor, identified as Udeme, feared dead after a two-storey structure under construction caved in at the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
This incident comes just one week after a three-storey building collapsed at the Iriebe axis of the same local government, though that incident fortunately recorded no casualties.
READ MORE: Fire Ravages Ajah Market In Lagos, Goods Worth Millions Lost
The latest collapse occurred on Monday, November 4, 2024, around 2 p.m., with construction workers on site when the structure gave way.
According to eyewitness Mr. Jonathan Obey, the building’s second floor suddenly buckled, trapping Udeme beneath the rubble, while another worker managed to escape with serious injuries.
Obey, who attempted to rescue the trapped contractor, suspected negligence, saying, “We couldn’t reach him despite our efforts. An inspection revealed substandard materials had been used, with the foundation only three feet deep for a two-storey building, which is insufficient. The rebar was of poor quality, and essential supports, such as a center beam, were absent.”
The Rivers State Government has since sealed off the property and declared the developer, Vincent Nwoye, wanted for questioning.
Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, visited the site and expressed his dismay, attributing the collapse to gross negligence.
“This tragedy was preventable,” Bipi stated. “The developer failed to obtain an approved building plan and used inferior materials. The government will ensure accountability and take severe action.”
Bipi extended his condolences to the victim’s family and the Ogbogoro Community, affirming that the government will facilitate the family’s recovery of their loved one’s remains. “We sympathize with the bereaved family and the entire community,” he added.
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Samuel Anya, also condemned the developer’s actions, highlighting the dangers posed when profit is prioritized over safety. “This loss is a direct consequence of unethical practices,” he said.
The government has committed to a thorough investigation and tighter regulatory enforcement to prevent further tragedies in Rivers State.
NEWS
JUST IN: Justice Adeyeye, Ekiti State’s CJ Passes On
The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye has passed on.
The news of his passing was leaked by a reliable source under the condition of anonymity.
The sad incident, according to the source, happened in Ado Ekiti in the early hours of Tuesday.
His death is being traced to a sickness which came upon him following the injury he sustained when a section of the Ekiti State High Court Complex, Ado Ekiti wall collapsed in July 12, 2023.
ALSO READ: #EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors
The late Justice Adeyeye was at the office when the building collapse happened and sustained injuries.
While the state and his family were yet to issue statements on his demise, the Ekiti State Chapter of the Association of International Female Lawyers (FIDA) has sent condolences to the family.
The condolences message read: “With deep sorrow in our hearts and in total submission to the will of God, FIDA Ekiti consoles with the family of the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Hon Justice Oyewole Adeyeye on his call to glory.
“May He find rest with his maker.
“I pray that God grants the family, the Judiciary and the people of Ekiti State, the grace to bear this irreparable loss.
Adieu great one.”
Justice Adeyeye was born 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi in Ekiti East Local Government of Ekiti State and was called to bar in 1986.
He started his career as a State Counsel in the civil service of the then Ondo State before joining the Ekiti State Judiciary Service Commission shortly after the state was created in 1996.
He was promoted to the position of a judge in the state’s high court in 2002 and has served at different occasions in the election petition tribunal.
NEWS
BREAKING: Court Drops Charges Against 76 #EndBadGovernance Protesters
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed all charges against 76 individuals accused of participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
The ruling came after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, moved to discontinue the case under orders from President Bola Tinubu.
READ MORE: N1.3trn Fraud: EFCC Arrests Ex-Delta Gov, Ifeanyi Okowa
Justice Obiora Egwuatu, presiding over the matter, struck out the charges after hearing a motion from the AGF’s representative, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) Mohammed Abubakar.
Citing Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, the AGF formally took over the case from the Inspector General of Police, then requested to drop all charges against the defendants, many of whom are minors.
The judge granted the AGF’s application without objection from defense counsel, ordering the immediate release of the accused, who were not present in court.
This decision follows a directive issued on Monday by President Tinubu, instructing the AGF to withdraw charges against the protesters.
More to follow……….