Blog

Peace

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Abuja, Sept. 2, 2018 (NAN) The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All  Progressives Congress (APC) says it will resist any attempt to disrupt the current peace and harmony prevailing in the party after the defection of some its members.

The party made this known in a statement issued by Mr Yekini Nabena, its National Publicity Secretary in Abuja on Sunday.

Nabena said the attention of the APC NWC has been drawn to an illegal meeting scheduled to hold at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja by some members of the party’s organs.

He said the meeting was to fault decisions made by the NWC followed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) as regards the mode of the party’s primary elections.

“We want to state clearly that the meeting which has been fixed for 2 p.m is illegal and an attempt to puncture the sincere efforts being made by the Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led NWC to reposition our party ahead of the 2019 general elections and to ensure unity, equity and justice in the party,” he said.

“The NWC will resist any attempt to disrupt the current peace and harmony prevailing in our great party after the exit of some members of our party.

“We urge any member who is not satisfied with the decisions of the party to utilise channels provided by the party’s constitution to air their views,” he said.

He maintained that the APC remain focused in delivering good governance to Nigerians and to win the 2019 general elections, adding that it would not be intimidated by the antics of a few in ensuring its success.

Dreams

By Maureen Okon

Abuja, Sept. 1, 2018 (NAN) The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), “Live Your Dreams Africa (LYDA)’’, Mr Bankole Williams says the organisation is out to inspire young people to enable them harness their God given potential.

Williams made this known at the 8^th Edition of LYDA seminar on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the event was attended by more than one thousand young people.

The theme of this year’s seminar was “Unmasked’’.

LYDA was initiated by Williams to inspire young Africans.

According to him, I recognise that in this part of the world, there are a lot of untapped potential and people make up excuses why they cannot harness their potential.

“So, I want to inspire people to be able to harness their God given potential.

“And the people we are targeting are majorly the youth, because if you catch them young you can get them to develop, become and grow to their full potential.

“We have been able to impart our online platform, we have 25 thousand people. In the first edition we had about 365 people in attendance, today we have over a thousand people in attendance.’’

The CEO said that renowned celebrities who began their acts from humble beginnings were invited to share their experiences with the audience during the first edition of the programme.

According to him, the aim is to inspire the youths to look inward by harnessing their God given talents.

He said the celebrities included Basket Mouth, MI, Abaga, Alibaba, Kelechi Amadu Obi, Tokin Makinwa, Waje, Adesua Etomi, Banky W, Lasisi Alenu, Fatima Mamza, Juliana Olayode, and Fela Duro among others.

He said the goal of LYDA was also to look beyond Nigeria and to reach out to other African countries, to be at the fore front of enterprise development in Africa.

Also speaking, Kafaya Oluwatoyin, popularly known by her stage name Kaffy, said “no human being should make excuses why they are not great at what they do’’.

Kaffy, a Nigerian Dancer, Choreographer, Dance Instructor and Fitness Coach, said “it is an insult to God, process brings success. There’s always a process behind every success story,’’ she said.

The Fitness Coach is also the founder and owner of Imagneto Dance Company.

Fatima Memenza, the CEO of  Memza Beauty, a make-up artist and an educator, added that the platform was a good initiative which directs young people on the right part in becoming a success story.

“LYDA is such a great platform because we have a lot of young people who need direction toward achieving their dreams and channelling their careers and dreams.

“Also, I think LYDA is such a great platform where they bring a lot of people to come and share their stories, and ways in which you could achieve that dream.

“And I am hoping that next year we will have people from the audience who would actually be the speakers for the next event,’’ she said.

In his remarks, Chidi Nkwakwo, the CEO of Chyder5 Photography and Print Shop based in Lagos, urged participants to stay true to themselves.

“You are the only person that will tell yourself the truth, so it is better to be true to yourself and live your life.

“Someone told me today that if you lie about yourself, those that want to help you won’t be able to help you.

“Because when you lie on social media, people that may want to help you will say you have it all,’’ he said. (NAN)

ETIM/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Ekama

Movie

By Maureen Okon

Abuja, Sept. 1, 2018 (NAN) “18 Hours’’ has emerged the overall best movie for 2018 at the African Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA).

The movie was produced by Phoebe Ruguru, and directed by Njue Kevin both from Kenyan.

The 6th annual AMVCA, which was held on Saturday at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos began with a red carpet at 4 p.m.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that “18 Hours’’ movie casts include Nick Ndeda, Sue Wanjiru, Brian Ogola, Isaya Evans and Shirleen Wangari.

The movie emerged top out of five others nominated in that category.

They are “Potato Patahto’’, directed by Shirley Frimpong-Manso, “Alter Ego’’, directed by Moses Inwang,

“Devil’s Chest’’, directed by Hassan Mageye, “Decent’’ directed by Awal Abdulfatai, and “The Road to Sunrise’’ directed by Shemu Joyah.

The nominees of this year’s edition were earlier announced via a televised broadcast on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv on June 30, by Ghanaian actress and TV host, Joselyn Dumas, and Nigerian comedian and actor, Bovi.

With more than 120 nominations for 27 categories, filmmakers and actors from different African countries including Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria attended the event.

The 6^th AMVCA, which featured heavyweights in the movie industry on the continent, saw them battle it out in all 27 categories.

AMVCA is an annual event by Multichoice and Africa Magic, which recognises and honours film and television talents across the African continent.

Winners emerge through votes by members of the public.

The first edition was held in Lagos on March 9, 2013, and was broadcast live in more than 50 countries.

Entries into the award ceremony are films and TV series that have been aired on DStv Channels in the previous year.

Below is the complete list of winners in the different categories:

Best Sound Editor

Tatu – Kolade Morakinyo and Pius Fatoke WINNER

Idahaso Trails – Stanlee Ohikhuare

Alter Ego – Zezom Gnawni

Ojukokoro – Dayo Thompson

Hakkunde – James Coon Falcon

Best Picture Editor

Idemuza – Aloaye Omoake

18 Hours – Mark Maina WINNER

Alter Ego – Moses Inwang/Tunde Bakare

Hakkune – Asurf Oluseyi

Hidden – Jibril Mailafia

Best Lighting Designer Movie/TV Series

Tatu – Akpe Ododoru, Tunde Akinniyi WINNER

Kada River – Godwin Gata

Hidden – Agbo Kelly

Lotanna – McBaror

Children of Mud – Sunday Olalekan

Best Cinematography Movies/TV series

Tatu – Akpe Ododoru

Idemuza – Dickson Godwin

T-Junction – Lester Millado

The Torture – Rwamusigazi Kyakunzire

Okafor’s Law – Yinka Edward WINNER

Alter Ego – Bishop Blunt/Adeoye Adeniyi

Best Costume/Designer Movie or TV Series

Tatu – Yolanda Okereke

Isoken – Jade Osiberu

Potato Potahto – Christie Brown

Hakkunde – Joan Gbefwi

The Bridge – Ngozi Obasi and James Bessinone WINNER

Best Short Film/Online Video

The Housewife – Jay Franklin Jituboh

Tolu – Nadine Ibrahim

Penance – Micheal Ama Psalmist’ Akinrogunde WINNER

Lodgers – Ken Ogunlola

Tanwa, The Child We Wanted – Adenike Adebayo

Best Documentary

The Flesh Business – Dennis Wanjohi WINNER

Nightfall in Lagos – James Amuta

God’s Wives – Bolanle Olukanni

Omidan, Styles Defunct by Ayaworanho3d – Aderemi Davies

Calabar Carnival: What the People Think – Oghenefego Ofili

Best Make Up Artist Movie/TV Series

Tatu – Thelma Ozy Smith, Hakeem Effect OnilogboWINNER

Ojukokoro – Sandra Oyiana

What Lies Within – Cynthia Ububa

Disguise – Hakeem Effect

Lotanna – Nnenna Emekalam

Best Art Director

Isoken – Jade Osiberu

Tatu – Don Omope, Yolanda Okereke, Segun Arinze, Tolu Awobiyi

Children of Mud – Imoh Umoren

Lotanna – Tunji Afolayan WINNER

Idahaso Trails – Stanlee Ohikhuare

Hidden – Jibril Mailafia

Best Soundtrack Movies/TV Series

M0 – Tom Koroluk

Banana Island Ghost – Enyi Omeruah and Funbi Ogunbanwo

Bella – Andrew Ahuura

Tatu – Evelle WINNER

Idahosa Trails – Oriri Osayamore

18 Hours – Jacktone Okore

Best Indigenous Language Movie or TV Series – Swahili

Super Modo – Sarika Hemi Lhakani  WINNER

Best Indigenous Language Movie or TV Series – Hausa

Mansoor – Ali Nuhu WINNER

Umar Sanda – Kamal S Alkali

Dadin Kowa Sabon Salo – Arewa24

Uwar Bari – Hamisu Lamido Iyantama

Rashinsani – Tiana Johnson

Best Indigenous Language Movies or TV Series – Yoruba

Alakiti – Abiodun Jimoh, Jumoke Odetola

Adaba – Adebayo Salami

Etiko Onigedu – Femi Adebayo WINNER

Egun Iran Kinni – Oyindamola Awotidebe

Ogun Sengese – Ibironke Ojo

Best Indigenous Language Movies or TV Series – Igbo

Bound – Lilian Afegbai WINNER

Ofuobi – Victor Oyke

Uwa Na Eme Nyughari – Tiana Johnson

Oge Nkem – Tiana Oboyi Johnson

Ego Malaysia – Iyooh James Chidozie

Best TV/Drama/Comedy series

Gina and Friends – Paul Igwe

Professor Johnbull – Tchidi Chikere

Papa Ajasco Reloaded – Wale Adenuga

This Is It – Dolapo Adeleke WINNER

Relatives – Tunde Adegbola

Best Movie East Africa

18 Hours – Phoebe Ruguru WINNER

Devil’s Chest – Hassan Mageye

The Forbidden – Kizito Samuel Saviour

Rain – Mathew & Eleanor Nabwiso

Bella – Math Bish

Best Movie West Africa

Potato Potahto – Shirley Frimpong-Manso

Alter Ego – Moses Inwang – Esther Eyibo

Isoken – Jade Osiberu WINNER

Tatu – Don Omope, Yolanda Okereke, Segun Arinze, Tolu Awobiyi

Children of Mud – Imoh Umoren

Lotanna – Ifan Micheal

Best Movie Southern Africa

Descent – Awal Abdulfatai

The Road to Sunrise – Shemu Joyah WINNER

Salute! – Phillipe Talavera

Jomako Black Democracy – Abraham Kabwe

Nyasaland – Joyce Mhango Chavula

Trail Blazer Award

Bisola Aiyeola WINNER

Industry Merit Award

Tunde Kelani WINNER

Best Writer Movie/TV Series

Idemuza – Alaoye Omoake

Soul Tie – Kehinde Joseph

Idahosa Trails – Stanlee Ohikhuare

18 Hours – Njue Kevin

The Torture – Mulindwa Richard

Alter Ego – Patrick Nnamani/Koye O/Moses InwangWINNER

Hakkunde – Tomi Adesina

Best Supporting Actress

Toyin Abraham – Tatu

Dorcas Shola Fapson – Banana Island Ghost

Funlola Afofiyebi-Riami  – Tatu

Ebele Okaro – Blackrose

Lydia Forson – Isoken WINNER

Emem Inwang – Alter Ego

Best Supporting Actor

Saidi Balogun – Banana Island Ghost

Tomiwa Edun – Banana Island Ghost

Falz – New Money WINNER

Kunle Idowu – Idahosa Trails

Gabriel Afolayan – Okafor’s Law

Wale Ojo – Betrayal

Best Actress in a comedy and TV series

Rita Dominic – Big Fat Lie

Adesua Etomi – 10 days in Sun city

Queen Nwokoye – Excess Luggage

Bimbo Ademoye – Backup Wife

Dakore Akande – Isoken

Nyce Wanueri – Auntie Boss WINNER

Best Actor in a comedy

Kalu Ikeagwu- Dr Meekam

IK Ogbonna – Excess Luggage

Blossom Chukwujekwu – The Big Fat Lie

Odunlade Adekola – A Million Baby WINNER

OC Ukeje – Potato Potahto

Jimmy Olukoya – Guy Man

Best Actress in a Drama/TV Series

Agaba Joan – The Torture

Keira Hewatch – The Witness Box

Miriam Kayode – Children of Mud

Cinderella Sanyu – Bella

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde – Alter Ego WINNER

Lilian Echelon – Black Rose

Best Actor in a Drama Series

Wale Ojo – Alter Ego

Kalu Ikeagwu – Benevolence

Rushabiro Raymond – The Torture

Adjetey Anang  – Keteke WINNER

Adjetey Anang – Sidechic Gang

Chris Attoh – Esohe

Best Director

Moses Inwang – Alter Ego

Aloaye Omoake – Idemuza

Asurf Oluseyi – Hakkunde

Don Omope – Tatu

Jade Osiberu – Isoken WINNER

Mulindwa Richard – The Torture

Shirley Frimpong-Manso – Potato Potahto

Best Overall Movie

Potato Potahto – Shirley Frimpong-Manso

Alter Ego – Moses Inwang

18 Hours – Phoebe Ruguru WINNER

Devil’s Chest – Hassan Mageye

Descent – Awal Abdulfatai

The Road to Sunrise – Shemu Joyah. (NAN)

ETIM/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Ekama

Kada Stars dethrone defending champions Niger Flickers after penalty shootout
By Victor Okoye
Hockey
Abuja, Sept. 1, 2018 (NAN) Kada Stars on Saturday defeated Niger Flickers 2-1 in the penalty shootout to claim the 2018 National Hockey Super League title at the National Stadium in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kada Stars and Niger Flickers played in the finals after finishing first and second in the standings having played seven games in the round-robin.
The Kaduna-based side won six games and drew just one game, while the 2015, 2016, and 2017 champoins, Niger Flickers won five games, lost to Stallions and drew one game to earn a place in the final.
The only time Kada Stars dropped a point was in their game against Niger Flickers when both sides played a 1-1 draw.
The final lived up to its billings as both teams fought tooth and nail for the grand prize while fans and top dignitaries watched on.
After an intense 60 minutes of action that produced no goal, the teams headed into a penalty shootout where Kada Stars won 2-1 after six rounds of penalties.
It ended 1-1 after five penalties were played by each team.
During the sudden death, Adamu Kolo who scored Nigers’ only penalty missed his, while Kelvin Linus who was one of the players who missed during the shootout scored the winning goal to earn Kada Stars the title.
NAN also reports that a total of 90 goals were scored during the tournament.
Although, the colours of their medals were different, both teams will represent Nigeria at the 2018 African Cup of Club Champions that would be staged in Abuja in October.
Individual awards were also presented to the top scorer in the men category which went to Mohammed Inuwa of Police Machine with six goals.
The best goalkeeper award went to Abdulkadri Baba of Niger Flickers, while the best midfielder was awarded to Muiz Bello of Stallions.
The best attacker award went to John Peter of Kada Stars, while the best young player was Dennis Solomon of Kada Stars.
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award was clinched by Kelvin Linus of Kada Stars.
Among top dignitaries present at the Stadium were the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung; President, Nigeria Hockey Federation, Abdul Ningi; and Director of Sports, Niger State, Baba Chair.
Others were Suleiman Hassan, Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing; Hamza Salamatu; Sarki Tafida; Director of Sports, Nigeria Police Force, CP Aliyu Abubakar; and Chairman Albarka Radio, Ladan Salisu.
The tournament, which flicked off on Aug. 24, ended on Saturday. (NAN)
VO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

ICRC trains security agencies on compliance to International Humanitarian Laws
By Talatu Maiwada
Security
Abuja, Sept. 1, 2018 (NAN) The International Committee of the Red Cross(ICRC) says it has trained personnel of Nigeria security and defence agencies on compliance to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL).
Ms Eleojo Akpa, the Communication Officer, ICRC, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
Akpa said the four-day meeting was organised by the ICRC in partnership with the National Defence College.
She said the workshop brought together no fewer than 25 personnel from various security and defence agencies across Nigeria as well as civil society organisations and members of the academic community.
She explained that the workshop was aimed at strengthening participants understanding and application of laws guiding armed conflict and internal security situations, and the protection of vulnerable people during conflict times.
Mr Eloi Fillion, Head of Delegation ICRC, said that the sanctity and safety of civilians should be a priority in any security situation at all times, the statement said.
“The knowledge of fundamental human rights such as the right to life, to dignity, to freedom, to legal representation and to a fair trial is very important.
“It is also more powerful when such rights are respected and enforced in the heat of action and I hope that this meeting expounded such knowledge.
“The ICRC advocates respect for the rights of people affected by armed conflict and violence by reminding authorities and security agencies about their legal obligations under IHL and IHRL.
“Since the beginning of this year, nearly 3,000 officers of the armed forces, police and security forces had been trained on such principles with the ICRC’s support,’’ he said.
Fillion stated that protecting the lives and dignity of people affected by armed conflicts and other situations of armed violence was core of the ICRC’s neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian action.
He disclosed that ICRC also provided humanitarian assistance that offered access to healthcare, food, water and shelter for the most affected populations.
Fillion added that the organisation also visited places of detention and supports the authorities in incorporating humanitarian and human rights principles into the trainings and operations of armed and security forces. (NAN)
TIM/GOM/MST
Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

2019: NGO sensitises Nasarawa electorate
By Awayi Kuje
Awareness
Lafia, Sept.1, 2018 (NAN) Ahead of the 2019 general elections, Confidence Building Initiative International (COBII), an NGO, has embarked on sensitisation of electorate in Nasarawa State on the need to vote credible leaders.
Mr Illah Obadiah, the Executive Director of the organisation made this known on Saturday in Lafia while presenting the 2019 Pre-election Situation Analysis produced by the NGO.
Obadiah said COBII conducted the exercise to raise awareness of voters to elect leaders and representatives at all levels that would deliver dividends of democracy.
According to him, the NGO specialised in system strengthening through confidence building advocacy, biomedical services, research and care for the vulnerable population, among others.
“The objective of this presentation is to deepen understanding on predictors and how the electorate will likely vote in 2019 Gubernatorial Election in Nasarawa State.
“This is an opinion poll on how the Nasarawa citizens will vote their governor, Senators, House of Representative members among other elective positions,’’ he said.
Obadiah said the topical issues voters would like to see addressed by the candidates included electricity, agricultural needs, education, road, security, water supply and healthcare services.
The executive director therefore called on the electorate to vote candidates of proven integrity in the interest of development.
Mr Ifekandu Chike, the Programme Consultant of COBII, while presenting the situation report, said Quantitative Questionnaire with a Sample size of 1,800 were used.
“Study areas which we used include Lafia, Nasarawa, Obi, Karu, Keffi and Akwanga Local Government Areas of the state and the duration was from May 1 to June 30.
“Eligibility criteria ensures the people must be 18 and above and they must also have a Permanent Voter Card (PVCs) and resident in Nasarawa State.
“The summary output and the Opinion Poll results shows that 38 per cent of the voters in the state will vote based on political party while 44 per cent will not vote based on political party, and 18 per cent is indifferent.
“On whether the candidate’s religion counts, shows 33 per cent of the voters willing to vote based on religion, while 20 per cent will not based on religion, and 47 per cent remains undecided.
“Whether the candidate’s tribe will matter, 66 per cent of the opinion poll agrees, while 28 per cent disagreed and six per cent remains undecided,” he said.
Chike also said the opinion poll showed that social media and print media were the most preferred platform for political information.
The programme consultant further said electronic media, places of worship/town hall meetings as well as friends and family were veritable platforms for political information. (NAN)
AKW/OMO/MST
Edited by Martins Odeh/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NiMet
Abuja, Sept. 1, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted  monsoonal rains, expected to keep the country under wet conditions throughout the forecast period for Sunday.

NiMet made this known in its Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Saturday.

It  predicted a  mixture  of  rains  and  thunderstorms  over the northern states.

The agency added that light  rains would be expected in the  morning hours over  Borno,  Yobe,  Jigawa with thunderstorms in Sokoto,  Kano,  Katsina,  Zamfara  and  Kebbi axis.

According to NiMet, the  evening  period  may  experience  thunderstorms with moderate and heavy ( monsoon) rains in Borno, Kano, Gombe,  Jigawa  and Yobe as likely  hots pots.

It said that day and night temperature in the northern region would be in the ranges  of  27-32 degree Celsius and 20-24 degree Celsius respectively.

The agency also envisages rains in the central states throughout the  day with light rains in the morning hours.

“The  rains will increase in intensity from moderate to heavy  rains between round 1200 and  midnight.

“Areas around Jalingo, Yola  and Mambila Plateau may experience  some  morning thunderstorms.

“Day and night temperature in the region is expected  to be in the  range of 25-31 degree Celsius  and 17-23 degree Celsius respectively,” NiMet predicted.

The agency added that light  rains is expected in  the  morning hours over Lagos,  Port Harcourt, Calabar, Eket,  Enugu  and  other  southern cities with drizzle in  a few  places.

It said that the  rains would  graduate  to  heavy  rains  over  most  parts of the southern states in  the evening hours, adding that the heavy rains expected to be all-day affair might still be light over  Lagos.

NiMet predicted that day and night  temperature in the southern region will be in the range of 28-30 degree Celsius and 21-24 degree Celsius respectively. (NAN)

MC/DA
(Edited by Dele Akinsola)

Election
By Victor Adeoti
Osogbo, Sept. 1, 2018 (NAN) Stakeholders at a workshop organised by the United Nations Programme (UNDP)in Ibadan have called on political parties to shun abusive language and hate speeches before, during and after the Sept. 22. governorship election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum was organised for traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders and civil society organisations on a peaceful election in Osun.

The stakeholders in a communique issued at the end of the workshop appealed to political parties to desist from making inflammatory comments that could promote electoral violence in the state.

The communique, which was signed by Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, the Olufi of Gbongan in Osun, also appealed  to political parties to display the spirit of sportsmanship by accepting election results in good faith.

It also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections that would be free, fair and generally acceptable to the people.

The communique further urged INEC, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the media to intensify its campaign on voter education to discourage vote buying.

It also appealed to security agencies to provide adequate security before, during and after the election.

The communique appealed to the youths not to risk their lives over the ambition of any politician during the election.

The participants commended the UNDP and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for organising the stakeholders’  dialogue for a peaceful election in the state. (NAN)
VE/ECN/OJO
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(Edited by Emnanuel Nwoye/Mufutau Ojo)

Defection
By Victor Adeoti
Osogbo, Sept. 1, 2018 (NAN) Ahead of the Sept. 22 governorship election in Osun, three members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state House  of Assembly on Saturday defected to the Action Democratic Party (ADP).

The three defectors – Tajudeen Famuyide (Ilesha-West), Debo Akanbi (Ede North) and Abdullahi Ibrahim (Iwo) – were received at the ADP Secretariat in Osogbo by the party’s Chairman, Mr Toye Akinola, the Deputy Governorship Candidate, Prof. Adeolu Durotoye and other party executives.

The lawmakers said they left APC because of alleged nepotism.

Akanbi, who spoke on behalf of other lawmakers, said: “We know the foundation of the All Progressives Congress in the state, and we agreed with Gov. Aregbesola to spend eight years in power.

“It is not that when he is leaving, he will anoint a candidate.

“We kick against nepotism in the party; many more supporters of APC are still coming to ensure the victory of Moshood Adeoti, ADP’s Candidate in Sept. 22.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a member of APC in the Assembly, Mr Clement Akanni (Ila), had on Aug. 23 defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He also alleged unfavourable treatment by APC.

In his reaction, the Osun APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Kunle Oyatomi, said that the defection was political miscalculation.

He said that the defected lawmakers must resign as members of the Assembly – since they used APC as the platform to secure their seats in the assembly.

“Our concern is not about their defection because that is their personal choice, but our concern is their statuses as members of the assembly.

“Since they have defected, their positions can no longer be sustained in the assembly,” he claimed. (NAN)

VE/AO/IGO
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SWAN

By Olanrewaju Akojede
Lagos, Sept. 1, 2018 (NAN) The Lagos State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN) has dissociates itself from the national body for what it termed “illegalities and irregularities” in running the affairs of the union.

The association’s position is contained in a communiqué issued after its Congress on Friday, Aug. 31 at the SWAN Secretariat, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos and signed by the Chairman, Dapo Sotuminu and Secretary, Bunmi Ogunyale.

The communiqué said: “ In view of the fact that due process was not followed in the purported registration of the SWAN by the national body.

“The Lagos chapter of SWAN hereby dissociates itself from the registration and the current leadership of National SWAN until these issues are satisfactorily determined.

“Particularly, Lagos SWAN was not a party to any convention, full council meeting where the resolution was taken or ratified.

“Also, Lagos SWAN is not aware of any meeting at which the Trustees were elected or appointed or ratified.”

“Lagos SWAN disagrees with the lack of due process in the suspension of the Deputy National Secretary, Mr Wale Joseph, by the National Executive Committee.

“We find it undemocratic for any punitive action, no matter how tentative, to be taken against members without any hearing whatsoever.

“Furthermore, we consider it dangerous and against the interest of freedom of expression for members to be punished for expressing their opinions on issues at state congresses as is the case for which Wale Joseph has been persecuted.

“This in our view is a sure path to dictatorship which is capable of destroying the association.

“Lagos SWAN considers it unsafe for the interest of the association for the National Secretariat to be run without any of the elected National Secretary and the Deputy National Secretary.”

The communiqué said that “Lagos SWAN decries the lack of vision, commitment and non-existence of programmes and projects in the activities of the present national leadership.

“This is directed at impacting the welfare, capacity building of members and the advancement of professional practice,” it said. (NAN)
KOJE/PDE
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(Editing by Peter Ejiofor)