October 8, 2022
Press Statement
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grief-stricken over the death of one of our founding members, former National Chairman, former National Secretary of our great Party and former Minister of State, Special Duties, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor.
Prince Ogbulafor was an exceptionally patriotic leader, a detribalized Nigerian and quintessential democrat who dedicated his skills, resources and energies in selfless service towards the unity, stability, democratic advancement and economic development of our nation.
As the National Secretary of the PDP, Prince Ogbulafor played key roles alongside others leaders of our Party in laying a solid foundation for effective Party management and administration as well as development and implementation of our robust policy guidelines that led to key accomplishments of successive PDP administrations in the country.
As PDP National Chairman as well as Minister of Special Duties, he displayed a unique leadership capacity in leading the PDP to effectively deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
The PDP mourns over this great national tragedy especially coming at this point in our national life when our Party and indeed the nation need his wealth of experience the most.
The PDP commiserates with the Ogbulafor Family, the Government and people of Abia State, the PDP in Abia State as well as the people of Olokoro, Umuahia South of Abia State and pray to God to grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary

Text of Press Interactive Session by the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Debo Ologunagba, Today, Saturday October 8, 2022
The PDP formally informs Nigerians that our Party, the PDP will officially flag off its 2023 Presidential Election Campaign on Monday, October 10, 2022 in Uyo Akwa-Ibom State Capital.
Our Party is fully prepared for an issue-based campaign and our Presidential Candidate, H E. Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, H.E. Ifeanyi Okowa are fully “Articulated” for the campaign.
The PDP will take our campaign to all the States, Local Government Areas, Wards and Polling Units across the country under the Unified Campaign Structure as approved by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our Party.
Our Campaign will be people-driven and focused on PDP and H.E. Atiku Abubakar’s mission to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation from the abysmal misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
From our consultations across the six geo-political zones of the country, it is clear that Nigerians across board, irrespective of religion, ethnicity and even political affiliations accept the PDP Presidential Candidate, H.E. Atiku Abubakar as the best Candidate with the practical experience, capacity, broad-mindedness and willpower to Unite our nation, Revamp our national economy, and guarantee security of lives and property in our country.
Why Nigerians Want H.E. Atiku Abubakar
H.E. Atiku Abubakar as Vice President to President Olusegun Obasanjo was the Chairman of the National Economic Council.
During that period;
• Our nation achieved unprecedented national productivity
• Secured $30bn overall debt relief from the Paris and London Clubs
• Nigeria’s economy was revamped to become one of the fastest growing economies in the world with stable exchange rate.
• Foreign reserves rose from $2bn in 1999 to $43bn in 2007
• Power generation rose from average daily generation capacity of 1,800mw in 1999 to 4,000 mw in 2007.
• Our country witnessed the liberalization of the telecommunication industry and the advent of GSM and Internet facilities in Nigeria
• Our country also witnessed a boost in private Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria
• More Nigerians opened investments in sectors hitherto controlled by foreigners including in the downstream and upstream petroleum sectors.
• Owing to the conducive economic environment, there was increase in Foreign Direct Investment and more Nigerians in the Diaspora returned to establish businesses in the country
• Expanded and consolidated the Nigerian banking industry to make it operate and participate effectively in global banking businesses.
• Nigeria achieved one of the most profitable Stock Markets in the world with an average Return on Investment of over 31%
• Our nation also achieved a consolidated Pension System both in the private and public sectors. (The APC has been seeking to siphon money from that Fund).
• Under Atiku Abubakar as coordinator of the economy, Nigeria achieved economic rebound after military rule. Today Nigeria and Nigerians need Atiku Abubakar to achieve a rebound after the misrule of the APC.
On APC Campaign:
The APC has become prostrate, handicapped and incapacitated to campaign as it has no legally valid candidate for the 2023 general elections.
• Recall that the PDP had on February 22, 2022 and March 8, 2022 cautioned that with its foisting of an illegal and unconstitutional leadership, the APC has become “legally defunct, structurally crippled and no longer a legitimate and valid vehicle to field candidates for elections under our laws”.
• The PDP had cautioned all aspirants in the APC then “not waste their resources, time and energy in the APC as they will be on a journey to nowhere. Today, the chicken has finally come home to roost.
• As you are aware, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday, September 30, 2022 nullified the candidature of Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s in the July 16 2022 Osun State Governorship election on the ground that his nomination was invalid, having been conducted and submitted by Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, in violation of Section 183 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
• For emphasis, Section 183 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) provides that a state governor “shall not, during the period when he holds office, hold any other executive office or paid employment in any capacity whatsoever”.
• This judgment reaffirms the judgment of the Court of Appeal in the case of Jegede vs INEC that a violation of any provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) particularly as it relates to Section 183 portend grave consequences.
• The import of the September 30, 2022 judgment of the Federal High Court is that every decision made by Governor Mai Mala Buni as Chairman of the APC is null and void as you cannot place something on nothing and expect it to stand.
• Consequently, the Congresses as well as the National Convention which produced APC Excos including the Sen. Adamu Abdullahi-led NWC is void
• In effect the primaries and Presidential Convention conducted by the Sen. Adamu Abdullahi-led NWC, including the nomination of Sen. Ahmed Bola Tinubu as Presidential Candidate of the APC is invalid, null and void ab-initio.
• In any case, the APC candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nothing to offer being the architect of the woes, calamities and life-discounting experiences faced by Nigerians in the last seven and half years.
• Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should go home and face the issues of inconsistencies in his educational qualifications, name, ancestry, age as well as corruption allegations.
• Thank you

GOV AKEREDOLU HONOURS AKIN OLOTU AT DAUGHTER’S WEDDING
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Saturday joined the family of Akin Olotu at the Solemnization of Holy Matrimony between Olamide Akin-Olotu and Paul Williams.
Olamide is the daughter of the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Akeredolu on Agric and Agribusines, Pastor Akin Olotu.
The wedding ceremony was held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG Redemption Court Ondo Province 4, Akure.
The Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Olowo of Owo,Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye; the Ondo State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; some members of the State Executive Council and other top government functionaries attended the Church wedding.
The Officiating Minister, Pastor Dele Akinyan who spoke on “Partnering for Life” identified two pillars of marriage including love and submission.
He called on the wife to submit to her husband and avoid unnecessary argument to sustain their marriage.

WE ARE CREATING ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR BUSINESSES, ENTREPRENEURS-GOV AKEREDOLU
•Presents Business Grants to Ten Entrepreneurs
•Launches Online Classified Marketplace
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has said that his administration will continue to create enabling environment for the entrepreneurs and businesses to thrive.
The Governor pointed to his administration’s efforts on security and infrastructural development as some of the basic arrangements put in place to ensure enabling environment for entrepreneurs and investors to do business with ease.
Governor Akeredolu spoke on Friday at the Entrepreneurs’ Summit held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The DOME), Igbatoto road, Akure.
At the event, the Governor gave out one thousand free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Registration Certificates to businesses and presented business grants to ten innovative entrepreneurs.
He also launched the first Ondo State online classified marketplace with the assurance that it will expose entrepreneurs products and services to the world.
“This is a platform where businesses and entrepreneurs can upload their innovative products and services, buy and sell from one another as well as position their businesses for global brand visibility. Please join me as I hereby launch www.ondomarket.com.
“Our world today has gone digital even with marketplaces, and as a State we deem it fit to encourage business listing for our entrepreneurs. Now it is easy to showcase your businesses to the world. Anyone from around the world can easily locate businesses in Ondo State and I believe this will also help angel investors find you easily.” The Governor said.
According to Governor Akeredolu:”Security of lives and property, provision of health care, infrastructural development, constant power supply, innovative education, access to funds and many more, need urgent and constant attention.”
Arakunrin Akeredolu said his administration is connecting roads across the local government areas, from the rural to urban settlements, especially access to the market, adding that it has made commuting for entrepreneurs less stressful.
On security, the Governor noted that the Amotekun Corps is recording huge success in fighting crime and criminality to ensure that businesses and individuals are safe with a view to making the Sunshine State an attractive destination to investors.
He said:”Creating an enabling environment aids the process of achieving value in business and it is a major driver in achieving business goals.
“When the corporate environment is bedeviled with inclement atmosphere, businesses suffer, services are unsatisfactory, investors are discouraged, ideas and innovations die, unemployment rate increases, hunger and insecurity become the order of the day.”
Governor Akeredolu, while assuring that entrepreneurship will continue to remain a priority in the state, stressed that it has been a major priority of his administration since his first term in office.
“Part of our efforts is the creation of Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA) through which this programme is being anchored. I am glad to disclose to you that thousands of people seated in this hall are beneficiaries of the agency, which is unarguably the first of such entrepreneurship agencies designed and solely directed to develop, manage and empower entrepreneurs for poverty eradication, job creation and economic development, in Nigeria today.
“It is important to note that our theme for today’s summit is not just “Creating an Enabling Environment for Entrepreneurs”, but an enabling environment for us all. Our dear country needs to be an enabling environment for all.
“Today, we are giving out to 1,000 businesses, free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Registration Certificates.
“This is because for businesses to create a reputable and relevant brand identity and to access corporate opportunities while doing business in Nigeria, such business must be registered with the appropriate commission. I am also aware that in 2022 alone, 100 businesses have benefitted from Business Setup and Rebranding Packages.
“Tonight, ten innovative entrepreneurs will definitely smile home with business grants. They will also embark on an international business trip.
“This tour is designed to foster networking opportunities also to open up their entrepreneurial minds for global awareness and innovative approach to proffering economic solutions for the advancement of the State and the country at large.”
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship Development and CEO ONDEA, Dr. Summy Smart-Francis, lauded Governor Akeredolu for his unwavering commitment to development of young entrepreneurs in the state.
He hailed the Governor for creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
He equally encouraged the young entrepreneurs to be focused and determined, saying Governor Akeredolu has created a lot of business opportunities in the state through ONDEA.
Other panelists including the deputy Governor, lucky Aiyedatiwa, who spoke at the well attended summit applauded Governor Akeredolu for his sterling achievements in all sectors of the economy in the state.
Highlights of the summit were Panel Sessions with Entrepreneurs, Heads of Government Parastatals, and the Deputy Governor.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
October 8, 2022.

Delta Politician, Anthony Akpeki marries former African track queen, Endurance Ojokolo

Delta politician, Anthony Akpeki, will on Saturday, December 17, 2022 marry former African track queen, Endurance Ojokolo.
The ceremony will begin at 10:00am.
According to a press release issued by the families of Pa Emmanuel Ojokolo and Pa Stephen Amatowa Akpeki of Ukwuani Nation and Okpe Kingdom, the marriage is scheduled to hold at 17 Ikpereva Street, Okirighwere in Sapele Local Government Area.

The traditional marriage will bring together high-ranking gov¬ernment functionaries, sportspersons and administrators, prominent traditional rulers, professionals, 2023 candidates and leaders of political parties around the world.

‘’The high society marriage reception of the 100 metres specialist and the renowned politician will take place at Sapele Township Stadium’’.

Anthony Ogheneyerowo Akpeki is a unique and essential player in Delta State politics.
Okere-Urhobo royal families knock Louis Okumagba over Uduaghan, land comments

Key families in Okere-Urhobo on Monday took steps to foil the divisive and land grabbing plan of one Louis Okumagba.

They also urged the good people of Delta State and the general public to completely discountenance the false publication by Louis Okumagba.

‘’Louis Okumagba does not represent the interests of the families of Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu of Okere-Urhobo’’

Heads and members of the Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Okere-Urhobo of Warri South spoke on prejudices of some local and foreign publishers on the land opposite Don Domingo College, Warri Monday morning.

Chief Gideon Okumagba, a representative of the three families, read the statement of the royal families aloud to newsmen.

The families accused Louis Okumagba of distortion and inciting fear in Delta State.

‘’The families of Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu collectively owned landed properties in Warri’’

The Okere-Urhobo leaders said the land was acquired by the defunct Bendel State Government.

‘’The families are represented by Heads of the Kindred family and are the original owners of the land until it was acquired by the then Bendel State Government. The families currently have their administrative office at No 60 Okumagba Avenue Warri where they meet frequently to deal with issues. on family lands and other related family matters’’

They offered an itemized and caustic indictment of Louis Okumagba’s behavior in Warri South.

‘’As one of the elders in the family, specifically as related to the false claims by Louis Okumagba, I am well abreast of the issues raised in that publication. The good people of Warri are not in any war or in a battle over the landed property opposite Don Domingo College, Warri, and it is very shameful that the said Louis is trying to incite tribal/ethnic battle in that publication’’.

They promised to file a libel suit against individuals and organizations publishing Louis Okumagba’s false narrative.

‘’It is not true that the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, used officials of the Delta State Government to intimidate and arrest Louis Okumagba. To be candid, it was Chief Gideon Okumagba that reported his criminal extortion of money from developers to the Police Area Commander Office in Warri’’.

The statement emphasized how the matter was dragged to the office of the Inspector General of Police Abuja.

‘’While the case was being deliberated on in Abuja, Louis Okumagba jumped bail and hurriedly filed a fundamental Human Rights Application against me, the Inspector General of Police and Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan at Warri High Court just to shield himself from being prosecuted for his criminal act. I equally filed a Counter application in that case and at the end the Judgment was resolved in my favour while his Fundamental Human Rights Application was dismissed with cost. Louis has been a fugitive. Since that judgment, he has not been seen within Warri’’.

Particularly, the families accused Louis Okumagba of trying to sow discord amongst Deltans through falsehood.

‘’Louis Okumagba claimed that he has been in the forefront of the land in dispute is false and misrepresentation of facts. And the alleged grabbing of over 30 hectares of land by the Okowa Government led by High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan is equally false. The land was acquired by the then Bendel state for public purposes. The Delta State government has since done the needful by releasing/returning parts of the land to the Olodi, Oki and lghogbadu families who are the rightful owners. 4.6 hectares of land was released to the family on the 26 day of June 1988 and another part of the unused land was released to the Olodi,. Oki and 1ghogbadu families on the 14 of January 2000. Also, the Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families have an agreement with the Government of Delta State over the remaining parts of the land’’

The families told news men there was zero evidence for Louis Okumagba claims of land grabbing.

‘To be more specific, the remaining portion of the land was released to Seriviri Nigeria Limited wherein Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan is one of the directors of that company and the said company also have an agreement with the families and half of the land was released to the families. Indeed, the three families benefited from the land including Louis Okumagba ’’.

They scolded Louis Okumagba for rendering a real disservice.

‘’There was never any consultation by Louis Okumagba with the well-known families of Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu before that Publication was made by him. It’s a futile attempt to incite the Urhobo and Itsekiri into a needless bickering. There is no dispute as far as the land in this narrative is concerned. The said Louis should avail himself to enable the police conclude their investigation in the crime levied against him. The land in question belongs to the Olodi, Oki and lghogbadu families of Okere-Urhobo and he should stop spreading false claims and division among the families and tribes in Delta State. If there are disputes in any land owned by these families, it is the heads and members of the family who will collectively decide to institute an action in court’’,

Last week, the families condemned the role of Chief Louis Okumagba in the 30 plots released to the Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri in the Okere – Urhobo kingdom of Delta State.

They described it as a negative development and a minus for peace and development in Delta State.

In a letter titled: ‘’Attempt / efforts to cause communal war, fanning embers of communal dispute, conduct likely to cause breach of peace and criminal defamation of characters of our clients; Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri in the Okere – Urhobo kingdom of Delta State, all committed by Mr. Louis Okumagba – a call to investigate the allegation herein, the families urged the Inspector General of Police to use his good office to investigate allegations against Louis Okumagba, so as to prevent a monumental communal war/crisis between Itsekiri and the Urhobo of Okere Urhobo Kingdom.

’’God forbid a repetition of what happened in 1997/98 in Okere-Urhobo Kingdom’’

Counsel to the Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri in the Okere – Urhobo Kingdom, L O. Egboyi & CO said in the 1974/76, the then government acquired a part or portion of our client’s land for public purpose.

‘’In 2017, the Delta State government gave part of this acquired land to Messrs. Seriviri Nig. Ltd. for the purpose of partnership (Leisure Park) with the state government, covered by a certificate of Occupancy. Considering the size of the land given to Seriviri Nig. Ltd, for the partnership, it could not utilize the entire land. So, it entered into agreement with our client family, wherein, it released 30 plots thereof back to the family – our clients’’

The Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri are made up of the popular Okumagba family of Warri, Okere- Urhobo kingdom.

‘’Our clients are the owners of all the land in the entire Okere-Urhobo kingdom Warri. Certain Mr. Louis Okumagba who is the black sheep of the family started to foment trouble, disturbing and threatening Seriviri Nig. Ltd, with thugs and dangerous weapons which led to his arrest in 2019 to the Police Force Headquarters’, Abuja. After being granted bail by the police, the suspect (Mr. Louis Okumagba) rushed to file a fundamental Human Rights action against the Police, at the Delta State High Court, sitting in Warri. The action stalled the prosecution of the suspect (Mr. Louis) by the Police’’.

The families said the suit of the suspect against the Police was dismissed by the Delta State High Court, sitting in Warri, with a specific order of the Court directing the police to arrest and prosecute the suspect (Mr Louis Okumagba).
‘’While the Police were looking for the suspect for arrest and prosecution as directed by the Court, the same suspect went to social media (Opera news) to declare that “there will be looming danger of war/crisis between the Itsekiri and Urhobos”, thereby inciting, promoting and instigating communal war between the two peaceful co-existing communities of Itsekiri and Urhobo’’.
This incitement, according to the families, created several apprehensions in the minds of locals, which has affected the hitherto peace that reigned and pervaded the two communities.
‘’Furthermore, the suspect posted on the same social media that some named members of our clients namely, Chief Gideon Okumagba, Stanley Oki, Chief Victor Okumagba, Engr. Prince Ojuvwu Okumagba and others, sent assassins to his house to kill him, but he escaped by the whiskers. He confirmed that he had a one-on-one confrontation with the assassins, who confirmed the named members of our clients above, as the people who commissioned them to eliminate him’’.
The legal practitioners described Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu as bunch of responsible families
‘’Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families are known throughout Nigeria for their peaceful disposition. The named individuals are distinguished and respected members of the Okumagba family and the Nigeria Society. Our clients therefore take the allegation of hiring assassins by its members very seriously, especially in this era of Security challenges in the country’’.
The families also deplored the actions of Louis Okumagba and urged the Inspector General of Police to use his good offices to investigate the allegations and anyone found culpable to be brought to book.
‘’So, if investigation reveal the named individuals as assassins or connected to the attempt assassination of the suspect, as he alleged, they should be so indicted and prosecuted. But otherwise, the law on criminal defamation as enshrined in the Criminal Code and status in Nigeria are still very potent and alive. We assure you of our client’s co-operation with your men in the investigation of this petition’’.

Remarks by Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State, at The presentation of the staff of office to the new Esu Chikun of Chikun Chiefdom, His Highness Isyaku Yari, held in Kakau on Wednesday, 5th October 2022.
PROTOCOLS
1. As we gather here today for the official commencement of the reign of a new Esu Chikun, permit me to pay deserved tribute to the memory of his immediate predecessor, His Highness Dr. Danjuma Barde. We honour his dedication to peaceful relations between the diverse people who now live within Chikun chiefdom. Dr. Barde had a successful reign and we wish his successor an even more successful time in leading this important chiefdom which is one of the very largest in the state.
2. We congratulate His Highness Isyaku Yari on his appointment as the new Esu Chikun of Chikun Chiefdom. We wish him a happy and accomplished reign in the service of Chikun Chiefdom and the state. He has been elevated into a position of privilege, with all the reverence people often show to their traditional institutions. But this is a throne with many responsibilities, beyond the visible trappings of royalty.
3. We urge His Highness Mr. Isyaku Yari to see his new appointment as a call to service. In his new responsibilities, he will be able to put into use his experience as a District Head and vast knowledge of the traditional institution. We call on the members of the Chikun Traditional Council, title holders and all ruling houses in the Chiefdom to accord respect and provide their full support to to the new Esu Chikun. We appeal to all residents of Chikun chiefdom to continue to uphold peace and harmonious coexistence.
4. Your Highnesses, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, let me at this point express our gratitude and appreciation to our esteemed and respected traditional rulers for their contributions to peace and progress in the state. Our traditional institutions are helping our agencies with intelligence at the local level. Across the state, district and village heads are helping to promote better record-keeping and data gathering in our communities on births, deaths and routine immunization of children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
5. On our part, the Kaduna State Government has taken steps to strengthen the traditional institution. We have enacted a law to reform the traditional institution, clarify succession processes for every chiefdom and emirate and insulate the institution from political interference and capricious decisions. The law provides for the posting of well-trained and experienced personnel to staff the various traditional councils. We expect the Reform of Traditional Institutions Law passed in 2021 to assist the traditional institutions to better discharge their roles.
6. The Kaduna State Government is addressing the welfare and working conditions of the traditional institution in the state, within its constraints. We have purchased and distributed official vehicles to all the 32 graded emirates and chiefdoms in the state. We have also purchased and are currently distributing another set of official vehicles to the 88 district heads in the State. Many palaces are also being renovated to improve the living conditions of the royal fathers.
7. As you are aware, this government has undertaken unprecedented measures to expand infrastructure in the state and to improve the access of ordinary people to education and health care. Our investment drive continues to attract new business to the state. Chikun chiefdom hosts some of the largest new investments in the state.
8. The state government is also implementing infrastructure projects within this chiefdom. Early this year, President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the road from Millennium City to the Eastern Bypass, one of the longest road projects we constructed in the first phase of our urban renewal programme. In addition, the Kaduna Capital Territory Authority (KCTA) is undertaking the following projects within Chikun LGA:
i. Completion of the Romi-Karatudu Road
ii. 2.9km road network around the Sabon Tasha market
iii. Millennium City to Keke road
iv. Baptist Church Road at Janruwa
v. Water intake to Sabon Tasha road
vi. Ungwan Gimbiya road.
9. Also, the Kaduna Markets Development and Management Company (KMDMC) is reconstructing the Sabon Tasha Market in a public-private partnership.
10. I urge all our communities to continue to uphold friendly relations and mutual coexistence.
Thank you for listening.