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ALGON-CRISIS: STOP your campaign of calumny- IMC tells Alabi led Faction

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• Engage us in a one on one interview on National TV- IMC dares Alabi, Malik

As crisis continues to besiege the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, the Interim Management Committee has reacted and criticized an interview on AIT which featured the embattled chief of staff of the Alabi Led faction, Itiako Malik Ikpokpo and one self-acclaimed civil society practitioner identified as Donald Ayibiowu.
According to IMC, the interview which was done on AIT on the Democracy Today programme hosted by Madam Ijeoma Osamor in good faith to grant the general public an insight on what is going on in the association, was rather hijacked by Mr. Ikpokpo a self-personified tout who takes glory in bringing disrepute to the association. It also disclosed that Ikpokpo a well-known violent man was invited to feature in an interview, rather than serve the purpose of which he was invite, he resorted to reeling insults to both the journalist and the platform because he had earlier expected that things would go the way he wanted.
In a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Saturday, by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jide Ashonibaire, the IMC described the accusations made by Mr. Itiako Malik Ikpokpo and Donald Ayibiowu against the IMC, Hon Abdullahi Maje and their activities as unfounded, unsubstantiated and a total campaign of calumny.
“Our Attention has been drawn again to the Out of Point answers given by the embattled CSO of the Alabi led faction and his cohort, Donald Ayibiowu during an interview on the Democracy Today programme hosted on AIT by Madam Ijeoma Osamor, we are shocked at the display of tout-like behavior by the supposed chief of staff and the false accusations especially on the office of the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello and his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe made by the acclaimed civil society practitioner.
The Civil Society Practitioner, who according to his action and words was presumed to be sympathetic and bias on National Television revealed that he has in his possession a public disclaimer from the consented to by the governor of Niger state and issued by his chief of staff, this is the same man who was our legal counsel when the IMC was created, because of greed he was paid almost 100,000,000 million naira to betray the IMC, an action which he did to his own advantage, thereby turning in to Alabi’s camp documents belonging to the association. It amazes us that Donald Ayibiowu is claiming to being a civil society practitioner when infact he is just a stooge bought over by the faction to taint the image of the IMC through his misuse of words and misrepresentation of facts (There are documents to show that he was working for the IMC). The question now is “When was such disclaimer issued? was it real? How come it is not in the public domain and was presented on a national television on such a short notice? The above questions should be duly answered by Mr. Donald in 24 hours or await our response and court suit in that direction. A civil society practitioner should not stand to lie against a government because of few peanuts, this seems to be the case of the acclaimed civil society practitioners.
“Where is Alabi? How come a man who has hijacked power, cannot been seen to represent the office he occupies in events, important government functions, interviews and court sessions even when he is invited for over 2 years and counting? Permit me to inform the general public that this is not the first time Alabi have been invited to come face to face with the IMC in an interview both on national dailies and televisions such as Arise, AIT and others? Why is he avoiding discussions that concerns his supposed leadership? These are questions that needs immediate answers. Alabi sent his lapdog, Malik or maybe the later took the stride by himself because from his actions in the association, one can believe that he is the de-facto president, a position which he dutifully takes pride in.
“Malik and the entire Alabi faction has involved themselves in a thorough campaign of calumny, Malik has single handedly changed the constitution of the association but also that of Nigeria, the document he has laid bare on the programme dated 27th of September 2021, was a faux, the IMC is meant to believe that they have gone below the belt to forge Hon. Abdullahi Maje’s signature to indict him in a letter requesting for 3.1 billion naira be deducted from local government funds to a contractor, this is because they want to distract the unsuspecting public from the 5.2 billion naira that was diverted from the association. We dare Malik to release the ministry the letter was sent to, the person it was addressed to and a copy of the letter be tendered to the host for public view (He refused to tender the document to the host when she asked for it). Let it be known that Hon. Abdullahi Maje did not sign and send out any of such letter to any ministry requesting for deductions of such outrageous amount for any consultant.
“The IMC is by this press statement challenging Alabi, Malik and cohorts to a face to face debate on the same programme, all are thereby advised to come with their documents and facts for accuracy and transparency. The IMC have had enough of Alabi and his shenanigans, the lies told by Malik, Ayibiowu on national television is a blow below the belt and if they are so sure of the lies called facts they tendered on the programme, again, they shouldn’t relent coming live face to face, one on one with us to clarify the issues and know the side with the truth. Malik has no respect for women, it was clearly exposed by the derogatory statements, words and body language he used on the host just to cower her into giving them a smooth landing for their propaganda; we are however very happy that the host, a woman who knows her job and stand on the true ethics of the profession did not allow the actions, words of either CSO or Civil society practitioner deter her from asking appropriate questions.
“Malik claims that Alabi does not have any knowledge of the alleged diversion of 5.2 billion naira of funds from the accounts of the association, how then was he and his cronies involved in account opening and payment processes with First Bank PLC account number 2034749191 (We have a document of the account opening process), deducting monies from accounts of local governments without their knowledge or consent? If Malik claims Supreme Court has given Alabi rights, where is he getting allocations from? Or has FG started funding and crediting Alabi’s LCDA? It is a well-known fact that at the moment only 20 LGA gets allocation from the Federal Government. Notwithstanding their accusations against the IMC can never stand, as we are fully pumped by it and even more determined to push for the truth.
“Against the earlier claims of Niger State being against Hone. Maje, we wish to let the general public know that we have documents in our possession signed by all the local governments in Niger State signed in support of Maje, we also have a document duly signed by the Hon. Commissioner of Local Governments signed for Maje, we therefore challenge them again to provide the documents and public disclaimer signed by the COS Niger State against Maje, or tender an unreserved apology to Niger State Government, Hon. Abdullahi Maje and the IMC”. It added.
The IMC however stated that contrary to the accusations that it’s leadership is after money, it has never for once enforced or deduct monies from the accounts of the local governments.

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Dangote Refinery, national asset every Nigerian must defend — BAVCCA President declares

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President of the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA), Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has charged Nigerians on the need to protect Dangote Refinery, describing it as a “national asset that every citizen must protect, nurture, and defend against any form of sabotage or doubt.”

Chukwunyere made this declaration on Wednesday at BAVCCA’s National Secretariat in Abuja, following a visit by a 15-man delegation of the association to Dangote Industries in Lagos.

Adding that the visit to the Dangote Refinery was more than a familiarization tour but “a pilgrimage to witness firsthand the embodiment of Nigerian ingenuity, resilience, and vision.”

According to him, the team’s interaction with Dangote Industries’ Vice President, Mr. Edwin Devakumar, provided deep insight into the sacrifices and determination behind what he described as one of Nigeria’s greatest industrial achievements.

While recalling Devakumar’s powerful testimony about believing in Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s vision for the refinery, even when many investors doubted its feasibility.

“Despite the doubts from potential backers, Mr. Devakumar provided crucial support, backing Alhaji Dangote’s dream every step of the way,”

Chukwunyere said. “Alhaji Dangote himself made extraordinary sacrifices, selling most of his assets to fund the project amid those investor doubts.”

He said the refinery, valued at over $20 billion, was “a testament to this unyielding faith” and a model of how personal commitment can turn vision into reality.

Quoting Devakumar, he said Aliko Dangote’s motivation was rooted not only in business ambition but in a “deep prioritization of Nigerians’ well-being.”

“This passion fuels his endeavors, placing the welfare of our people at the heart of every decision,” he added.

The BAVCCA President noted that despite setbacks such as the closure of the Arewa Textile Industry in Kaduna, Dangote “persevered, keeping his vision alive against all odds.”

He described the refinery as the largest in the world, with the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, set to expand to 1.4 million barrels daily. The project, he said, has created over 65,000 jobs, saved billions in foreign exchange, and generated an estimated $55 billion in annual revenue potential.

Chukwunyere also highlighted the achievements of the Dangote Fertilizer Plant, which he said has “an impressive production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes per annum of urea,” positioning Nigeria as a key player in global agriculture.

During the visit, Chukwunyere said he personally expressed appreciation to the Dangote Group on behalf of BAVCCA and recounted the association’s efforts in defending the refinery against social media misinformation.

“We amplified the truth, countered misinformation, and rallied public support to ensure this vital project was not undermined,” he stated.

In response, he said, the Dangote Vice President “expressed his pleasure with the bloggers’ efforts and commended the good work being done by our community.”

The BAVCCA leader also announced that the association’s forthcoming national conference, scheduled for October 31 in Abuja, would highlight “the achievements of the Dangote Refinery, showcase the visionary behind it—Alhaji Dangote—and celebrate the transformative role of such initiatives in Nigeria’s development.”

He emphasized that content creators have a patriotic role to play in defending national investments.

“Dangote Industries is not just about refining petroleum; it’s about refining our nation’s future—creating jobs, boosting our economy, and reducing dependency on imports,” he said. “Every Nigerian—bloggers, vloggers, content creators, citizens—must rise to protect Dangote Industries.”

Chukwunyere reaffirmed BAVCCA’s commitment to “lead this charge, using our platforms to educate, inspire, and unite,” while calling on Nigerians to honor the sacrifices of Alhaji Dangote and the faith of leaders like Devakumar.

“Join us at our conference on 31st October, and let’s build a Nigeria where national assets like Dangote Industries thrive unhindered,” Chukwunyere concluded.

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Hon. Munira Applauds Governor Uba Sani for Signing Bill Establishing New College in Lere

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By: Fabian Apechihin

In a major educational breakthrough for Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has signed into law a bill establishing the Kaduna State College of Agricultural Technology and Environmental Sciences in Lere Local Government Area.

The landmark bill was sponsored by Hon. Munira Suleiman Tanimu, the member representing Lere East Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The new institution aims to equip young people with modern skills in agriculture, technology, and environmental management — key areas for the state’s sustainable development.

Expressing her delight, Hon. Munira said:

“I am overjoyed to announce that Governor Uba Sani has signed my bill into law. This college in Lere will empower our youth with practical knowledge in agriculture and environmental protection. It will open doors to innovation and help our communities thrive.”

She noted that the college will serve as a hub for research and practical training, boosting agricultural productivity and addressing pressing environmental challenges in the region.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of Kaduna’s economy, and this institution will help modernize the sector while creating new opportunities for our young people,” she added.

Hon. Munira also reaffirmed her commitment to effective representation and progressive legislation:

“We will continue to champion laws that make real, positive impacts in people’s lives. The future is bright, and together, we will build a better, stronger Kaduna State.”

She extended her appreciation to Governor Uba Sani for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for education and rural development.

Residents of Lere and across Kaduna have welcomed the development with excitement, describing the new college as a beacon of hope for the youth and a catalyst for growth in the state’s agricultural and environmental sectors.

With the creation of this new college, Kaduna State takes another bold step toward improving education, empowering its citizens, and building a greener, more prosperous future.

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Soludo’s Alleged Threat to Jail Catholic Clergy After Re-election Sparks Controversy in Anambra

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By Fabian Apechihin

A report claiming that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, plans to jail Catholic bishops, priests, and other clergymen after his re-election has stirred heated debate across the state.

However, Rev. Fr. Raphael Onyekwelu, PhD, Chaplain to the Governor, has dismissed the report as “baseless, ridiculous, and malicious,” describing it as the work of desperate political opponents trying to pit Soludo against the Church.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Fr. Onyekwelu said:

“Our attention has been drawn to a fabricated, malicious, and unsigned piece currently circulating on Facebook and other social media platforms, falsely alleging that His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, intends to ‘take on the hierarchy of the Church, especially the Catholic Church,’ after winning the forthcoming November 8, 2025 governorship election.”

He said while such falsehoods would normally be ignored, the campaign season had created fertile ground for misinformation and propaganda.

“This is an election period, and desperate politicians are churning out fake news to deceive the public and cause division. It is laughable that they first admit Soludo is likely to win, and then try to manufacture lies to undermine his relationship with his Church — the Catholic Church,” he stated.

Fr. Onyekwelu noted that the alleged statement did not specify any wrongdoing by the Church to warrant such “imaginary arrests,” calling the entire report “a pitiable fabrication.”

He reaffirmed that Governor Soludo, a devout Catholic, holds the Church in the highest regard and recognizes its crucial role in promoting moral values, education, healthcare, and community development.

“Governor Soludo is a proud and practicing Catholic who cherishes the Church’s partnership in governance and social transformation, in line with Catholic Social Teaching. He deeply appreciates the clergy and their contributions to the moral and socio-economic progress of Anambra State,” he added.

Fr. Onyekwelu emphasized that the governor remains committed to working closely with all religious bodies to advance peace, development, and good governance in the state.

“Under Soludo’s leadership, Anambra continues to experience transparent, people-centered governance anchored on faith, service, and shared values. As the governor often says, ‘Government, Church, and People — together we shall continue to build a peaceful, prosperous, livable, and God-fearing Anambra State,’” he concluded.

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