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My Accusers Are Wicked, Mischievous – Sen Adokwe

Published

11 years ago

March 21, 2016

Senator Solomon Asonya Adokwe, who represents Nasarawa South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Abuja, in this interview with nationalTRAIL’s Lafia correspondent, Abubakar LAWAL, shares his odyssey from cradle till date, debunking claims by his opponents that is a half-baked graduate. . Excepts.

For the sake of those may not have known who Adokwe is, give us a brief about yourself?
As you are aware my full name is Senator, Solomon Asonya Adokwe, I was born in a village called Agwatashi in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, I attended after my primary and secondary schools education, I then proceeded to the famous Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, I also had other additional qualifications. I worked as a civil servant until 2007, when I joined politics which I have remained active up till today, that is what I can tell you about myself for now.
Recently there was allegation of certificate scandal levelled against you by your opponent Senator Egyebola, what will be your take on this matter?
It is a very painful allegation that I see as a conspiracy by some elements who are full of mischief, wickedness and hatred, I passed through all the rood meant to be passed at every level of schools that I attended before acquiring all my certificates, which I were presented to the INEC. I was at Awunge, there was a time when my father couldn’t afford six shilling for my transport to school, I had to trek from Lafia to Awunge. While during my secondary school days at Mada hills, I use the key soap giving to us by the school authority to bath, brush my teeth as well as wash my uniform with.
You see what surprised me the most is that I had attended the same school with some of the persons who alleged that I forged my certificate, this is baffling to me, and this will continue to be fresh in my memory, though it’s politics. I have no doubt in my mind that it is a frantic efforts to ridicule my person, I feel so hurt, because my friends all over the world keep on calling me saying that the report is everywhere on Facebook. The whole issue baffles me because if a person that knows you turns around to say he or she doesn’t know you, then it is now something else.
In fact we passed through the same school with them and their relatives, I struggle to be where I am today, and God knows that I passed through hard times to be who I am today. On the issue of name, many of us in the north would be brought down, for instance my younger sister only changed her name after she got married, and for myself the court certified that all are my documents, though my opponent is hell bent on going to the apex court. No amount of wickedness, mischief and hatred will pull me down as my opponent lacks the moral standing to challenge my person. Those days you will only be either Muslim or Christian if you passed through western education. That was the story of people from the North which we who are from the North -Central are inclusive.
My primary school certificate shows that I took position 31st in my primary level, If I didn’t go to any of those schools, and those documents are not my own, God will allow them to succeed. But if I painstakingly attended those institutions, and all the documents are genuine, God will definitely be on my side they will never succeed against me, because they connived to rob me of my mandate.
If one says that the outcome of the election petition Appeal Court is a victory for democracy and double victory for you, over your opponent over the alleged Certificate forgery, what will Senator Adokwe’s reaction to this development?
After the outcome of the election I promised my people that I will go to any length in assisting them, I promised my people through the sponsorship of bills on the floor of the Senate that will enhance their living conditions as a way of paying them back for the gesture extended to me at the election. And they stood by me during the case at the tribunal, as result of this I shall stand by them always.
What do you make of the ongoing construction of the Cargo International Airport in Lafia, as undertaken by the Governor Umar Al-makura’s administration?
If the governor has other means of sourcing fund, then it is a good project taking cognisance of the economic viability of the state, If government is going to source for the resource to build the airport, I will support him, but if he is going to use the lean resource of the state, then it is nothing more than a misplaced priority.
We learnt that you assisted your opponent with over N70 million contracts, but he diverted the money and later abandoned the project, how true is this allegation?
That is another matter entirely, I treated him as a brother, and I have higher moral authority over him, I still consider him as my brother, I will not act, or say anything apart from this.
You have been accused and tagged as a none performance in the area of education, I mean there was no effort by you to help students in their quest to pursuit more education, how would you react to this insinuation?
Ummh it is not true, it is just a mere insinuation as you rightly mentioned. In the last eight years, I have sponsored no fewer than 4,800 students for Joint Admission and Matriculation Board(JAMB), National Examination Council and West African Examination Council examinations.
To cleared the air, and doubts in the minds of my supporters; I have for the past years, sponsored 600 students annually. All my stay in the national Assembly, education remained the centre-piece of representation of my people, because I benefited from this kind of gesture during the reign of the then governor of the old Plateau State, Solomon Lar of blessed memory that is leadership with definite quality and good vision for the people.
If we can take Kano State Government as case study, it is a people orientated and visionary government whose top priority is the placement of its citizens interest above personal interest, especially in the area of sponsorship for the women folk to study medical courses, and there is the need for our governor to also emulate those leadership styles that places a lot of attention on the award of scholarship in certain key areas of education as we can see with Kano State.
I am therefore calling on the Nasarawa State Government to focus her attention more on Science education, giving deserving priority to science education is a long term investment in the building of a vibrant and developmental orientated society, which is what our state needs dearly.
Let me said it categorical cleared without missing words that am a product of the governor of the defunct Plateau State, Solomon Lar who sponsored people to read post graduate courses abroad, another good example is the Government of Kano State, which sponsors majority of its womenfolk to read medicine, and thereafter managed the affairs of women in the hospitals among other fields of human endeavours.

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Kwara celebrates Fela’s legacy with retrospective exhibition

Published

11 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Kwara State Government has celebrated the life and enduring influence of Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with a retrospective exhibition aimed at preserving African cultural heritage and inspiring younger generations.

The exhibition, titled Fela Anikulapo-Kuti: A Retrospective, was opened by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Institute of Contemporary African Art and Film in Ilorin on Monday.

The Governor said the establishment of the institute reflected his administration’s belief that development should extend beyond physical infrastructure to include spaces that promote creativity, knowledge and economic opportunities.

“When we established the Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, our vision was clear: development must go beyond roads, bridges and buildings to create spaces for creativity, knowledge and opportunity,” AbdulRazaq said.

According to him, cultural infrastructure plays an important role in connecting people to their history, broadening their imagination and encouraging critical thinking.

“Physical infrastructure connects places; cultural infrastructure connects people to their history, expands their imagination and challenges their thinking,” the Governor said.

AbdulRazaq said the institute was established to preserve African stories, nurture talents and showcase the continent’s artists and thinkers to the world,
describing the decision to open the institution with an exhibition dedicated to Fela as significant, given the musician’s contribution to African music, social commentary and cultural expression.

“Fela was more than a musician. Through his music and artistic expression, he challenged conventions and confronted society with questions about power, freedom, identity and justice,” he added.

The Governor added that the late musician’s life demonstrated the capacity of artistic expression to influence public discourse and inspire social change.

The exhibition, curated by June Creative Art Advisory, led by its founder, Mrs Seun Alli, featured photography, archival materials, film, graphic works and other artistic expressions exploring Fela’s life, times and enduring influence.

AbdulRazaq commended the firm for bringing its curatorial expertise and creative vision to the project, while describing the exhibition as an opportunity for different categories of visitors to engage with the musician’s legacy.

He said the exhibition would provide students with learning opportunities beyond the classroom, inspire artists, support researchers and encourage young people to explore the creative industry.

“For students, this is a classroom beyond the classroom; for artists, inspiration; for researchers, an opportunity for deeper inquiry; and for young people, a reminder that creativity offers both self-expression and economic opportunity,” he said.

The Governor clarified that the state government was not claiming ownership of Fela’s story but was providing a platform for younger generations to encounter and learn from his legacy, adding that the state government is optimistic that the institute would promote cultural education, encourage creative enterprise, attract visitors and strengthen Kwara State’s position in Nigeria’s cultural and creative landscape.

According to him, the institution’s success would be measured by the talents it nurtured, the ideas it inspired and the opportunities it created.

“Governments change, but institutions should endure,” the Governor said, expressing the hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of sustained cultural engagement at the institute.

“May this exhibition begin sustained cultural engagement at ICAAF and inspire our young people to create, question, discover and contribute to society,” he said.

AbdulRazaq added that the initiative reflected his administration’s commitment to building a state where cultural heritage, innovation and economic opportunities complemented one another.

In her address, the Commissioner for Communications, Hon. Bolanle Olukoju, said: “Today’s exhibition offers us an opportunity to revisit the life and works of Fela
Anikulapo-Kuti and appreciate how his music, ideas and artistic expression continue to influence generations.

“For the Ministry of Communications, this occasion speaks to an important part of our
mandate: promoting the stories, talents and creative expressions that shape our identity as a people.”

The Commissioner particularly noted that under Governor AbdulRazaq’s leadership, the State is creating opportunities for young people through investments in sectors such as film, fashion and technology.

She added: “Projects including
the Sugar Film Factory, the Garment Factory and the Ilorin Innovation Hub reflect the administration’s commitment to developing talent and supporting enterprise.

“The Institute of Contemporary African Art & Film, formerly the Ilorin Visual Arts Centre, adds an important dimension to this effort. It provides a platform for artistic expression, cultural learning and creative collaboration.

“We want young Kwarans who are passionate about painting, photography, filmmaking, fashion and design to see ICAAF as a place where they can explore their interests, learn from others and showcase their talents.

“We also encourage students to engage with art and history beyond the classroom. Fela’s story is a fitting subject for this exhibition. It demonstrates how creativity
can go beyond entertainment to shape cultural identity and influence public conversations. There is much for our young people to learn from his artistic journey and enduring impact.

“It might also interest you that kwara state was also part of Fela’s creative showcase during his lifetime.”

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2027: Ilorin West LG Boss Leads APC Mega Rally In Ubandawaki

Published

11 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Our Reporter

•••Says Ward stands with APC

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Executive Chairman of the Ilorin West Local Government, Mallam Shehu AbdulRahman Babatunde Ladan, has led an All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally in Ubandawaki Ward, reaffirming the commitment of party members and supporters to the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, youths, women, and other stakeholders who gathered to demonstrate their support for the party.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Ladan declared that Ubandawaki Ward remains committed to the APC and its political leadership, expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the APC governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu (SYD), alongside other party candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of unity, peaceful political engagement, and sustained grassroots mobilisation in strengthening the party’s structure ahead of the forthcoming elections, urging party faithful to remain united, engage constructively with residents, and work collectively towards the party’s political objectives.

Ladan also acknowledged the importance of Ubandawaki Ward in the political landscape of Ilorin West, encouraging party leaders and supporters to maintain cordial relationships, promote inclusive participation, and sustain engagement with the electorate. He stressed that a united party structure would help strengthen internal cooperation and effective grassroots coordination.

The mega rally renewed calls for unity, loyalty, and peaceful political participation among APC members and supporters, underscoring commitment by participants to mobilising support for the party’s candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, while promoting peace, development, and responsible democratic engagement across Ilorin West Local Government Area.

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KW-IRS Staff Threaten Strike Over Alleged Poor Remuneration

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2026

Our Reporter

Mgt Accuses Union Of Dishing Out False Staff Remuneration Scale

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The staff of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) have lamented poor welfare conditions, rising living costs and stagnant salaries they have been subjected to, despite their contributions to the state’s revenue generation.

In a statement issued by the KWIRS chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the workers lamented that their sacrifice and professionalism, which have helped to place Kwara State among the more self-reliant states in the country, have not been matched with corresponding improvement in their welfare.

The workers questioned the disparity between their contributions to the state’s revenue and their welfare, saying many of them are battling financial hardship.

“We block leakages. We are posted to hospitals and other MDAs to secure government revenue. We work under pressure day and night but we continue to struggle to meet basic needs due to poor salaries.”

The association further expressed concern that personnel costs had remained unchanged for years while other expenditure heads had continued to increase.

It also cited a salary negotiation agreement dated October 11, 2022, which reportedly stated that the adjustment would be implemented “as soon as it can be accommodated in the budget.”

According to the workers, nearly four years after the agreement, there had been no implementation or clear indication of when the adjustment would take effect, despite the rising cost of living.

The staff said expenses on school fees, house rent, transportation and food had increased significantly while their salaries remained unchanged. “We smile outside but the majority of us are bleeding inside. We cannot continue to generate wealth for the state while we wallow in abject poverty,” they declared.

Urging their colleagues to remain united and resolute in pursuing improved welfare, the association said the workers should not expect better conditions without collectively standing up for their interests.

It called on members to remain calm, vigilant and prayerful as a 14-day period beginning October 15, 2026, counts down, without specifying further details in the statement about the expected action at its conclusion.

Reacting to the KW-IRS staff allegations, the Management, while
reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, political neutrality and its statutory mandate, expressed dismay over public speculation on staff remuneration and attempts to politicise unverified internal administrative communications.

“Management is concerned by attempts to exploit unverified internal administrative communications for political purposes, create unnecessary tension and distract the Service from its responsibilities. KWIRS will not be distracted from its mandate by such narratives,” said the Management.

It added: “The isolated salary figures being circulated on social media do not represent the full remuneration structure or total emoluments of KWIRS staff. Staff compensation extends beyond regular monthly salaries and includes the following benefits, in accordance with applicable policies and approved arrangements:

“Annual and Performance-Related Bonuses: Annual, festive, and situational bonuses linked to revenue performance milestones and staff performance and situational economic palliatives are paid periodically to staff members

“Annual Leave Allowance: A separate annual payment in addition to regular monthly remuneration.
Staff Welfare and Operational Support: Structured measures designed to support staff welfare and professional development throughout their careers.

“Accordingly, assessing staff remuneration solely on selectively circulated salary figures presents an incomplete picture of the Service’s compensation and welfare structure.

“Management remains committed to staff welfare, motivation and professional development. The Service will continue to strengthen policies and operational processes that support staff well-being and performance, within government-approved resource allocations and applicable administrative frameworks. The Service remains one of the Government Institutions with the most recruitment requests and this is a testament of Management’s commitment to staff welfare.

“KWIRS urges members of the public, taxpayers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified and misleading narratives, verify information before sharing it, and rely on official Service communications for accurate information about its operations and staff policies.

“All stakeholders are encouraged to refrain from politicising internal administrative matters or spreading claims capable of undermining institutional harmony and public confidence.

“KWIRS remains focused on its statutory responsibilities and committed to mobilising revenue for the economic growth and sustainable development of Kwara State.”