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My Accusers Are Wicked, Mischievous – Sen Adokwe

Published

10 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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SANKARA NIGERIA LIMITED PARTNERS LOVOL TO EMPOWER AFRICAN YOUTHS THROUGH MECHANIZATION TRAINING IN KADUNA

Published

1 day ago

April 17, 2026

Becky Hassan

In a bold step toward tackling youth unemployment and advancing agricultural mechanization in Nigeria and across Africa, Sankara Nigeria Limited, in partnership with LOVOL, has successfully launched an intensive training programme aimed at equipping young people with modern mechanical and technical skills.
The initiative, which focuses on contemporary mechanized systems and agricultural equipment maintenance, is designed to build a new generation of skilled technicians capable of driving Africa’s agricultural transformation. The programme provides hands-on training in modern mechanical practices, particularly in the operation, servicing, and maintenance of advanced farming machinery.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Nafiu Danladi Sankara described the opportunity as both impactful and timely, noting that the programme represents a strategic investment in human capital development. According to him, the collaboration between Sankara Nigeria Limited and LOVOL underscores a shared commitment to empowering African youths with practical knowledge that fosters self-reliance and reduces dependence on white-collar employment.
He emphasized that the training is not limited to Nigeria alone but extends across Africa, reflecting a broader vision to create a continent-wide network of competent technicians who can support the growing demand for mechanized farming solutions.
“This initiative is about more than training; it is about creating opportunities, restoring dignity to labour, and building a future where young people can stand on their own through acquired skills,” he stated.
The technical workshop, which drew participants from different parts of the region, was held in Kaduna State, specifically in Zaria, at Unguwa Kaya Junction, New Jos Road, KM 2.
Participants in the programme expressed appreciation for the quality of training and the exposure to modern equipment, noting that such initiatives are critical in bridging the skills gap in the agricultural and mechanical sectors.
The programme also received warm support from the host community in Zaria, located in the historic Zazzau Emirate, where participants were welcomed with remarkable hospitality. Organizers and trainees alike commended the people of Zaria for their generosity and encouraging reception, which contributed to the overall success of the exercise.
As Nigeria continues to seek sustainable solutions to unemployment and food security challenges, initiatives like this stand as a testament to the role of private sector collaboration in national development. By equipping young people with relevant, market-driven skills, Sankara Nigeria Limited and LOVOL are not only transforming lives but also laying a solid foundation for economic growth and agricultural modernization across the continent.

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NNPCL Must Account for N210trn by April 29 – Senate

Published

1 day ago

April 17, 2026

Our Reporter

…Orders Ojulari-led management to produce Kyari, others before committee

From Taiye Hassan
The Senate, on Wednesday, through its Committee on Public Accounts, fixed April 29, 2026, as the deadline for the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to appear before it and account for the alleged N210 trillion flagged in audit reports covering 2017 to 2023.
The committee directed the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Engineer Bayo Ojulari, to appear alongside the immediate past GCEO, Mele Kyari; former Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajia; Dr. Bala Wunti; and the company’s external auditors on the scheduled date without fail.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North).
Chairman of the committee, Senator Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), stressed that the N210 trillion in question, as contained in the audit reports, must be fully accounted for by the company’s management, particularly the immediate past leadership led by Kyari.
According to him, the responses so far provided by NNPCL to the 19 audit queries were unsatisfactory, noting that Nigerians deserve clear, detailed, and transparent explanations.
“This committee, and by extension the Senate, is not satisfied with the blanket explanation given by NNPCL on the N103 trillion it claimed represents liabilities. Liabilities comprise components such as retention fees, legal fees, and audit fees, and the specific amounts spent on each must be clearly stated and justified,” he said.
Wadada also demanded a detailed breakdown of the N107 trillion which the company claimed was expended on Joint Venture (JV) cash calls, as well as funds allegedly owed by some defunct banks whose identities were not disclosed.
“Consequently, it is hereby resolved that NNPCL is given an additional two weeks to appear before this committee unfailingly. The deadline for compliance is Wednesday, April 29, 2026,” he added.
Earlier, a member of the committee, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), called for the invocation of the National Assembly’s powers to compel the appearance of NNPCL management, citing repeated failures to honour invitations.
“We must treat this matter with the utmost seriousness. The essence of democracy rests significantly on the strength and authority of the legislature. Unfortunately, in recent times, there appears to be a growing reluctance by individuals to honour invitations from the National Assembly, leaving members feeling helpless in compelling appearances before committees,” he said.

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APC Group To Kwara Political Actors: Shun Violence, Hate Speech

Published

1 day ago

April 17, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A frontline political group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State have charged political actors across the 16 local government areas of the State to shun violence, rancour and hate speech before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

The APC group, under the aegis of the Asa Progressive Movement (APM), has, therefore, sued for peaceful, issue-based campaigns, devoid of acrimony and name-calling, ahead of the elections.

The Movement made this call in Afon, headquarters of the Asa local government at the endorsement programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term, as well as the governorship ambition of former Kwara State APC Chairman, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa.

In a communique signed by the APM Coordinator and the Secretary, Engineer Daud Oladipupo Babatunde and Comrade Yusuf Mutiu Akorede respectively, the Movement said: “We are committed to a peaceful, issue-based campaign and we, therefore, urge all political actors to shun violence, hate speech, and any conduct capable of heating up the polity.

“We call on all well-meaning sons and daughters of Kwara State, regardless of party affiliation, to join this movement for the restoration and advancement of our dear State.

“The 2027 election is about the future of our children and we must rise above petty sentiments.

“We pass a vote of confidence in Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa and in the leadership of our great party, the APC, for presenting to the people a competent, credible, and compassionate candidate.

“All structures of the Movement, from the State to the polling unit levels, are hereby directed to commence immediate and intensive mobilisation for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the candidature of Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa. Every member is now an ambassador of these two projects.”

The communique reads further: “Our decision is predicated on Hon. Bolarinwa’s proven track record of service as former Councillor, former Council Chairman, former member of the Federal House of Representatives, former State Chairman of the party, who led the party to 100 percent victory in the 2019 elections, and former Board Chairman of the NBC; his desire to tackle the lingering problems of insecurity, youth unemployment, and agricultural revival; and his integrity, accessibility, and capacity to unite the diverse peoples of the State.

“The APM unanimously endorses Tinubu for second term and Bolarinwa as our preferred candidate for the office of Governor in the 2027 general elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”