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Onaiyekan condemns violence in 2019 elections

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Onaiyekan condemns violence in 2019 elections

The retiring Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has condemned the violence which occurred in the 2019 general elections.

He said the elections were supposed to offer opportunity for Nigerians to choose those who would serve them and not a battlefield for warriors fighting to capture power, conquer territory and people.

Onaiyekan made the remark in a homily at mass of the 1st Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and the Dedication of St Gabriel Chapel Building at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja, on Monday.

”Elections are supposed to be an opportunity for us to choose those who will serve us. In many cases, it has been turned into battlefield for warriors fighting to capture power and conquer territory and people.

”No wonder it has become such a do or die and winner takes it all.

“No wonder the process has been militarised, with armed thugs engaging our security forces, who in their turn are rarely able to be as fair and professional as they claim to be. No wonder votes often no longer count.

”When this happens, it is not only the losing contestant who alleges fraud. More significantly, it is the people, the voter, who is denied the once in four years opportunity to choose who will serve us as political leaders.

”If the name of the political game does not change from domination to service, elections will continue to be problematic and the nation will continue to stagnate,” Onaiyekan said.

The cleric, however charged those who won in the elections to always discharge their duties, having in mind that power belongs to God alone and He would demand for accountability on how power is used.

”Whatever the outcome of our elections, fair or foul, whoever holds power at the end of the day, even with the fairest of election victory, must remember that power belongs to God and Him alone.

”He will demand strict accountability on how anyone takes power, and how anyone uses power. God cannot be deceived or challenged,” he said.

Onaiyekan said the voter apathy during the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections was as a protest and a vote of no confidence on the electoral process by the electorate.

He said, ”it would seem that many of the challenges that emerged during the process were as a result of bad laws, which made implementation problematic, and at times offered lacunae for evil minded people to exploit things to their own advantage.

”Even where the rules are clear, they were not always adhered to. Those who claim that these elections were wonderful because it worked in their favour should be reminded that bad election cannot lead to good governance.

”The massive boycott of the polls on March 9 in many places can well be a loud protest and vote of no confidence in the process that had destroyed their trust in the system.

”The government that has been declared re-elected must listen to the sound of murmurs and protest in the winds and take proactive steps to pull the nation together, even while we are waiting for the outcome of the legal challenge already on course in the tribunals.

”It is quite unfortunate that in modern era, free, fair, transparent and peaceful election has become so hard to attain.

”To the extent that the problems are deliberate manipulations, it is time to repent and change ways, for the sake of the survival of our nation, now and for future generations to come.

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Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo Felicitates APC National Chairman @ 58

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Hon. Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, Deputy National Financial Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has joined party leaders and members nationwide in celebrating the APC National Chairman on the occasion of his 58th birthday.In a goodwill message, Hon. Kumo described the Chairman as a visionary leader whose commitment to democratic ideals and party unity has been a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians. He noted that the Chairman’s leadership has been marked by resilience, inclusivity, and a deep sense of responsibility, qualities that have strengthened the APC and consolidated its role in Nigeria’s democratic journey.“At 58, our National Chairman exemplifies the finest qualities of statesmanship. His dedication to building consensus, fostering unity, and advancing the cause of good governance has left indelible marks on our party and our nation,” Kumo stated.The APC Deputy National Financial Secretary emphasized that the celebrant’s leadership style has been defined by integrity and courage, guiding the party through challenging times with wisdom and foresight. He added that the Chairman’s ability to inspire confidence across diverse political and social groups has ensured that the APC remains a beacon of hope for Nigerians.“As Chairman, you have demonstrated uncommon vision and fortitude. Your stewardship has strengthened our internal structures, enhanced our democratic processes, and positioned the APC as a party of progress and inclusivity. We celebrate you today not only as a leader but as a patriot whose contributions continue to shape the future of our country,” Kumo said.Hon. Kumo, who also serves as Chairman of the ITF Board of Trustees, highlighted the Chairman’s role in mentoring younger politicians and promoting policies that encourage national development. He noted that the Chairman’s emphasis on unity and service has created a culture of trust and collaboration within the APC, ensuring its continued relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.“As you mark this milestone, we pray for renewed strength, wisdom, and fulfillment in your continued service to our party and our country. May the years ahead bring greater accomplishments and enduring peace,” Kumo concluded.The 58th birthday celebration of the APC National Chairman has drawn tributes from across the political spectrum, underscoring his influence and the respect he commands as a leader. His contributions to the growth of the APC and the deepening of Nigeria’s democracy remain a source of inspiration to party members and citizens alike.

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EFCC Returns N125m Recovered From Alleged Land Fraud to Lagos Businessman

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned N125 million recovered from a suspect in an alleged land fraud case to a Lagos businessman, Akinsewa Akiode.

The commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, saying the money was handed over to Akiode on Thursday by officials of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 in Ikoyi following the conclusion of investigations.

According to the EFCC, the investigation followed a petition by Akiode, who alleged that Olufemi Fashehun collected N125 million from him for the purchase of a 550-square-metre property at No. 10, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Lagos.

The businessman reportedly discovered after completing the transaction that the property had been involved in litigation since 2011, a development he alleged was concealed from him before the sale.

The EFCC said its investigation established that Fashehun had previously received several court processes, including injunctions restraining him from developing the property, but allegedly failed to disclose the ongoing legal dispute before receiving the payment.

Akiode subsequently lost both the property and structures he had begun developing on the land, prompting him to petition the EFCC for intervention.

Following its investigation, the commission said it recovered the full N125 million from Fashehun and refunded the money to Akiode through Sterling Bank drafts.

The recovery is part of a series of restitution efforts by the anti-graft agency. Earlier, the EFCC returned N108 million recovered during an investigation into an alleged fraud involving two former employees of Greenwich Planet Sun King Nigeria Limited.

In October 2025, the commission also handed over three houses, two vehicles and N1.1 million recovered from a convicted fraudster to one of his victims in Ibadan after a Federal High Court ordered the assets forfeited.

Speaking during the latest handover, the Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Bawa Kaltungo, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to investigating economic and financial crimes, recovering proceeds of illicit activities and ensuring restitution to victims where possible.

The EFCC did not disclose whether criminal charges had been filed against Fashehun in connection with the alleged transaction.

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Jigawa Police Arrest Suspects, Recover Tricycle, Motorcycles, 11 Phones

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The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested several suspects in connection with alleged theft, shopbreaking and possession of suspected stolen property across the state.

The arrests were made during a series of intelligence-led operations conducted by police operatives in different parts of Jigawa, resulting in the recovery of a tricycle, two motorcycles and 11 Android mobile phones.

In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Lawal Shi’isu, said operatives attached to the Maigatari and Malam Madori Divisions arrested three suspects allegedly found with stolen Royal and Boxer motorcycles.

The suspects were identified as 30-year-old Abubakar Ya’u and 28-year-old Aminu Ya’u, both residents of Dantanoma Quarters in Gumel Local Government Area, and 25-year-old Abdullahi Bala from Garbagar Village in Guri LGA.

The police also arrested 31-year-old Anas Nuhu from Jobe Village in Dawakin Tofa LGA of Kano State. He was allegedly found in possession of a tricycle with registration number MDB 478 QE and Union number GWL 1842, which police said was suspected to have been stolen from a park in Tofa LGA.

According to the command, Nuhu confessed during interrogation to stealing the tricycle. The case has subsequently been charged to court, while investigations into the other cases have been completed and the suspects arraigned for prosecution.

In a separate operation, police arrested 18-year-old Mamman Adamu of Tutiyari Village in Kirikasamma LGA following a report of a shop burglary in Birniwa.

The suspect was allegedly linked to the theft of 11 Android mobile phones, all of which were recovered by the police.

The command said Adamu also confessed to the alleged offence and would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, commended the officers involved for their professionalism, vigilance and dedication.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to help prevent and combat crime across the state.

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