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APC plotting to destroy democracy, ground Nigeria — Secondus

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APC plotting to destroy democracy, ground Nigeria — Secondus

A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, has said that the 2027 elections may never come to fruition, as the All Progressives Congress has destroyed and buried democracy in the country.

He also accused the APC of orchestrating a plan to ground Nigeria through misgovernance.

Secondus made this known in a statement on Tuesday, signed by his Media Adviser, Ike Abonyi, in reaction to Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State.

According to him, all indications suggest that the ruling party is on a mission to destroy democracy in Nigeria.
He noted that what occurred in Edo State over the weekend was “electoral fraud, conducted with no regard for the rule of law or respect for voters.”

The statement partly read, “From the results of all the off-cycle elections conducted in Imo, Kogi, and Edo States, the Mahmoud Yakubu-led Independent National Electoral Commission has shown no remorse for the disgraceful conduct of the 2023 election, which threw Nigeria under the bus.

“With the shameless boast by the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, that they will apply the Edo template in other forthcoming off-cycle elections in Ondo and Anambra States, it is clear that 2027 may not even happen, as the ruling party’s agenda is to create a one-party state by silencing the opposition.

“The beauty of democracy lies in opposing voices that check the ruling party, but the APC is set to ruin Nigeria with their misrule and won’t tolerate dissenting views.

Nigeria’s democracy is teetering on the edge because of election rigging. If the Edo election stands, it will be difficult to conduct future elections in Nigeria.

“The manipulation of the Edo election was blatant, beginning with the harassment and arrest of opposition leaders, as well as the compromise of key players, such as security agencies and electoral officials. The world is watching the disgrace we bring to this beautiful system of government, which other nations use to stabilise and develop their countries.”

Indolence, laxity will not be tolerated, Aliyu tells LG chairmen 

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Indolence, laxity will not be tolerated, Aliyu tells LG chairmen 

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State swore in the newly elected Local Government Council Chairmen on Monday, urging them to stay within their domains.

In his remarks during the ceremony held at the Government House, the governor warned the LG chairmen to always be accessible to their subjects, adding that the government will not tolerate acts of inaccessibility, indolence and laxity to work.

He said, “Gone are those days when the local government Chairmen would abandon their domains for hotel rooms.

“Any local government Chairman found flouting these directives would be dealt with severely”, he warned.

The governor further directed the newly sworn-in chairmen to ensure regular meetings with the relevant security outfits in their local government areas to devise means of addressing the current security challenges in their areas.

“Remember that tackling security challenges is one of our 9-point Smart Agenda, so give security all the desired attention”, he added.

Aliyu also restated his administration’s determination to fully secure the state and called for community-sustained support and prayers from all and sundry.

The governor also directed the chairmen to immediately comply with the Code of Conduct Laws.

He also reminded them to devise more ways to improve their internally generated revenue to have enough funds to meet the expectations of their subjects.

Aliyu also warned the local government Chairmen against pilfering with public funds, adding that zero-tolerance for corruption must be observed in all the Local government areas of the state.

He also appealed to the people of the state to continue to offer fervent prayers for Allah’s guidance and protection for the present administration.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Ibrahim Dadi Adare, assured that the Ministry would ensure that an induction course is organized for the newly sworn-in local government Chairmen to acquaint them with the workings of the local government councils.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by the APC leader in the state. Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Idris Muhammad Gobir, Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala, Deputy Speaker, Kabir Ibrahim Kware as well lawmakers from the national and state assemblies.

Others were the former Deputy Governors of Sokoto and Zamfara States, Chiso Abdullahi Dattijo, Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, and Hassan Nasiha, Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, Chief of Staff Government House Sokoto, Aminu Haliru Dikko, representative of the Sultan, Aliyu Attahiru, Commissioners and Special Advisers, among other dignitaries.

Recall that the Sokoto State Independent Electoral Commission, led by the chairman, Suleiman Aliyu, had earlier in the day declared candidates of the ruling All Progressive Congress as the winners of all the 23 local government elections held on Saturday, September 21.

Two men nabbed for alleged burglary in Ogun

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Two men nabbed for alleged burglary in Ogun

Two men have been apprehended by the Ogun State Police Command for breaking into shops and carting away items of value.

Our correspondent gathered on Monday that the incident occurred on Sunday at about 4:00 am.

In a police statement made available to According to Metro, it stated that a man called Omotayo Segun Orojo came to the station and reported that at about 1:14 am on Sunday, he received a call from one Mr Usman who identified himself as the security guard in the area.

He was informed that his shop which is located along Rolak junction, Imowo, Ijebu Ode, had been broken into and items of value had been carted away.

Upon receiving the distressing call, the statement disclosed that he rushed to his shop where he discovered that it was not only the shop that was broken into but other shops around that were also tampered with.

The following items were taken; an air conditioner, a gas-refilled can, evaporator pipes, a refrigerator capacitor and an air conditioner installation plate, According to Metro learnt.

Our correspondent learnt that the suspects apprehended in connection to the alleged crime are Onitilor Idris, 28 years old and Okanlawon Sunday, 27 years old. They were caught with the help of some people in the neighbourhood.

The spokesperson for the state command, Omolola Odutola, assured our correspondent that investigations were still being carried out and any further information would be relayed to According to Metro.

She said, “Investigations are ongoing and further development will be communicated.”

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Pro-Fubara LG caretaker chairmen dump PDP for APP

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Pro-Fubara LG caretaker chairmen dump PDP for APP

Ahead of the October 5, 2024 local government elections in Rivers State, some Caretaker Committee Chairmen loyal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara have defected to the Action People’s Party.

There have been speculations that the governor may dump the ruling Peoples Democratic Party for the APP following the alleged hijack of the state PDP structure by his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Fubara and Wike have been enmeshed in lingering misunderstanding which led to the political crisis in the state.

However, the governor, while playing host to the Board of Trustees of the PDP led by Senator Adolphus Wabara in the Government House, Port Harcourt recently denied any defection plan and reaffirmed his membership of the PDP.

However, council chairmen loyal to the governor and their supporters who were hitherto members of the PDP have pitched their tent with the APP

Also, almost all the candidates vying for chairmanship and councillorship positions in the forthcoming LG poll are doing so under the platform of the APP, even as campaigns have begun.

A big billboard of the current CTC Chairman of Port Harcourt City Council,

Ezebunwo Ichemati, with the APP logo campaigning for a substantive chairmanship position, has been sighted while his posters adorn many parts of the metropolis.

Speaking recently, Ichemati promised to provide credible leadership if elected as substantive Chairman of Port Harcourt City.

“We will defend the interests of the party (APP) and the state if elected into office. We will also adhere to the directive to avoid engaging in negative campaigns, “ he stated.

Similarly, the CTC Chairman of Khana LGA, Marvin Yobana, and his supporters have formally announced their defection to the APP.

Speaking at an event in Khana Local Council on Monday, Yobana who did not get the blessing of the governor to contest the LG election said he had moved to the APP.

He said,  “I hereby announce that I have moved to APP and I introduce to you the person that would  be sworn in after the October 5, election as the executive chairman of Khana, Mr. Martins Ibibo.”

Similar campaign posters of other announced candidates adorn various parts of the state.

Speaking at a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Rivers APP Chairman, Sunny Wokekoro, said the party would commence its senatorial campaigns on Tuesday beginning with the Rivers South-East Senatorial District to hold in Bori, headquarters of Khana LGA of the state.

Describing APP as the party to beat, Wokekoro said the party had come to change the narrative in the state.

He stated, “The Action People’s Party, Rivers State branch invites you today as partners in progress in changing the ugly narrative of governance in our state.

“To intimate you of our plans to embark on our campaigns under the guidelines provided by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

“As you are all aware candidates have emerged and have Successfully gone through RSIEC screening.  By tomorrow, Tuesday the 24 of September our party intends to embark on Senatorial campaigns and rallies.”

Osun aluminum worker jailed six months for stealing yam

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Osun aluminum worker jailed six months for stealing yam

An aluminium workman based in Okinni, Osun State, Sunday Ejoh, was on Monday sentenced to six months by a Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo, the state capital, for stealing three tubers of yam.

Ejoh, who appeared before a magistrate, Mr M. Olatunji, had been arraigned on one count of stealing the yam worth N3,000.

Giving the facts of the case, the prosecutor in charge, Mr  Jacob Akintunde, said Ejoh on “September 22, 2024, did steal three tubers of yam valued at N3,000 belonging to one Oluwole Durojaye.”

The prosecutor said the stolen tubers, a cutlass, and a pair of slippers were recovered from the defendant.

He added that the offence committed was contrary to and punishable under Section 390(9) of Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II Law of Osun State, Nigeria 2002.

The artisan, who had no legal representation, however pleaded guilty, saying hunger made him commit the crime.

He had told the court, “I was hungry, and I have a family.”

Delivering judgement on the matter, Magistrate Olatunji found the defendant guilty and subsequently sentenced him to six months imprisonment with an option of N25,000 fine.

Olatunji also directed that the stolen yam should be returned to the owner.

Ondo Amotekun arrests 27 suspected criminals

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Ondo Amotekun arrests 27 suspected criminals

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps has arrested no fewer than 27 people in connection with various criminal activities across the state.

According to the corps, the suspects were involved in alleged crimes such as kidnapping, stealing, killing and burglary among others.

Parading the suspects in Akure, the state capital, on Monday, the Commander of the corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the suspects were apprehended within three weeks.

Adeleye said, “Today, we are parading 27 suspects. Among the 27 suspects, we have Usman  Sehu, Ojo, Temidayo and Pelemo. They were the people who had been joining their colleagues in kidnappings around Ikakumo Akoko. We also have one Michael Ojo, who was among the syndicate that specialises in killing okada riders and stealing their bike. He had confessed to stealing so many motorcycles and said he had lost count.

“Furthermore, we have one Oladimeji and one Imole, who steal where you park your bike. We have one Akerele Ibrahim, also a suspected criminal who had been under tracking for some time but this time around, he went and threatened to kill somebody having destroyed his farmland in the Akoko area too.

“On anti-grazing, we have one Wakini Ibrahim who had been arrested several times and since he is not repentant, he will face the full wrath of the law on anti-grazing charges. This is the cross-section of the suspected criminals engaged in various security breaches.

“We also have those who specialise in breaking shops who engage in the sales of mattresses, stole and sold them at cheap amounts to people. We went after them and  retrieved  the mattresses from those who bought them. When a mattress that should normally go for N100,000 is being sold for N5,000 or N10,000.”

Speaking on the security situation of the state, Adeleye noted that despite security breaches in some places, the security situation was relatively good as suspects were arrested based on three subheadings out of the 12 subheadings the corps operates on.

“Across the board, I want to say that despite pockets of security breaches, the security situation of the state is good. Out of the 12 subheadings under which we operate, we only have suspects in anti-grazing, kidnapping and law and order. There was no arrest made on pending enforcement, land issues, labour union, human trafficking, student affairs, and cultism among others. This shows that Ondo State is experiencing peace,” he noted.

Adeleye lauded the residents of the state for always giving the corps timely information. The Amotekun boss also appealed to the people to continue to support the corps.

Residents knock Delta LG boss over deplorable road

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Residents knock Delta LG boss over deplorable road

Residents in Asaba, the Delta State capital, have berated the Oshimili South Local Government Chairman, Dr Kelvin Ezeyinli, over the deplorable council road.

When According to Metro visited the area on Monday, he observed that the Onuorah Chukwurah Drive off DLA Road is less than a kilometre road leading to the council headquarters.

The road which has been in a sorry state over the years, never received attention either from local or state government as flood entered residents’ houses whenever it rained.

A resident of the area, Mr Emenike Okolo, told our correspondent that for over 16 years, the road had remained deplorable despite its entrance leading to the council’s secretariat.

He said, “Over 16 years, this road has remained deplorable without attention from local or state government.

“Just a small road from off DLA to council secretariat, each LG chairman comes and goes over the years without repair. Sometimes, they heap sand on the road, maybe it is individuals who are doing it, but when it rains, it will wash it away.

“Flood is entering some houses, it is very bad that the entrance to the local government secretariat has been deplorable over the years without the LG boss fixing it. If it rains, most of us can’t access our houses for some days.

“Last week, the Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, Jerry Ehiwarior, launched the construction of the community road. Ezeyinli should do the same.”

He asked what the LG chairman was waiting for to fix a small road since he came on board.

“He has entered the seat for the next three years again. Is it to be sharing money to the leaders in the council in the name of servicing them?

Another resident, Mrs Carolina Omengi, knocked the council chairman for his inability to fix the less than a kilometre entrance to his office for the past four years in office.

“The chairman, Ezeyinli, finished his first tenure of three years. Now, he is starting his second tenure, he never gives attention to this small road especially now that the local government is receiving a huge amount of money from the Federal Government.

“They are passing the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway; that’s the other gate to access the secretariat and abandon this road. But now, the expressway is also deplorable, I will know whether they will fly to enter the council secretariat” she asserted.

Also, a tricycle operator, identified as Mr Andrew, decried the road as a nightmare, saying that they hardly dropped passengers at the council gate.

“We don’t usually drop passengers especially, the council staff at the gate because of the bad road. So, we drop them by DLA and they walk to the gate. It’s a short road, so I don’t know why the government turned a blind eye even the chairman of the LG,” he said.

They called on the LG chairman to as a matter of urgency fix the road and wake up to his responsibility for the betterment of residents.

When According to Metro contacted the council chairman, Ezeyinli, on Monday, calls and messages to his phone were not responded to as of the time of filling this report.

Lagos impounds 448 vehicles for BRT lane violation

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Lagos impounds 448 vehicles for BRT lane violation

The Lagos State Government, on Monday, said over 448 vehicles had been impounded for breaching the Bus Rapid Transit lane regulations between January and August 2024.

The spokesperson for the Lags State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq, in a statement obtained by According to Metro on Monday, stated that LASTMA operatives apprehended the vehicles at various locations, including Ikorodu, Maryland, Anthony, Apongbon, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ojuelegba, and Oyingbo areas of the state.

He disclosed that the offenders had been charged to the Lagos State Mobile Court for prosecution.

Taofiq also noted that the agency admonished all motorists, both private and commercial, to desist forthwith from the continued infringement on the BRT lanes across the state.

According to him, particular attention was drawn to motorists traversing the Abule-Egba BRT corridor.

“They are strongly urged to cease further infringements, as the Lagos State Public Works Corporation has recently completed extensive road rehabilitation from Abule-Egba to Iyana-Ipaja, especially near Super Ile-Epo and Katangura Market. The road’s improved condition renders the unlawful use of BRT lanes redundant and inexcusable.

“The government reiterates that motorists plying routes from Abule-Egba through Iyana-Ipaja, Dopemu, and Oshodi must strictly adhere to the designated lanes. Any individual encroaching upon the BRT lanes will be duly prosecuted by the Lagos State Mobile Court.

“While the Lagos State Government remains resolute in its mission to provide cutting-edge infrastructure for the benefit of all citizens, such efforts require the active cooperation of road users. Motorists are thus enjoined to exhibit discipline and patience, fostering a safer and more efficient traffic environment,” the statement read in part.

The Lagos State Police Command and the state government through the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority partnered in 2018 to arrest traffic violators.

The squad arrested more than 42 vehicles, including two articulated trucks and commercial tricycles, driving against the traffic and also using the BRT lanes.

Lagos residents decry hoodlums’ attacks

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Lagos residents decry hoodlums’ attacks

Residents of Iyana-Ipaja in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State have expressed concerns over the recurring attacks by suspected hoodlums posing as indigenes.

The residents, who spoke with According to Metro in separate interviews on Monday, stressed that they had lost personal belongings, including money, mobile phones, and laptops, to these hoodlums, who often targetted night-time commuters.

According to them, the hoodlums lay in wait for vulnerable residents late at night, pouncing on them when no one was in sight and dispossessing them of their belongings.

Narrating her experience on Monday, a resident, Deborah Oshinuga, lamented that the attacks had become so brazen that they were now being publicly threatened to hand over their belongings.

She said, “We kept calling a colleague of ours, and he was forced to pick up his phone on the streets of Iyana-Ipaja. Suddenly, four boys gathered around him, brandishing weapons. This happened at 10:30 pm.

“They kept telling him to keep walking and warned that they would stab and kill him, and nothing would happen. He ended up losing some valuables. This is a country and a state with laws and security. These boys claim their relatives are in power.”

A passer-by, Isaac Solomon, lamented that passing through the Iyana-Ipaja area had become a dreaded activity due to the terror posed by the area.

He added that the suspected hoodlums often use a Point of Sale machine to extort money from their victims.

He said, “I fear for my safety every time I pass through this Garage area. It’s either they forcefully take money from you, snatch your phone and run, or at times, they might show you a gun and bring out their PoS machine to withdraw all your money.”

Narrating her ordeal, another resident, Ayomide Falako, said, “I was almost raped here one day at about 10 pm while coming back from work by some guys who referred to themselves as Egbon Adugbo (area brothers). I was able to escape by running away until someone helped me.”

Similarly, Abisagbo Aminat explained that she was accosted by thugs on her way from work at the bridge. She appealed to the Lagos State Police Command to come to the residents’ aid by curbing the activities of the hoodlums.

She said, “I was returning from work with a colleague. We got to the park, and the bus was struggling for a parking space. In the process, the tyre burst, so everybody had to find their way. We had not collected our balance, which we had waited for.

“Just then, these guys crossed from the other side of the expressway towards us. They had cutlasses and poles and asked that we give them our bags. I heard someone behind me demanding my phone, and before I could understand what was going on, one of the guys hit my head with a cutlass. My colleague had his laptop and phone snatched, while my phone was taken.

“We are appealing to the police to find a lasting solution to this menace because these boys are becoming brazen, attacking people in broad daylight, exploiting and threatening them. I am begging the governor to help us end this menace.”

When contacted for a reaction on Monday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not respond to calls and messages sent to his line as of the time of filing this report.

Ogun commercial drivers, union bicker over multiple levies

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Ogun commercial drivers, union bicker over multiple levies

Minibus drivers operating along the Mowe-Ibafo-Arepo areas of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are at daggers drawn with the executive of the transport union over an increase in levies they are required to pay.

This is as the drivers protested the multiple levies imposed on them by transport union workers, otherwise known as agberos.

According to Metro correspondent, who monitored the protest on Monday, was told by the drivers that they were subjected to arbitrary fees, which had caused them significant hardship.

The drivers, mostly minibus operators, lamented that the transport union fare, previously a cumulative sum of N4,000 per day, had been increased to about N6,000 on Monday.

They carried placards with inscriptions such as, “We are tired of extortion”, “Governor Abiodun, come to our aid”, and “Agberos are extorting us”, among others.

The drivers stressed that the increase in fuel prices and the cost of vehicle parts had compounded the challenges they were facing.

Speaking with our correspondent, a driver, Daniel Ademoyegun, said the extortion from the agberos had become unbearable, forcing them to protest.

He explained that the current economic situation had forced his children out of school due to the decline in his income as a driver.

In his words, “What we are facing from the agberos has become unbearable. Today, we woke up to the news that the ticket fee had been increased. Bus stops where we paid N100 have been increased to N200, and where we paid N500 has been increased to N700.

“I spend not less than N100,000 on fuel every week, and passengers are also groaning and are not willing to pay to match the cost of fuel. My children are at home because I cannot afford the fees due to the decline in what I earn daily.”

Another driver, Benjamin Joseph, urged the state government to come to the aid of the drivers by prevailing on the union executive to stop the multiple levies imposed on them.

“We are facing a lot from the agberos, who offer no benefits to the drivers. If you don’t pay them, they’re ready to damage your vehicle.

“We are appealing to Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene so that this extortion can stop,” Joseph said.

Also speaking, Moses Prosper noted that the drivers’ demands included reversing the ticket fee increase and adopting a unified ticket system to curb the multiple tickets issued by the transport union.

As he put it, “What we want the government to do is to prevail on these union workers to reverse the increase and provide a unified ticket that will cover our operations along the stretch of the road.

“We shouldn’t have to pay at every bus stop within the same local government. It is absurd that we pay N200 for a marker, which adds no benefit to us.

“The monies we are paying to these agberos are not justifiable. They even extort the government by dividing one ticket, which has N200 written on it, into four parts and selling it to four drivers.”

When contacted, the Ogun State Secretary of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria, Tiwalade Akingbade, dismissed the drivers’ allegations as untrue.

He stressed that the union and the drivers had a misunderstanding earlier on Monday, which was resolved at the police station.

“The issue is not a matter of levies duplication but a misunderstanding of what is expected to be paid. They even went to the police earlier, and the issue has been amicably resolved, and the drivers have all returned to work.

“We are also affected by the challenges in the country because we are bus owners too, and our maintenance costs have skyrocketed. However, our drivers continue to pay the same amount for delivery. So, there is no way we would propose or support any fee hike.”

Meanwhile, efforts to get the reaction of the state Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, proved abortive, as he did not respond to calls made to his line by the time of filing this report.

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