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September 23, 2018

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Osun Decides 2018: Oyetola, Adeleke In Very Tight Race

Posted: 22 Sep 2018 05:03 PM PDT

Mr. Isiaka Oyetola and Senator Ademola Adeleke

Early returns from the  Osun State governorship election last night indicated a tight race between the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr. Isiaka Oyetola and Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).The Nation Newspaper reports.

Oyetola had the upper hand in 13 of the 30 local government areas, according to results handed over to party agents at the various polling stations by INEC.

Adeleke trailed in the second position after winning in 11 LGAs while Senator Iyiola Omisore of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was the preferred candidate in only four LGAs.

Alhaji Moshood Adeoti of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) secured only two LGAs.

The official result is to be released by INEC.

Each of the governorship aspirants won in his respective unit and local government area.

Oyetola won in Boripe, Adeleke in Ede, Omisore in Ile Ife and Adeoti in Iwo.

It was however a bad outing for Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a former governor of the State and the prime mover of the Olusegun Obasanjo-inspired African Democratic Party's (ADC) candidate, Alhaji  Fatai Akinbade, lost in Oyinlola's ward at Okuku.

Don't tamper with our winning results – PDP

Moment after the close of voting yesterday, the Ademola Adeleke Campaign Organisation issued a statement warning against manipulation of the results of the poll.

The will of the people must be respected, it said in the statement by its Director of Publicity, Mr. Olawale Rasheed.

He said: "as results are been collated across the state, we demand utmost fair play and transparency from the electoral body.

"We are watching and monitoring closely. Under no circumstance should the collation process be manipulated.

"Our agents and leaders are on their toes armed with relevant results and forms. The will of the people must be respected.

"We task INEC and security agencies to obey the directive of President Muhammad Buhari who had ordered that the Osun electoral process should never be manipulated by federal or any related agencies.

"We call on local and international observers to take note of the ongoing process and assist the people of Osun state to realise the supremacy of their electoral will.

"Our people should also be ever vigilant to protect their votes and their aspirations for better life."

Voters turn out high

Voters' turn out for the election was generally high across the state.

Security was also tight to discourage disruption of the election and to apprehend violators of the electoral process.

Accreditation and voting commenced at about 8 am simultaneously in many polling units

In Osogbo, the state capital, many of the residents had trooped to their polling units as early as 6.am.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said more than 300 voters were on the queue  at Osunbukola Ward 10 Unit 003 Polling Unit in Egbedore LGA by the time voting got underway.

There were also some policemen and NSCDC personnel at the polling unit.

The Accreditation Officer at the unit, Mashood Samson, said  the exercise was hitch-free with the card readers working perfectly.



An official of the Transition Monitoring Group, Dr Abiola Afolabi, told NAN the exercise in the units visited was orderly.

At the Ward 5 Unit 1 Polling Unit in Osogbo Local Government, more than 300 voters were on the queue for accreditation and voting which started at 8.10.am.

An international observer from the National Democratic Institute who simply identified herself as Miss Courtney said the exercise so far had been transparent, an assessment corroborated by Busayo Soyebi of the Centre for Transparent Advocacy.

At the Osogbo Polling Unit 2 Ward 5 inside Osogbo Grammar School, no fewer than 200 voters were sighted waiting to be accredited.

In Iragbiji, the hometown of the APC candidate, Gboyega Oyetola, there was also a massive turnout.

At the polling units in LA primary School Popo, Ward 1,  Oja Oba Town Hall, Ward 2, Osolo Hall, Ward 1 and Oke-Osun, Ward 1B, many of the voters arrived as early as 7:00 am to check their names on the voters' list.

At exactly 8:24, accreditation and voting started at Polling Unit 2, LA Primary School Popo.

Some voters, however, complained that they could not find their names on the voters' register.

The INEC Presiding Officer, Mr Lawal Adewale, said they had no challenges at the voting unit as materials arrived early.

He said those complaining they could not find their names on the voters' register were not at the polling unit to vote.

More than 200 voters were at the polling unit made up three voting points to cast their vote.

In Ede, the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Adeleke,  voted at Ward 2 Unit 9 at Sagba-Abogunde at about 8:01 am after an initial hitch with the card reader.

"The card reader took a lot of processes before it started working and I hope it is not the same in other polling units," he said.

The police spokesman, Acting DCP Jimoh Moshood, had said four unarmed policemen and two others from other security agencies would be on duty at each voting point throughout the state.

He also said the Police Mobile Force (PMF) headed by a very senior officer will provide security at the RAC, Super RAC and collation centres.

Related Topics: #OsunDecides2018 #Adeleke #Oyetola

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Breaking: Anthony Joshua Knockouts Out Alexander Povetkin In Round 7 To Win Fight - Video

Posted: 22 Sep 2018 04:32 PM PDT

Anthony Joshua Vs Alexander Povetkin

ANTHONY JOSHUA the predator, beat Alexander Povetkin in the seventh round with a brutal knockout.

But AJ didn't have it all his own way, though, as the Russian had the better of the early rounds.

Here's how SunSport summarised each round at Wembley.

Round 1

Joshua throws an early left jab to the stomach. Povetkin evades a right hook and launches one of his own but leaves Joshua unfazed.

Both fighters sizing each other up in the opening minutes. AJ throws a fierce left hook and crowd roar in approval.

Povetkin catches Joshua with a fierce left right on the bell and AJ stumbles, blood pours from his nose – a huge wake up call for the champ.

Watch video below:



Round 2
AJ forced to defend Povetkin's rapid blows. The Russian proving that size doesn't matter as his lightning quick punches leave AJ with his guard up.

AJ stages a few of his own before Povetkin lands another brutal blow with his left. AJ rocked already.

Joshua given hope with the left jab, but remains shell-shocked. Trainers put ice on his nose.


Round 3
AJ caught again with the upper cut early in the third. But he responds with a three punch combo.

AJ catches him with an upper cut but this ding dong battle delivered another swift brutal right hook into Joshua's chin.

AJ started to find his feet towards the end of the third.


Round 4
Crowd roar on the home favourite. AJ catches him with a left early in the round.

Povetkin is cut on his left eye as AJ starts growing in confidence. Povetkin misses with a wild left hook.

AJ is finding his range with two left hooks into Povetkin's face. He slowly starts to take the authority.

Round 5
Slow start to the round as both fighters appear to ease of the gas. All of a sudden Povetkin shows his power and AJ appears to touch his face and goad him for more.

Another couple of lightning quick jabs by the Russian and the ref warns Povetkin of a punch to the back of the head.

They touch gloves at the end, a quieter round following an explosive start.

Round 6
AJ using that left hook again, hitting Povetkin in the stomach. AJ then throws a right and left hook.

Povetkin is not willing to take it and comes straight back with some vicious slogs. Halfway through an intriguing fight and Povetkin looks on top.

Round 7
AJ lands a brutal left hook and follows it with a fierce right!! Povetkin is suddenly on the ropes and AJ puts him down to the canvas. The count is on but Povetkin gets up on his feet.

But not for long, AJ launches an assault it's over!! The medics rush on and Povetkin, who caused so much trouble to AJ in the opening rounds, is finished.
Credit: Sun Sports

Related Topics: #AnthonyJoshua #AlexanderPovetkin #Boxing

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APC Agent Caught In Act, Inducing Voters With N2,000 Each At Oyetola's Ward – (Live Video)

Posted: 22 Sep 2018 03:06 PM PDT

APC Agent caught on camera.

According to a video shared by Sahara Reporters, the publisher said it can authoritatively confirm that the agents of the All Progressive Congress (APC) are inducing voters by buying their votes.

The reports has it that before casting their votes, voters were directed to a house not far from the polling unit, covered with posters of Isiaka Oyetola, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The video below shows electorates lining up to get paid:

According to the Sahara Reporters, the video recording could not be completed as the party agent became suspicious of the reporter's' activities, so they told the voters to leave for the moment and return within the next one hour.


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Updates: Osun Decides 2018; Live Election Results

Posted: 22 Sep 2018 02:22 PM PDT

Osun Election 2018

The Osun State 2018 governorship election is gradually coming to an end as results from different polling units and collation centres has already been announced.

The guber race so far has been between the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Social Democratic Party, SDP and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Below are Live Results release from the Local Government Areas in the state;

LGA Results:

Ila Local Government: APC 10328 PDP- 7916

Ward Results:


Ifelodun LGA Ward 1: APC: 832 PDP: 815

Ifelodun LGA Ward 2: APC : 724 PDP : 769

Oriade LGA Ward 5 APC – 450 PDP – 356 SDP – 92

Oriade LGA Ward 6 APC – 265 PDP – 244 SDP – 34

Ifelodun LGA Ward 1 final results. APC: 832 PDP: 815

Ife South LGA Ward 3: APC : 649 PDP : 298 SDP : 436

Ife South LGA Ward 2: APC : 563 PDP : 282 SDP : 328

Polling Units Results:

Iwaloye PU Ejigbo Ward 4, unit 6 APC: 301 PDP: 175 SDP: 70 ADP: 10

Ward 9 unit 8 obaniare1 PDP 32 APC 53 Sdp 28

Obajisu ilarogun PDP 55 APC 62

St. Mattew Eleyele, Ile-Ife. APC – 43 PDP – 19 SDP – 124

Boluwaduro LGA ward 9 unit 6 APC 43 PDP 60 SDP 37 ADP 4 ADC 43

Boluwaduro ward 9 unit 5 APC 61 PDP 60 SDP 50 ADP 4 ADC 1

Boluwaduro ward 9 unit 3 APC 91 PDP 52 SDP 49 ADP 5

Boluwaduro ward 9 unit 2 APC 88 PDP 93 SDP 102 ADP 4 ADC 1

Boluwaduro LGA ward 9 unit 1 APC 71 PDP 53 SDP 64 ADP 9

Boluwaduro LGA ward 9 unit 7 APC 77 PDP 60 SDP 29 ADP 1 ADC 1

OLORUNDA WARD 1 UNIT 13 APC 225 DPD. 61 SDP. 204

OLORUNDA WARD 6 UNIT 1 APC 153 DPD. 71 SDP. 54 ADP. 8

OLORUNDA WARD 11 UNIT 1 APC 76 DPD. 71 SDP. 13

OLORUNDA WARD 11 UNIT 5 APC 42 DPD. 44 SDP. 26

Ifon Orolu Local Government, Olufon Orolu D (Ward 4), Bolorunduro II (Polling Unit 6)  PDP – 73 APC – 82 SDP – 26 Void – 7 PPC – 1 FJP – 1 APA – 1 PRP – 1 SME – 1 ADC – 1 PPP – 1 ADP – 2

Iwo local government ward 5,pu3, PDP-10 APC-34 SDP-18 ADC:6 ADP; 54 DPP:1 RP:2 PDC:1

IPETU ILE, Methodist Primary School 1, Obokun LG (PU 001 Ward 02). APC – 79 PDP – 127 ADP – 1 SDP – 15 ADC – 1 SRP – 1 PPN – 1

Irepodun LG: Ward 2, Unit 5 ADP: 17 APC: 15 DA: 1 DPP: 2 NPC: 1 PDP: 57 SDP: 22 UPN: 1

Ward 8, Unit 4, Ola-Oluwa Local government result. APC – 56 PDP – 30 ADP – 22 SDP – 19 ADC – 4

Olorunda local government, ward 3,PU 5, SDP:28 PDP:99 APA:2 ADC:2 PDC:1 APC:198 SDP: 33 ANPP:1 ADP:16

Ward 8, Unit 4, Ola-Oluwa Local government. APC – 56 PDP – 30 ADP – 22 SDP – 19 ADC – 4

PU 005, ward 3 of Ila-Orangun LG, ACD-1, ADP-2, APA-1, APC-114, PDC-1, PPA-2, PDP-99, SDP-29, SNP-1.

Aare ward 4 PU 3 lIfedayo, Ife South. 1. PDP: 51 2. SDP: 70 3. APC: 59

RA 009 PU 001 Ilesa West: ADP 22, APC 57, app 02, PDP 63, PPA 1, ppc 3, SDP 28.

PU 005 Ileogbo Ward 1, Ayedire Local Government at 3:49pm. Election result pasted. ADP. 14 APC…..57 PDP….47 SDP.. 24 PPA 1 PPC 1

Unit 2 Ward 9 in front of Otanioku's Compound, Apaso, Ede North.

AUD primary school, ward 6, polling unit 6, Orolu L.G. Olufon area. APC: 93 votes PDP: 110 votes SDP: 53 votes DPP: 01 VOTES ADC: 01 ADP: 04 PPA. 03 NCP 01 DPC. 01 DPP 01

Ikija 1 ward 2 PU 1, lIfetedo, Ife South. 1. PDP: 25 2. SDP: 42 3. APC: 79

Ikija 1 ward 2 PU 5 lIfedayo, Ife South. 1. PDP: 51 2. SDP: 70 3. APC: 59

Janta bus stop, ward 6, polling unit 5, Orolu L.G. Olufon area. APC: 89 votes PDP: 149 votes SDP: 26 votes ACD. 1 ADC. 7 DPC. 1 PDC. 1

Ikija 1 ward 2 PU 5 lIfedayo, Ife South. 1. PDP: 26 2. SDP: 64 3. APC: 64

Unit 16, ward 3, Ijebu Ijesa, Oriade LGA. APC-30, PDP-38, SDP-4.

St. Matthew primary school, PU 004, Ward 5of Ila-Orangun LG; ADP- 1 AGA- 1 APC- 65 DA- 1 PDC- 2 PDP- 80 SDP- 16 SNP- 1 UPN: 1

Pu 006 ileogbo ward 4 ayedire local govt. YPP…1 SDP 65 PRP…..1 PDP….118 MMN… 1 APC…85 ADP.,..25 ADC….3 AD….1 ABP……1

Igbonnibi Town Hall, PU 007, Ward 1 of Ila-Orangun LG; ADP- 2 AGA- 2 APC- 71 PPN- 1 PDP- 82 SDP- 20 SPN: 1 NCP: 1

Unit 10, Ward 9, Apaso Junction, Apaso, Ede North. Results pasted PDP-169 APC-99 ADP-13 SDP-6 SPN-1 DPC-1 DPP-1 ACPN-1 AA-1

Irepodun, Ward 10, Unit 2 results. ADP: 33 APC: 57 PDP: 100 SDP: 14

Unit 1, ward 9,Laoye, Apaso. Ede North. PDP-192 APC-73 SDP- 9 ADC-Nil ADP-3

IFEDAYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WARD 05, PU 002/ OBAALE. PDP:47 APC:16 SDP:12 ADP:3 AD:1

Olobu B. Ward 02. Unit 8. IREPODUN LG. ABP: 01 ADC: 01 ADP: 24 APA: 01 APC: 20 APP: 01 DPC: 02 PDP: 76 PT: 01 SDP: 20

Irepodun, Ward 1, Unit 6, results. ACD: 1 ADC: 3 ADP: 70 APA: 1 APC: 46 DPC: 5 PDC: 1 PDP: 81 PPA: 1 SDP: 29

Ward 5, PU 7, Yakoyo, Ife North L.G.A. form EC60E. Election Results: APC- 72 ADC- 2 ADP- 11 PDP- 95 SDP- 54

Ife North local government, Ward 01, Unit 004. Form EC 60 E. APC 138. SDP 93. PDP. 85. ADC 02. ADP 08

Unit 4 Ward 9, Jariogun Compound. Apaso Ede North. PDP-144 APC-36 SDP-4 ADC-1 ADP-7

Irepodun LG, Ward 1, Unit 4, results. ADC: 2 ADP: 23 APC: 36 APP: 1 DPC: 1 PDC: 1 PDP: 57 PT: 1 SDP: 19 SNP: 1 UPN: 1

Ife North local, Ward 01 unit 001. Form EC 60E. APC 36. ADP. 14. SDP. 36. ADC. 01. PDP. 36

APC 68, PDP 50, SDP 36, ADP 20. PU 005 RA 10. Ilesa West.

Ifon Orolu Local Government, Olufon Orolu D (Ward 4), Youth Centre (Polling Unit 3) as at 5:15PM PDP – 78 APC – 94 SDP – 39 ABP – 1 ACPN – 1 ADP – 4 DPC – 1 NPC – 1 PDC -3 PPN – 1 UPP – 2

Irepodun LG, Ward 2, Unit 3, Voting Point 1, results. ADC: 1 ADP: 9 APC: 29 APP: 1 DPC: 2 NPC: 1 PDP: 96 RP: 1 SDP: 42 SPN: 1

PU 003 Kuta ward 1 ayedire local govt. Election result has been pasted. ACPN….. 1 AD……1 ADC…2 ADP…24 APA….1 APC…111 APGA….1 DPC….1 HDP….1 PDP..150 SDP…21 SPN….1

IREPODUN LG. WARD 11. UNIT 002 ADC : 02 ADP: 06 APC: 49 DPC: 02 DPP: 01 LP: 01 NPC: 01 PDP: 32 PPA: 01 PPN : 01 RP: 02 SDP: 63 SNP: 01

Irepodun LG, Ward 2, Unit 3, Voting Point 1, results. ADC: 1 ADP: 9 APC: 29 APP: 1 DPC: 2 NPC: 1 PDP: 96 RP: 1 SDP: 42 SPN: 1

EJIGBO Results – Total votes in Ife Odan Motor Park Ward 3 unit 3 PDP: 130 APC: 178 SDP: 20 ADC: 2 ADP: 2 APA: 2 DPC: 4 YDP: 1

Irepodun LG, Ward 10, Unit 8, results. ADP: 4 APA: 1 APC: 56 APP: 1 PANDEL: 1 PDP: 26 RP: 1 SDP: 88

PDP 92, APC 59, ADP 21, SDP 59, adc 2. Ilesa West RA 10, PU 004.

Ward 05, PU 007, Osogbo LG, attached is the form EC 60 E. APC has 153 votes, PDP has 129 votes, SDP has 115 votes, ADP has 16 votes and ADC has 7 votes.

Ward 09. Unit 11. Irepodun LGA. 6:08pm. Voting has ended. RESULTS ABP: 01 ADP: 08 APA: 01 APC: 135 APP: 02 PDC: 01 PDP: 34 PPC: 01 SDP: 37

PDP 48, APC 29, SDP 27, ADP 7, RA 10, PU 007 Ilesa West.

Irepodun LGA. Ward 10. Unit 01. ACD: 02 ADP: 08 APC: 54 DPC: 01 PDP:54 SDP: 19

PU 001 ileogbo ward 5 ayedire local govt. Election result has been pasted. ADC….5 ADP….37 ANRP…2. APC….125.. GNP…1 HDP….1 PANDEL…1 PDC….5 PDP…111 PPA….1 SDP….55

Ara II / PU 3 / Ward 3 / Egbedore LGA Results ABP = 001 ADC = 002 ADP = 008 APC = 158 APA = 001 DPC = 002 PDP = 073 SDP = 021

Ward 8, PU 8A, Moro, Ife North L.G.A. form EC60E. Election Results: APC- 73 ADC- 0 ADP- 3 PDP- 63 SDP- 51

Ede south/ward8/pu002/sekona Apga–1 Adp–2 Upp–1 Ppc–1 Ppa–2 Pdc–2 Sdp–40 Spn–1 Apc–53 Pdp–219 Void votes–63 Valid votes–322

Ifon Orolu Local Government, Olufon Orolu D (Ward 4), RCM Primary School Area (Polling Unit 2) as at 7:20PM SDP – 90 APC – 116 PDP – 152 PPC – 1 APGA – 1 AD – 1 ADP – 6 APA – 1 GDPN – 1 ADC – 1

PU: NUD school, Ile-Iran, PU 005, RA: Oke Osun, RAC 04, Ayedire local govt, 04. Election result.

Ifon Orolu Local Government, Olufon Orolu D (Ward 4), RCM Primary School Area (Polling Unit 2) as at 7:20PM SDP – 90 APC – 116 PDP – 152 PPC – 1 APGA – 1 AD – 1 ADP – 6 APA – 1 GDPN – 1 ADC – 1

Unit 006, Ward 10. Town Hall Ajagunlase II, Ola Oluwa LG result.

Ayedaade Ward 2 Unit 4 Apc 123 Pdp 109 Sdp 47 Adp 21 Adc 1

Ayedaade, Unit 8, Ward 4 Apc 72 Pdp 48 Sdp 36 Adp 11 Adc 1

Ayedaade, Ward 2, Unit 4 Apc 123 Pdp 109 Sdp 47 Adp 21

Ayedaade Unit 3, Ward 3 Apc 137 Pdp 96 Sdp 63 Adp 39

Ayedaade, Ward 3, Unit 4 Apc 85 Pdp 61 Sdp 36 Adp 35 Adc 1 Void 17

Ayedaade, Ward 4 Unit 1 Apc 72 Pdp 47 Sdp 36 Adp 11 Adc 1 Void 13

OLORUNDA WARD 1 UNIT 6 APC 163 PDP. 71 SDP. 64 ADP. 4 ADC. 1 Void Votes 29

Osogbo Local government WARD 5 UNIT 4 APC 146 PDP 128 SDP 66 ADC 3

Ife East Ward 8 UNIT 9 SDP 95 PDP 150 APC 227

Polling Unit 006A, Ward 4, Ejigbo, Egbedore LGA SDP = 46 PDP= 87, APC = 146, ADP =4, ADC = 3

Related Topics: #OsunDecides2018 #OsunStateElection

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The Elderly In Osun Decry APC Performance In The State

Posted: 22 Sep 2018 06:40 AM PDT

APC
Some elderly people in Osun State has lamented the performance of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the State.

They shared some videos on what they referred to as 'Another failed APC project'.

However the people decrying the performance of APC in that state, did not show the executed projects by the party.

Watch more videos below:









Related Topics: #OsunState #APC

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Osun Decides 2018: Crowd Turn Out To Exercise Their Franchise

Posted: 22 Sep 2018 05:08 AM PDT

Osun Election 2018

The Osun 2018 Governorship Election is in progress and crowds were seen queuing to exercise their franchise in different Polling Centres and Units, so far visited in the State capital, Oshogbo.

The readiness to vote was seen all over the faces of the electorates.

See more photos below:



Related Topics: #OsunStateElection2018 #OsunDecides2018

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JUST IN: Ambode In More Troubles As APC Leaders ‘Seal’ His Fate

Posted: 22 Sep 2018 04:30 AM PDT

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, of Lagos State has for some time been having a nightmare over the political rift between him and his godfather, Jagaban Bola Tinubu.

A lot of emissaries has been sent to the Jagaban, but none has produced the desired result, as the embattled Governor can not ascertain his fate at the moment, whether he may retain the ticket or not.

Read this publication by PoliticsNGR

The battle for the All Progressives Congress (APC) party nomination for the Governorship of Lagos State in the 2019 polls continues to rage unabated, and is unlikely to dissipate any time soon.
Before anyone, however, can hazard a guess on how the saga will likely end, it is prudent that he visits Epe, the hometown of the incumbent, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. The mood in Epe–a town gripped by tension––is fever pitch. The people's sentiment is at boiling point. In rallying for its own, people of Epe town have gone ballistic spiritually to quell the tempest threatening to bring to a halt the upward trajectory of their rising son.

Gov. Ambode is presently battling an internal wrangling within his party that has resulted in the emergence of two other APC stalwarts, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Mr Obafemi Hamzat, who have both signified their interest in slugging it out with him at the party's primary for the APC governorship ticket in Lagos State. The emergence of the duo followed a rumoured frosty relationship between Ambode and APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who hitherto was regarded as his political godfather and mentor.

While cloak-and-dagger maneuverings continue to play out in the party, the people of Epe have moved the fight to a spiritual level as they embark on combative prayers to dismantle the various forces arraying against the embattled governor.

While tension is rising in the political firmament of the centre of excellence, a group of APC elders called the Governor's Advisory Council, GAC dominated mainly by Tinubu's trusted allies, will today at a scheduled meeting in Ikeja take a final position on who the party will present to the public for support in the 2019 polls.

The body had met on Tuesday to consider pleas and various interventions from different groups and prominent individuals to consider Ambode for a second term. The meeting however ended without a definite answer to the embattled governor. One of the decisions taken at the Tuesday meeting was that the governor will not be allowed to sit in today's meeting when the party elders will decide his fate.

A notable source who attended the meeting told Saturday Sun that, "For us, we already know the direction things will go in today's meeting because after the Tuesday's parley, Asiwaju left us with a strongly coded rhetorical question, that is, 'can you pack back into a bottle the beer you want to drink after spilling same on the floor?"

With this, today's meeting may just be a mere ceremony to say a capital NO to the governor as majority of those who will attend the event are already bitter against Ambode and have not hidden their opposition to his style of governance and bid for a second term.

Saturday Sun visited Epe on September 18, 2018, and found a town that was to a large extent a cauldron of anger. Right from the park, various gatherings––of Okada riders, free readers at newsstands and traders––were engaged in animated discussions and heated debates that centred on Governor Ambode's current political travails.

That was not surprising, given that the governor has proven himself as an illustrious son of the soil, having brought remarkable infrastructural development to Epe, a community that was hitherto an economic backwater.

Spiritual warfare

Saturday Sun's survey of suburbs like Noforija, Odomola, Ketu-Epe, and Odoragunshen turned up facts that indicated that the Ambode issue is close to the heart of many residents. The fervour devoted to the issue leaves no one in doubt that anyone in opposition to the governor is up against a whole town. The town roiled with solidarity for the governor. In the prevailing "We against Them" aura, a majority of the Epe folks envisaged themselves battling against Lagos forces trying to undo their son's progress.

A major development has been a rare show of unity between Christians and Muslims, who set aside their religious differences and joined forces together in daily prayers of intercession and vigil for Gov. Ambode at the Saint Michael Anglican Church, which is the governor's family place of worship.

The over 100-year-old church at Popo-Oba Street has assembled a 21-man prayer warrior team. In no time, the team has since been joined by a host of volunteers, both Christians (from other denominations) and some Muslims.

Findings by Sun showed that the team holds some of its prayer sessions for the governor on a large expanse of land opposite the church.

During a visit to the church, some of the volunteers were sighted sitting on white plastic chairs on the land across from the church. In their response to questions from Saturday Sun , they all spoke in unison about their commitment to the "Save Ambode Prayer" project.

The church's support

A cleric of the church who spoke on condition of anonymity confirmed that intercessory prayers are being held for Gov. Ambode. He vowed that the daily vigil and prayer session would not stop until Ambode's second term ticket is guaranteed by APC.

"It is true that this church is coordinating series of prayers for Gov. Ambode. What we are doing is not evil. We have no regret over it," he declared.

Asked why the governor's issue is dear to the church, the cleric fired back: "Gov. Ambode and his family are part and parcel of this church. Although Gov. Ambode himself is no longer a member of the Anglican Church, when he was young, he used to worship with us here with his parents.

Up till today, the governor's mother, Mama, is a regular worshipper with us. Mama is very close to us, and up till today, there is no programme or project we have in the church that Mama, the governor and other members of the family don't join us in doing. Like every other family in this church, the Ambode family also observed its own yearly harvest and thanksgiving in the church."

Continuing, he stated: "Even before Mama asked us to mobilize prayers to save the governor's political career, on our own as a church we've already started the intercessory prayers. Although it is not every day or night that Mama is with us; whether she is here or not, our prayers and vigil for Ambode is every day."

The cleric who denied the church's involvement in partisan politics explained the basis of their support for the beleaguered governor. Said he: "Our support for Ambode, apart from his family's connection to us, is due to his performance. Ambode has done marvellously well. If he has not done well, I would have said so. He has transformed Epe."

He said further: "Before he assumed office in 2015, Epe was in darkness. Not only that, the town had no good roads, and other infrastructural facilities were lacking. I know what I'm saying. I have been working in Epe and its suburbs for a long time.

There is no governor in the history of Lagos State that has transformed Epe the way Ambode has done. And from available reports, he has also done well in areas of infrastructural development of Lagos State. I think the man should be given a chance for second term."

The cleric delivered a parting shot thus: "Let me, however, state this categorically. There are talks about some individuals and groups. There are those mentioning that one group called Mandate has sealed the fate of Ambode and that he is a goner.

People should however know that with God nothing is impossible. It is only God that can give anybody a mandate. If God gives Ambode a divine mandate, not even one million Mandate Group can stop him. Let's leave everything in the hand of God."

Saturday Sun investigations reveal that the prayer group, as part of its activities usually go round the church seven times in the night–– an allusion to Joshua's military maneuvering in the Bible––praying aloud that the God that pulled down the walls of Jericho should pull down all the walls of Jericho threatening Ambode's second term ambition.

Rally groups

While leaving the church to move to another part of the town, Saturday Sun ran into a rally organized by artisans and Okada riders in support of Ambode.
The crowd was shouting in unison. Their rally cries: "Ambode for second term. It is Ambode and nobody else."

The spokesman for the group, Adetayo Adedayo who also doubles as chairman of the cyclists riders group, explained the drive behind their action.

"Nobody is sponsoring us," he affirmed. "Even Gov. Ambode is not aware of this rally. We are supporting him for a second term because he is from Epe. Everybody in Epe and environs support the governor 100 per cent for turning Epe and its suburbs into Small London." For him, the governor has done a lot for Epe. "The people of Epe will not take kindly to any attempt to humiliate or deny him the second term ticket," Adedayo declared.

He waxed philosophical. "Ambode is the Moses of our time. He is Epe's liberator. Denying him a second term is like punishing Epe people. He is a good ambassador of this place. No individual from another part of Lagos State can do what Ambode has done for us in Epe." He concluded with a warning to APC. "If they finally conspired against Ambode, then APC should forget votes from the people of Epe in 2019."

The Chief Imam of the Ansar-U-Deen Society in Epe, Alhaji Zakariyah
who described Ambode as Allah-sent also weighed in on the issues calling for a compromise. "I'm a religious leader and not a politician," began the mullah, "Ambode's tenure has brought monumental development to Epe. In fact, Epe, and its environs, has never been so blessed. We plead with those who will determine Ambode's fate for a second term to forgive him his shortcomings."

Septuagenarians Alhaji Yeeken Dairo and Alhaja Taibat Akingbehin at Oke-Balogun Street and Imokun Street respectively echoed similar sentiments. Dairo, community leader of Imokun LCDA, appealed directly to the good nature of Asiwaju Tinubu to forgive Ambode his perceived sins.

Alhaja Akingbehin, 75, said: "I have been on my praying mat, praying for Ambode since this crisis started. I have not benefited or received one kobo directly from Ambode, but I'm pleased with how he has transformed Epe. See how Ambode has turned Epe into a beautiful place. Many of our sons and daughters that came home during the last Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) festival didn't even know the way to their father's compound again because of the new network of roads, and street lights Ambode has put in place in Epe." It will be a big loss to Epe, she said, "if Ambode is denied a second term."
Najeem Quadri, a baker, tackled APC leadership and Tinubu directly.

."You give a man a job to do, and you are breathing down his neck again that you want to look into everything he does, what do you call that? Tinubu should stop playing God." The baker advised the governor to be level-headed. "Ambode should not see the second term issue as a do-or-die affair. If they allow him good, and if they say no, he should come back home, we all love him."

Continuing, Quadri avowed: "Ambode is a good ambassador of Epe. If they are making life too difficult for him, he should go to another party, and Epe people will vote for him."

Once more, Quadri raved at Tinubu and others, whom he described as greedy.
"Did Tinubu not serve two terms? Did Fashola not serve two terms? Now they are deciding another man's fate. Tinubu and his co-conspirators in APC should know that God will also decide their own fate," he said.

He resented the idea of anyone begging Tinubu to endorse Ambode for a second term. "They should leave him to God," he declared.

Another respondent who spoke with Saturday Sun , Otunba Maruphdeen Babatunde Abdulrahman, urged Gov. Ambode not to surrender. "Whether Tinubu or people in his camp like it or not, if Allah has ordained Ambode for a second term, no individual can do anything against it," he quipped.

Abdulrahman who belongs to a different and opposing faction of APC said: "I don't belong to Ambode's faction of APC but I'm supporting him for a second term because of his records of achievements and performance. Ambode has really worked for Lagos. He has transformed Lagos State."

He defended him further: "I don't know why the so-called godfather and others are angry with him? Some are accusing him of not sharing money and that he is tight-fisted. Do they expect him to be sharing money? Lagosians voted for Ambode to transform the state, and that's exactly what the man is doing. He should not dance to the tunes of these godfathers who are exploiters and don't have conscience at all."

Dissenting voices

As Moses in the Bible has his disparagers, so does the man described as the "Moses of Epe." One of the dissenting voices is a secondary school teacher in a public school in Epe who spoke on condition of anonymity. He described Gov. Ambode as a partial leader, declaring that he has no pity for him.

"I have never been an Ambode's admirer. He is a very biased and partial leader," he said. "How I wish people in other parts of Lagos can take a trip down to Epe to see how Ambode has transformed Epe. They should come and see the beautiful road network, the beautiful landscape, and the glittering streetlights.

While he is taking care of Epe, look at the refuse menace in other parts of Lagos; look at the bad state of roads; look at the traffic gridlock in other parts of Lagos State."
He concluded solemnly: "Let him go. I have no tears for Ambode."

The dissonance is loud in such areas as the Ayetoro market area, Waterfront and Marina streets. Some groups even appeared to be indifferent.

Shefiu Kasali, a shoemaker, complained that Ambode has only been transforming Epe in terms of infrastructural development but has not empowered Epe people.

"What is the use of beautiful roads, and street lights when we are all hungry? I boldly challenge Ambode to tell the whole world: how many Epe people he has empowered financially? How many people has he empowered in their business and trades? It is good that he is developing Epe physically; it is also good that he should give us what they call stomach infrastructure," Kasali said.

Further findings by Saturday Sun revealed that Epe, made up of Epe Eko and Epe Awori/Ijebu people, has two traditional rulers––Oba Shefiu Adewale, Olu of Epe, for Epe Awori/Ijebu people; and Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, Oloja of Epe, for Epe Eko people (those that have their origin from Lagos Island).

Both kings are staunchly behind Ambode as the governor is reported to have spread his projects in Epe across all divisions.
However, Saturday Sun gathered that a group from the Epe Eko section of the town are rooting for Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu, who hails from Lagos Island and is being backed by the Mandate Group consisting of Asiwaju Tinubu core loyalists, and the Group of 57 (LG and LCDA chairmen).

The reporter conducted his last interview with a cab driver on his way back to the garage, out of the town. What the driver said continued to reverberate in his mind as he journeyed back to Lagos.

"Oga, time and luck will determine Ambode's fate. At this stage, he needs all the luck in the world. But with prayer, nothing is impossible as APC still have some days left to make the final decision on whom the party fields as its candidate for the election." The cab driver may indeed be saying the truth. Gov. Ambode certainly needs all the luck in the world to survive the political tsunami threatening to consume him.
Credit: politicsngr.com

Related Topics: #Ambode #Tinubu #APC #LagosState

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