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TRIBUTE TO CHIEF AYO ADEBANJO

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Elder statesmen Chief Chekwas Okorie, (2nd from right) and Chief Ayo Adebanjo among others

 

By Chief Chekwas Okorie

The news that death of the irrepressible champion of true federalism in Nigeria took the public by surprise. There was no tell tale hint that the great Nigerian icon was seriously ill, although he died, at the ripe age of 96 years old. Chief Ayo Adebanjo was a Nigerian statesman and a quintessential nationalist. His kind, who are still alive in Nigeria, can be counted on the fingertips. I have always been enamored by his courage, forthrightness, sincerity, and the power of his convictions. I remember with nostalgia, the epic presidential media chat we had with President Olusegun Obasanjo in the year 2000 at the Asorok presidential villa. Chief Ayo Adebanjo represented the Afenifere on the panel, Dr. Paul Unongo represented the Arewa Consultative Assembly, and l was nominated by the Imeobi to represent the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. President Olusegun Obasanjo was the host, while Prof Tonnie Osa Iredia anchored the chat. Top executives of major media organizations were among the audience, including Dr. Eddie Okechukwu Iroh, the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, and Sen. Ben Bruce. The 2-hour program was extensively promoted by the NTA, which attracted a nationwide audience. It was watched in the manner of a typical World Cup match. That was my first personal encounter with Chief Ayo Adebanjo. Coincidentally, Chief Adebanjo and I were on the same page on the national issues that came up during the chat. It will be recalled that it was Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu that first promoted the idea of a “Handshake Across The Niger” to encourage Igbo-Yoruba rapprochement. Chief Ayo Adebanjo and other Afenifere leaders queued into it. When Chief Solomon Asemota SAN came up with an expanded version called Nigerian Ethnic Nationalities Forum, it was promptly embraced by the leaders of Igbo, Yoruba, Middlebelt, and South-South. Chief Ayo Adebanjo was a strong pillar of this national initiative to unit all the Ethnic Nationalities in Nigeria in the noble pursuit of true federalism and the self-determination of ethnic nationalities within the context of one Nigeria. Meetings were held in Lagos most of the time. But in 2004, a historic meeting of the Forum took place at Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s residence, which attracted for the first time in recent history the first-eleven Yoruba leaders to Enugu to meet on matters of National unity. Yoruba leaders who attended the Enugu meeting included Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Fasoranti, Chief Adefarasin, Chief Ajayi, Senator Femi Okorunmu, and Chief Supo Shonibare. Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu (host), Dr. Offia Nwali and my humble self were also in attendance, including Chief Solomon Asemota and the General Secretary of the Ijaw National Congress who stood in for Prof. Kimse Okoko. Commodore Dan Suleiman rtd, the leader of the Middlebelt Forum, was also in attendance. Over the years, my respect for Chief Ayo Adebanjo grew to the point that I began to admire him as a role model. This was a man who never held an elective office in Nigeria but remained most prominent and highly respected nationwide for his nationalism, consistency in the pursuit of a restructured Nigeria, equity, justice, and fairness as the panacea for national development and unity. The Almighty God blessed him with sound mind such that he remained articulate and outspoken till the very end.The greatest honor we owe Chief Ayo Adebanjo is to sustain the struggle for true federalism, which he fought for until the end and until it is achieved in the interest of present and future generations of Nigerians.Farewell, the Field Marshall of the struggle for the liberty of Nigerian Ethnic Nationalities.

Chief Dr. Chekwas Okorie
Ojeozi Ndigbo.

Politics

How former governor, Senator Ben Ayade of Cross River State Sabotaged President Tinubu during Presidential Primaries in 2022

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Ayade Knowing he had no chance to win the 2022 APC presidential primary,allegedly decided to extort money from other aspirants ,falsely promising to step down for them.

He then shortchanged Cross River delegates, keeping most of the funds for himself while giving them a paltry sum.

He arrogantly told delegates to ignore “deep pocket” candidates and vote for him instead, based on his intellect, a clear attempt to undermine President Tinubu

Again funds provided by the party/presidential campaign for Cross River State were never used for their intended purpose , instead, Ayade donated part of those funds to an opposition candidate,simply because he believed the late former President supported another candidate and not Tinubu.

This was not just disloyalty; it is active financial sabotage.

It was this action by Ayade that directly Caused President Tinubu to Lose Cross River State

Despite the President’s national victory, Ayade’s betrayal, withholding resources, diverting money to rivals, and running a self-interested delegate strategy, ensured that Cross River did not deliver for Tinubu.

The result: the President lost a state he should have been competitive in, purely because of Ayade’s greed and ego.

Ayade lost the 2023 Senate election to Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe even while he was sitting governor, an almost unheard-of defeat that proves his utter rejection by Cross River North voters.

Yet instead of accepting responsibility, he blames Governor Otu and Senator Godswill Akpabio for his own failure. That is classic deflection.

It’s not about Governor Otu or Akpabio’s influence. Ayade’s untrustworthiness stands on its own:

· He defrauded fellow aspirants.
· He stole from the President’s campaign.
· He actively worked against the President’s interest in his own state.
· He lost his own election and now scapegoats others.

Any President, looking at these facts, would conclude that Ayade is a liability, not an ally. The blackmailed attempts won’t change the record. Ayade has already been rejected by his people and rightly, by anyone who values loyalty and integrity in politics.

Ayade stop the blackmail against Governor Otu. He is in charge of Cross River State. He has achieved what you couldn’t achieve in 8 years, in less than 3 years .

Ayade’s albatross is no one else but himself.

Ekpenyong NSA . APC CHIEFTAIN and public affairs analyst in Cross River State

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ADC Verdict: A Defining Moment for Unity and Democratic Stability

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ADC Verdict: A Defining Moment for Unity and Democratic Stability.

By HallowMace Foundation Africa

At HallowMace, we view the recent judgment delivered by the Supreme Court as more than just a legal resolution, it is a critical intervention that has preserved the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process and averted a looming political crisis in Nigeria.

From our standpoint as a platform committed to democratic values, good governance, accountability, and Parliamentary advocacy, this ruling stands as a powerful reaffirmation of the judiciary’s role as the ultimate stabilizer in moments of political uncertainty.

At a time when internal divisions within the ADC had reached a boiling point, threatening both party cohesion and broader democratic confidence, the Supreme Court stepped in with clarity, authority, and finality.

This is what a functioning democracy should look like.

Beyond Judgment: The Burden of Leadership.

However, while the court has provided a pathway forward, the responsibility of consolidation now rests squarely on the shoulders of political leadership. At HallowMace, we strongly urge the party’s executive leadership under David Mark to recognize the weight of this moment and act decisively.

This is not a time for quiet celebration, it is a time for deliberate reconciliation.

The fractures within the ADC, though significant, are not beyond repair. What is required now is intentional bridge-building: engaging aggrieved factions, fostering open dialogue, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to inclusivity.

A reconciliatory framework anchored on trust, fairness, and collective interest must be urgently established.

Anything short of this risks undermining the very relief that this judgment has provided.

2027 in Focus: Unity as Strategy, Not Slogan.

Looking ahead, the 2027 general elections are no longer distant, they are approaching with increasing political momentum. For the ADC, this ruling offers a rare opportunity to reset, reorganize, and reposition.

But let’s be clear, electoral success will not be built on legal victories alone.

At HallowMace, we believe that unity must move beyond rhetoric and become a strategic foundation. A divided party cannot inspire national confidence, nor can it effectively challenge entrenched political structures. If the ADC is to emerge as a credible force, it must first put its internal house in order.

This means strengthening grassroots structures, harmonizing leadership interests, and articulating a clear, people-centered vision that resonates with Nigerians across all demographics.

A Moment That Must Not Be Wasted.

This is a defining moment not just for the ADC, but for Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. The Supreme Court has done its part in safeguarding constitutional order. What follows now will determine whether this intervention translates into lasting political progress or becomes yet another missed opportunity.

At HallowMace, we maintain that history often remembers not just the crises a system faces, but how its leaders respond in moments of resolution.

The path forward is clear: unity, responsibility, and strategic action.

Nigeria is watching.

The world is watching.

Amb. Anderson Osiebe
Executive Director
HallowMace Foundation Africa

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Politics

Shun Armed Struggle Against Nigerian Govt, Akpabio Pleads with Igbo Youth

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L-r Senate Deputy Whip,Onyekachi Nwaebonyi; President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; former Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, (NUPRC), Gbenga Olu Komolafe; Senator Osita Izunaso; Retired DIG Frank Mba and Senator Osita Ngwu, at the funeral ceremony in honour of Late Sir Albert Ikechukwu Nnamani, at St.Thersa Catholic Church, Ikem Isi-uzo Local Government Area, Enugu State, yesterday. Photo: Senate President's Office

By Our Correspondent

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio at the weekend pleaded with the people of the South East, the Ndigbo, to continue to maintain peace in the country and guide the youth appropriately to shun Armed struggle against the Nigerian government.

Akpabio made the appeal while at the funeral of the former Administrative Secretary of the defunct Oil Mineral Producing Area Development Commission(OMPADEC), Sir Albert Ikechukwu Nnamani who was buried on Saturday in his home town at Ikem in Enugu State.

Akpabio said development is feasible only in atmosphere of peace and urged the Ndigbo to watch over the youth with a view to guiding them appropriately.

Akpabio said: “For Ndigbo, l want to plead with you to continue to maintain the peace and watch the youth of today. They don’t understand politics. They don’t understand development. You can only have development in an area of peace.

“A situation whereby you try to wrestle power and try to assert independence through armed struggle from the Federal Government will fail. The state power will always overwhelm you.

“We are prepared as a parliament, to make the right laws, to tinker with the Act, to dot the i’s and cross the t’s in order for Ndigbo to have, at least, an additional state. So that, they will also be equal to the other zones of the country. So for this, is the promise that we make and we stand by that.

“The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very eager to right the wrong of the past. That is why even in terms of appointment, he has done his best to ensure that Ndigbo is not marginalised. But everything you want should be negotiated.

“I’m saying this to underscore the fact that through peaceful means and negotiation, we shall get our right of place in Nigeria. I want this to happen in your life time. May we not lose our youth because of wrong politics and wrong advice. May we not lose our youth because of disaffection and people misleading them.

“We need solid base in Ndigbo land. I am not happy that the economy of Onitsha and Nigeria is affected by the so called sit at home. It has affected your economy so badly.

“Ndigbo are known for nothing but enterprise. When we came out from the war, all your accounts were frozen. If you have two million pounds, they gave you three pounds. What will you do with three pounds.

“So when l was given an award in 2010 by Silverbird. I saw all the gladiators sitted together. Then I asked them: how come the so called three Rs – Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction – that Reconstruction happened in other areas of the country where the war was not fought.

“But in the area of the South-South and South East where Biafra war was fought, there was no reconstruction. They only tried reconciliation and rehabilitation. That R (Reconstruction) was missing.”

Akpabio said the Nigerian past leaders at the event were not comfortable with his speech. He however ended his speech by saying it was time for Nigeria to do justice and prayed “that justice shall be done to Ndigbo in our life time in Jesus Name.”

Akpabio paid glowing tribute to the former OMPADEC administrator that was buried stressing that “as administrative secretary of the former OMPADEC, he discharged his duty with dignity and with candour and he set the tone for the development of the Niger Delta region.

“Before his ascension into that position, many use to say that so much is being promised the people of the Niger Delta and that all the promises were in the pipeline. After a while, our people started breaking the pipelines in order to bring out the Federal Government promises. But those things are now things of the past.”

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