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Tems Becomes First Nigerian Female Singer To Win Grammy Award [Full List Of Winners]

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Nigerian artist, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has bagged another international award at the 2023 Grammy awards.

The 65th grammy award which was held on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles saw the flock of most of the greatest artistes in the world in attendance.

The 27-year-old artiste won her first grammy for her part in Future’s hit single ‘Wait For U’ under the award category for ‘Best Melodic Rap performance’.

Tems’ is also the first non-mixed Nigerian female musician to win the prestigious award.

Sade Adu, who won the Grammy for ‘Best new artist’ in 1986, and Cynthia Erivo, who bagged ‘Best theatre Album’ in 2017, were British Nigerians

The Afrobeats singer has added this to her list of accomplishments following her Africa Future awards win and her Oscar nomination.

Burna Loses Out

Afrobeat artiste 5‘Burna boy’ lost his nominations in both categories. The African giant was beaten by Japan’s Masa Takumi to win the best Global Album category and South African’s Zake Bantwini, Wouter Kellerman, and Nomcebo Zikode to win the Best Global music performance category.

Full List Of Winners

Best Country Song

WINNER: Cody Johnson – ’Til You Can’t

Luke Combs – Doin’ This

Maren Morris – Circles Around This Town

Miranda Lambert – If I Was a Cowboy

Taylor Swift – I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)

Willie Nelson – I’ll Love You Till the Day I Die

Best Country Duo/Group Performance

Brothers Osborne – Midnight Rider’s Prayer

WINNER: Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde – Never Wanted to Be That Girl

Ingrid Andress & Sam Hunt – Wishful Drinking

 

 

Luke Combs & Miranda Lambert – Outrunnin’ Your Memory

Reba McEntire & Dolly Parton – Does He Love You (Revisited)

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Going Where the Lonely Go

Best Country Solo Performance

Kelsea Ballerini – Heartfirst

Maren Morris – Circles Around This Town

Miranda Lambert – In His Arms

WINNER: Willie Nelson – Live Forever

Zach Bryan – Something in the Orange

Best Historical Album

Blondie – Against the Odds: 1974 – 1982

Doc Watson – Life’s Work: A Retrospective

Freestyle Fellowship – To Whom It May Concern…

Glenn Gould – The Goldberg Variations: The Complete Unreleased 1981 Studio Sessions

WINNER: Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (20th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition)

Best Album Notes

Andy Irvine & Paul Brady – Andy Irvine / Paul Brady

Astor Piazzolla – The American Clavé Recordings

Doc Watson – Life’s Work: A Retrospective

Harry Partch – Harry Partch, 1942

WINNER: Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (20th Anniversary Super Deluxe Edition)

Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package

Black Pumas – Black Pumas (Collector’s Edition Box Set)

Danny Elfman – Big Mess

WINNER: The Grateful Dead – In and Out of the Garden: Madison Square Garden ’81, ’82, ’83

They Might Be Giants – Book

Various Artists – Artists Inspired by Music: Interscope Reimagined

Best Recording Package

Fann – Telos

Soporus – Divers

Spiritualized – Everything Was Beautiful

WINNER: Tamsui-Kavalan Chinese Orchestra – Beginningless Beginning

Underoath – Voyeurist

Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano)

Chiquis – Abeja Reina

Christian Nodal – EP #1 Forajido

Marco Antonio Solís – Qué Ganas de Verte (Deluxe)

WINNER: Natalia Lafourcade – Un Canto por México – El Musical

Los Tigres del Norte – La Reunión (Deluxe)

Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album

Cimafunk – El Alimento

Fito Paez – Los Años Salvajes

Gaby Moreno – Alegoría

Jorge Drexler – Tinta y Tiempo

Mon Laferte – 1940 Carmen

WINNER: Rosalía – Motomami

Best Latin Pop Album

Camilo – De Adentro Pa Afuera

Christina Aguilera – Aguilera

Fonseca – Viajante

WINNER: Rubén Blades & Boca Livre – Pasieros

Sebastián Yatra – Dharma +

Best Global Music Album

Angélique Kidjo & Ibrahim Maalouf – Queen of Sheba

Anoushka Shankar, Metropole Orkest & Jules Buckley Featuring Manu Delago – Between Us… (Live)

Berklee Indian Ensemble – Shuruaat

Burna Boy – Love, Damini

WINNER: Masa Takumi – Sakura

Best Global Music Performance

Arooj Aftab & Anoushka Shankar – Udhero Na

Burna Boy – Last Last

Matt B & Eddy Kenzo – Gimme Love

Rocky Dawuni Featuring Blvk H3ro – Neva Bow Down

WINNER: Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini & Nomcebo Zikode – Bayethe

Best Reggae Album

WINNER: Kabaka Pyramid – The Kalling

Koffee – Gifted

Protoje – Third Time’s the Charm

Sean Paul – Scorcha

Shaggy – Com Fly Wid Mi

Best Alternative Music Album

Arcade Fire – WE

Big Thief – Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You

Björk – Fossora

WINNER: Wet Leg – Wet Leg

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Cool It Down

Best Alternative Music Performance

Arctic Monkeys – There’d Better Be a Mirrorball

Big Thief – Certainty

Florence and the Machine – King

WINNER: Wet Leg – Chaise Longue

Yeah Yeah Yeahs Featuring Perfume Genius – Spitting Off the Edge of the World

Best Rock Album

The Black Keys – Dropout Boogie

Elvis Costello & The Imposters – The Boy Named If

Idles – Crawler

Machine Gun Kelly – Mainstream Sellout

WINNER: Ozzy Osbourne – Patient Number 9

Spoon – Lucifer on the Sofa

Best Rock Song

WINNER: Brandi Carlile – Broken Horses

Ozzy Osbourne Featuring Jeff Beck – Patient Number 9

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Black Summer

Turnstile – Blackout

The War on Drugs – Harmonia’s Dream

Best Metal Performance

Ghost – Call Me Little Sunshine

Megadeth – We’ll Be Back

Muse – Kill or Be Killed

WINNER: Ozzy Osbourne Featuring Tony Iommi – Degradation Rules

Turnstile – Blackout

Best Rock Performance

Beck – Old Man

The Black Keys – Wild Child

WINNER: Brandi Carlile – Broken Horses

Bryan Adams – So Happy It Hurts

Idles – Crawl!

Ozzy Osbourne Featuring Jeff Beck – Patient Number 9

Turnstile – Holiday

Best Rap Song

DJ Khaled Featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, John Legend & Fridayy – God Did

Future Featuring Drake & Tems – Wait for U

Gunna & Future Featuring Young Thug – Pushin P

Jack Harlow Featuring Drake – Churchill Downs

WINNER: Kendrick Lamar – The Heart Part 5

Best Melodic Rap Performance

DJ Khaled Featuring Future & SZA – Beautiful

WINNER: Future Featuring Drake & Tems – Wait for U

Jack Harlow – First Class

Kendrick Lamar Featuring Blxst & Amanda Reifer – Die Hard

Latto – Big Energy (Live)

Best Rap Performance

DJ Khaled Featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, John Legend & Fridayy – God Did

Doja Cat – Vegas

Gunna & Future Featuring Young Thug – Pushin P

Hitkidd & Glorilla – F.N.F. (Let’s Go)

WINNER: Kendrick Lamar – The Heart Part 5

Best R&B Album

Chris Brown – Breezy (Deluxe)

Lucky Daye – Candy Drip

Mary J. Blige – Good Morning Gorgeous (Deluxe)

PJ Morton – Watch the Sun

WINNER: Robert Glasper – Black Radio III

Best Progressive R&B Album

Cory Henry – Operation Funk

Moonchild – Starfuit

WINNER: Steve Lacy – Gemini Rights

Tank and the Bangas – Red Balloon

Terrace Martin – Drones

Best Traditional R&B Performance

Adam Blackstone Featuring Jazmine Sullivan – ’Round Midnight

Babyface Featuring Ella Mai – Keeps on Fallin’

WINNER: Beyoncé – Plastic Off the Sofa

Mary J. Blige – Good Morning Gorgeous

Snoh Aalegra – Do 4 Love

Best R&B Performance

Beyoncé – Virgo’s Groove

Jazmine Sullivan – Hurt Me So Good

Lucky Daye – Over

Mary J. Blige Featuring Anderson .Paak – Here With Me

WINNER: Muni Long – Hrs & Hrs

Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording

Jamie Foxx – Act Like You Got Some Sense

Lin-Manuel Miranda – Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World

Mel Brooks – All About Me!: My Remarkable Life in Show Business

Questlove – Music Is History

WINNER: Viola Davis – Finding Me

Best Children’s Music Album

WINNER: Alphabet Rockers – The Movement

Divinity Roxx – Ready Set Go!

Justin Roberts – Space Cadet

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band – Los Fabulosos

Wendy and DB – Into the Little Blue House

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

Diana Ross – Thank You

Kelly Clarkson – When Christmas Comes Around…

WINNER: Michael Bublé – Higher

Norah Jones – I Dream of Christmas (Extended)

Pentatonix – Evergreen

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album

John Beasley, Magnus Lindgren & SWR Big Band – Bird Lives

Remy Le Boeuf’s Assembly of Shadows – Architecture of Storms

Ron Carter & The Jazzaar Festival Big Band Directed by Christian Jacob – Remembering Bob Freedman

Steve Gadd, Eddie Gomez, Ronnie Cuber & WDR Big Band Conducted by Michael Abene – Center Stage

WINNER: Steven Feifke, Bijon Watson & Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra – Generation Gap Jazz Orchestra

Best Jazz Instrumental Album

Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride & Brian Blade – LongGone

Peter Erskine Trio – Live in Italy

WINNER: Terri Lyne Carrington, Kris Davis, Linda May Han Oh, Nicholas Payton & Matthew Stevens – New Standards, Vol. 1

Wayne Shorter, Terri Lyne Carrington, Leo Genovese & Esperanza Spalding – Live at the Detroit Jazz Festival

Yellowjackets – Parallel Motion

Best Jazz Vocal Album

The Baylor Project – The Evening: Live At Apparatus

Carmen Lundy – Fade to Black

Cécile McLorin Salvant – Ghost Song

The Manhattan Transfer & The WDR Funkhausorchester – Fifty

WINNER: Samara Joy – Linger Awhile

Best Improvised Jazz Solo

Ambrose Akinmusire – Rounds (Live)

Gerald Albright – Keep Holding On

John Beasley – Cherokee/Koko

Marcus Baylor – Call of the Drum

Melissa Aldana – Falling

WINNER: Wayne Shorter & Leo Genovese – Endangered Species

Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album

Cheryl B. Engelhardt – The Passenger

Madi Das, Dave Stringer & Bhakti Without Borders – Mantra Americana

WINNER: Mystic Mirror – White Sun

Paul Avgerinos – Joy

Will Ackerman – Positano Songs

Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals

Becca Stevens & Attacca Quartet – 2 + 2 = 5 (Arr. Nathan Schram)

Cécile McLorin Salvant – Optimistic Voices / No Love Dying

WINNER: Christine McVie – Songbird (Orchestral Version)

Jacob Collier Featuring Lizzy McAlpine & John Mayer – Never Gonna Be Alone

Louis Cole – Let It Happen

Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella

Armand Hutton Featuring Terrell Hunt & Just 6 – As Days Go By (An Arrangement of the Family Matters Theme Song)

Danny Elfman – Main Titles

Kings Return – How Deep Is Your Love

WINNER: Magnus Lindgren, John Beasley & The SWR Big Band Featuring Martin Auer – Scrapple From the Apple

Remy Le Boeuf – Minnesota, WI

Best Instrumental Composition

Danilo Pérez Featuring The Global Messengers – Fronteras (Borders) Suite: Al-Musafir Blues

WINNER: Geoffrey Keezer – Refuge

Miguel Zenón, José Antonio Zayas Cabán, Ryan Smith & Casey Rafn – El País Invisible

Tasha Warren & Dave Eggar – African Tales

Tasha Warren & Dave Eggar – Snapshots

Best Immersive Audio Album

Anita Brevik, Nidarosdomens Jentekor & Trondheimsolistene – Tuvayhun — Beatitudes for a Wounded World

The Chainsmokers – Memories…Do Not Open

Christina Aguilera – Aguilera

Jane Ira Bloom – Picturing the Invisible: Focus 1

WINNER: Stewart Copeland & Ricky Kej – Divine Tides

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical

Baynk – Adolescence

Father John Misty – Chloë and the Next 20th Century

WINNER: Harry Styles – Harry’s House

Robert Glasper – Black Radio III

Wet Leg – Wet Leg

Best Remixed Recording

Beyoncé – Break My Soul (Terry Hunter Remix)

Ellie Goulding – Easy Lover (Four Tet Remix)

The Knocks & Dragonette – Slow Song (Paul Woolford Remix)

WINNER: Lizzo – About Damn Time (Purple Disco Machine Remix)

Wet Leg – Too Late Now (Soulwax Remix)

Best Dance/Electronic Recording

WINNER: Beyoncé – Break My Soul

Bonobo – Rosewood

David Guetta & Bebe Rexha – I’m Good (Blue)

Diplo & Miguel – Don’t Forget My Love

Kaytranada Featuring H.E.R. – Intimidated

Rüfüs Du Sol – On My Knees

Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media

Austin Wintory – Aliens: Fireteam Elite

Bear McCreary – Call of Duty®: Vanguard

Christopher Tin – Old World

Richard Jacques – Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy

WINNER: Stephanie Economou – Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarök

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (Includes Film and Television)

WINNER: Germaine Franco – Encanto

Hans Zimmer – No Time to Die

Jonny Greenwood – The Power of the Dog

Michael Giacchino – The Batman

Nicholas Britell – Succession: Season 3

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media

Various Artists – Elvis

WINNER: Various Artists – Encanto

Various Artists – Stranger Things: Soundtrack From the Netflix Series, Season 4

Lorne Balfe, Harold Faltermeyer, Lady Gaga & Hans Zimmer – Top Gun: Maverick

Various Artists – West Side Story

BIG STORY

Rivers Situation Complex, I Need More Time To Prepare For Briefing — Ibas To Reps Panel

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Ibok-Ete Ibas, the sole administrator of Rivers, has asked the house of representatives ad hoc committee overseeing the emergency rule in the state for more time.

Ibas made this request on Friday when he appeared before the committee.

On April 15, Tajudeen Abbas, the speaker of the house, inaugurated the 21-member committee to ensure transparent governance and the rule of law in the state.

A day after the committee was formed, the lawmakers invited the Rivers sole administrator to appear before them on April 17.

Ibas was scheduled to address the lawmakers on governance in the state.

However, the sole administrator requested a rescheduling, and the meeting was moved to April 24.

The committee members met in the meeting room on Thursday, but Ibas did not attend.

Julius Ihonvbere, the chairman of the committee and leader of the house, declined to comment on the situation, simply stating, “No comment,” to journalists.

Addressing the committee on Friday, Ibas apologised to the lawmakers for not attending previous invitations.

He requested additional time to prepare a “comprehensive and constructive” briefing, citing the complexity of the situation in Rivers state.

“Today is exactly 10 days after the first invitation, and in between, we’ve had four days off the calendar as public holidays plus the weekends inclusive,” he said.

“The absence, of course, was not out of disregard but rather due to the weighty and urgent demands of stabilising governance in a state under a declared emergency.”

“I have always held the national assembly in the highest regard. I recognise the importance of your oversight responsibilities and your interest in the progress being made in Rivers state, which is presently relatively calm, but still fragile.”

“That said, I only request your understanding and the indulgence of this committee to grant me additional time to adequately prepare and present a comprehensive and constructive briefing.”

“Given the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the current transitional period in Rivers state, it is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy and clarity it rightfully deserves.”

Ibas stated that he will cooperate with the committee to ensure that all relevant information is available in due course.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Ihonvbere said the committee has accepted Ibas’ apology and would reschedule the briefing.

“The Committee notes that the Administrator, in a correspondence received last night, expressed his regrets for not honouring earlier invitations and appeared in person today to offer a formal apology,” the statement reads.

“He also requested an opportunity to return for a more robust and comprehensive engagement with the Committee.”

“In keeping with the House’s tradition of fairness, and in recognition of the Administrator’s demonstration of respect and responsibility, the Committee has magnanimously accepted his apology.”

“Accordingly, the Committee has resolved to proceed with the rescheduled engagement on a date and time to be announced in due course.”

Ihonvbere added that the committee needs the cooperation of all stakeholders and remains open to constructive engagement in line with the principles of accountability and the rule of law.

On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing the prolonged political crisis.

He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for a period of six months.

The president appointed Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.

After his appointment, Ibas suspended all political officeholders appointed by Fubara.

Several stakeholders, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), have criticised Ibas over the handling of the state’s affairs.

There have been protests in the state demanding the reinstatement of Fubara.

Fubara reportedly met with Tinubu in London last week as part of moves to resolve the political crisis in the state.

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BIG STORY

Over 500,000 Applied For Student Loans In 11 Months — NELFUND

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The Nigeria Education Loan Fund announced on Friday that it has reached a significant milestone in its first year of operation, with “ over 500,000 Nigerian students who have now applied for student loans through the NELFUND portal.”

According to a statement by its director of Corporate Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, this milestone, achieved in just 11 months of operation, emphasizes the critical need for accessible student financing in Nigeria and highlights the widespread trust in NELFUND’s mission to democratize access to tertiary education.

“This is more than just a number; it’s a signal of hope for families across Nigeria. We are witnessing a nationwide demand for opportunity, and NELFUND is proud to be at the heart of this transformation,” Managing Director/CEO of NELFUND, Mr. Akintunde said in the statement.

Since the launch of the portal, students across the country have actively engaged with the application process for both institutional and upkeep loans, demonstrating the relevance and urgency of the Fund’s efforts.

NELFUND said it remains committed to ensuring transparency, accessibility, and efficiency as the process continues, and calls on all stakeholders to join in supporting the vision of equitable education for all.

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BIG STORY

Road To 2027: Atiku, Saraki Spearhead PDP Resurgence Amid Key Defections

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The opposition coalition, led by Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai, responded to the Presidency on Thursday, stating that the defection of Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and other PDP leaders was not unexpected.

Mallam Salihu Lukman, a key member of the coalition and former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), released a statement in Abuja, which was made available to The Punch.

Lukman’s statement was in reaction to comments made by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who had mocked Atiku for the defections of his allies to the APC.

“Atiku’s political future looks bleak. The coalition that he, El Rufai, Babachir, and new member Baba-Ahmed are cobbling together has disintegrated.

“Potential allies, including former running mate Ifeanyi Okowa and defunct CPC members, are giving his leprous group a wide berth. Atiku is a loser again,” he stated.

Onanuga’s scathing remark was a follow-up to a similar post by a fellow presidential aide, Tunde Rahman, who also derided the PDP, describing the development as “the biggest shocker ever” for Atiku.

Rahman argued that with the PDP governors now aligning with President Bola Tinubu, the coalition was “dead on arrival.”

But Lukman, a chieftain in the coalition kicked, saying the presidential spokesmen were just humouring themselves.

The politician stated that aside from Okowa and Oborevwori, they are equally aware a few other governors are likely to jump ship.

He said, “First, I think anybody who says this is unexpected will only be deceiving himself. The signals have been there, that some governors are going to decamp. It’s not just one but some governors. The PDP is clearly a shadow of its own self. Although we acknowledge there are people and leaders in the PDP who are optimistic they can rescue the party.

“But if you remember when the governors issued a statement against the coalition, what was our response? Our response was that many of them are working for Asiwaju. Shortly after that, you saw the statement from Akwa Ibom, a,nd of cour,se the Delta governor. It’s not only him. If you check the comments, there are many more being expected.

“On the one hand, people who genuinely worry for the country are expressing fear about a one-party state. On the other hand, the government and APC are jubilating. Look, the beauty of democracy is about competition.

The whole initiative to begin to negotiate the coalition is to ensure that in 2027, Nigerians are presented with options.”

While saying the defection has been long foresaw, Lukman vowed that the opposition figures in the coalition will not be distracted.

The North-West politician also urged the PDD governors and leaders to reconsider their stance on not joining the coalition to form a merger ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

“We have gone far and what has happened in terms of some governors and leaders moving into the APC is not going to distract us at all. Not long from now, the full detail of the coalition will be unveiled to Nigerians including the structure and the strategy in terms of how the election will be contested will be clarified.

We want to correct all the mistakes and shortcomings from the Buhari administration to the Asiwaju administration. We want to restore the aspiration of Nigerians by producing leaders and greater country we will be proud of. That is what the coalition is all about. If anybody sees it differently, we are going to correct all of that.

“If we are talking of correcting the mistake of Buhari, correcting the mistake of Asiwaju, we don’t want to produce a government that will be seen as a sectional government. We want to produce a government that Nigerians will be proud of. We don’t want to produce another set of emperors,” he assured.

Ganduje welcomes Kawu Sumaila, other NNPP defectors

A few hours after Lukman’s statement, the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje officially welcomed key political figures who recently defected from the New Nigeria Peoples Party to the APC.

The high-profile decampees include Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South Senatorial District, and Rt. Hon. Kabiru Alhassan Rurum, the member representing Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure Federal Constituency.

Others received into the APC fold are former Secretary to the Kano State Government, Dr. Baffa Bichi; former federal lawmaker representing Danbatta/Makoda, Hon. Badamasi Ayuba; Hon. Abdullahi Sani Rogo; Rt. Hon. Zubairu Hamza Masu; Hon. Muhammad Diggol; Hon. Sha’aban Ibrahim Sharada; and Hon. Abbas Sani Abbas.

Captured in a series of photographs, the event showed Dr. Ganduje warmly receiving the former NNPP stalwarts, symbolizing their official integration into the APC. The images reflect a celebratory and unified atmosphere as the defectors were seen exchanging handshakes and holding the party’s flags.

Political observers note that the defections were prompted by longstanding grievances within the NNPP, particularly complaints of marginalization and internal party injustice allegedly orchestrated by NNPP leader, Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso.

These and other undisclosed reasons led to the mass exodus of these key figures into what they described as the “blessed fold” of the APC.

PDP kicks as Osun NNPP chairman predicts more defections

Meanwhile, Osun State chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Dr Tosin Odeyemi, has predicted that more people would dump Peoples Democratic Party before the governorship poll.

His prediction comes in the wake of the defection of the lawmaker representing Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Wole Oke.

Odeyemi in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Thursday, specifically said those that would dump PDP are those that love progress of Osun, noting that people would no longer sit back and watch helplessly observing governance degenerating to “mere entertainment.”

Reacting, the PDP dismissed Odeyemi’s claim as a mere wishful thinking, adding that those seeking Adeleke’s exit are people that want political patronage at the expense of well-being of the general populace.

“In contrast to his wishful thinking however, the only people who have left the party so far are are those with parochial interests, those expecting His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke to let loose and open the state vault for their personal greed,” PDP statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Oladele Bamiji read partly.

Odeyemi, who held firmly that people with conscience would be worried about Osun under Adeleke’s leadership, absolved Oke of any blame for dumping PDP.

He further said, “Nobody with right conscience will believe things are going well in terms of governance since the Governor Adeleke led administration took over the affairs of Osun. More people will dump PDP in the state.”

He continued, “Governor Ademola Adeleke surrounded himself with bootlickers that find it difficult to look up to him and advice him rightly. Some of them do not even care about the development of Osun. All they do is to praise-sing Adeleke in his presence and tell people another different things behind him.

“When a person in power lacks good advisers, he will assume to have been doing all things rightly. You don’t around yourself with mediocre and expect positive result. These bootlickers see everybody as an enemy of the government and respond immaturely to criticism about governance, whereas their low-life wouldn’t allow them to realise on time that failure of the leader spells doom for them.

“I won’t blame Honourable Wole Oke for leaving PDP, one thing that is very sure is that before the year runs out, more people with conscience will leave that party because many of them are presently suffering and smiling, they are just buying time. I wish the party knows what is about to befall them. Those that will leave the party openly are few compared to those that will stay to destabilize the party in the state.”

The PDP would not however take any of Odeyemi’s claims, saying contrary to Odeyemi’s “Wishful thinking however, the only people who have left the party so far are those with parochial interests, those expecting His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke to let loose and open the state vault for their personal greed.

“Anyone who cited Hon Wole Oke to line his thoughts of negative wish for osun PDP, is actually one of those without conscience. You cannot mitigate or conscienciously justify someone exciting a platform that has practically served your life, since early 30s and now almost 60 years of age and tell me you have any modicum of conscience. So, if Wole Oke happens to be Tosin’s mentor as a chronic political trader, then the guess of reasonable members of the public is as good as mine.

“His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke will continue to stand firm in service to the good people of the state and that he will continue to be true to his nature as an unrepentant happy soul, away from deceitful expectations of inconsequential elements like Tosin Odeyemi and his one man platform.”

PDP will lose my Federal Constituency in next polls -Wole Oke

In a related development, Oke also predicted huge electoral defeat for the PDP at the next election in the state.

Oke, who recently dumped PDP stated this while speaking on a radio station in Osogbo, Osun State capital on Thursday, said the current state political office holders from the two local government areas that made up the Federal Constituency dont have the capacity to win elections for PDP.

The federal lawmaker, who cited unfair treatment from the PDP and the refusal by the Governor, Ademola Adeleke to fix critical infrastructure in the Federal Constituency made him to exit his former part, added that the project he initiated while PDP was controlling federal government had been stalled since All Progressives Congress took over reign at the Federal.

Asked to react to a claim that PDP would not miss him, Oke said he had wont five elections and only lost once, and predicted a crushing defeat for his former party in the Federal Constituency.

“I don’t argue with people on such issues. You wait until we conduct our next election. I will be able to give you statistics of what will happen in the next election.

“I give you, for example, PDP will not get 500 votes out of close to 9000 votes in Esa-Oke. Take that to the bank. I can also tell you the results in other places. In Ikeji Arakeji, Owenna, Dagbaja, Ipetu-Ijesa, mark my words, PDP will struggle to get 1,000 votes if they are on the ballot. Write it down and if the statistics fail, I will quit politics,” Oke said.

He also said before leaving PDP, he sought opinion of his constituents, who approved his move, adding that, “I decided to leave the PDP. I was part of the foundation member.

“I contested and won elections back to back in the party but after making consultations with my people, with my constituents, in the last two weeks, I have had series of meetings to appraise the situation of our party at the state and national level, we came to the realisation that it is time to quit.”

Defections in other states won’t affect Plateau PDP, says party chair

In Plateau, the Chairman of the State PDP, Chris Hassan, has expressed conviction that the party’s strength and credibility in the state will not be affected by defections in other states.

Hassan, who addressed a press conference in Jos on Thursday, urged party members to remain calm and resolute, emphasizing that defections are not new in political party processes.

His appeal came barely 24 hours after Oborevwori, Okowa, and all members of the PDP structure in Delta State defected to the APC.

Hassan commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his outstanding leadership and good governance, highlighting the governor’s developmental strides, equity, justice, and service to the people.

According to him, Mutfwang’s achievements in less than two years are truly remarkable and a testament to the solid trust and satisfaction in the leadership and direction of the party.

He said “We are deeply grateful in the support of our party faithful and the good people of Plateau state that have reposed confidence in us .We are aware of a lot of threats of defection across some states .We have noted some isolated cases of defections by a few party members to our political parties.

“Let me therefore urge all party members to remain calm and resolute .Defections are not new in political party processes of this nature .However ,we are confident that the strength and credibility of the PDP that is founded on the struggles of our Plateau people.

“We assure the leadership of our party to consolidate on our gains .We will continue to provide the needed platform for the aspiration of our people .Everything is under control and better good days still lies ahead for us.”

The PDP chairman strongly condemned the recent attacks by armed herdsmen in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas that claimed any lives in the past two weeks.

Hassan also commended the governor’s swift response and the proactive efforts of the state security agencies.

“We strongly commend and support the governor’s call for communities to organize and coordinate local security measures in collaboration with neighbouring communities.

“This grassroots driven approach is a proactive and inclusive strategy that recognizes the peculiar security challenges of each locality. It reflects the leadership concern and well-being of his people.

“Indeed our governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang has once again demonstrated that he is a leader who loves and stands firmly for his people”, he stated

Continuing, Hassan acknowledged the coordinated efforts of the military, which noted have already produced results in dislodging the militia from some areas.

The PDP chairman urged all Plateau residents to continue supporting the government, stay vigilant, and remain committed to keeping Plateau the state of their dreams under Governor Mutfwang’s capable leadership.

He said, “The PDP remains the party of our people and for the people .Together ,we shall continue to March towards greater heights of our beloved state . May God bless us all.”

No cause for alarm, we will reposition PDP – Saraki

A former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki has also reacted to the PDP misfortune in Delta State, saying the opposition party wouldn’t be discouraged or distracted.

While assuring that the PDP will rise from the temporary setback and work assiduously to reposition the party, the former number three urged those who are still nursing an ambition to abandon the party to quietly exit without making a fuss about it.

He said, “I have been inundated with phone calls from leaders and members of our party as well as various youths who have been active in promoting democracy and good governance in our country. Many of the callers want to know what my reaction is to the defection of top PDP leaders in Delta State and its impact on our party.

“My view is that those who want to leave the PDP should leave now and let the rest of us who want to stay concentrate on rebuilding the party and refocusing it to play the role of a viable opposition that will provide a better alternative for the good people of Nigeria.

“I am convinced that it is important for all Nigerians to work for the sustenance of democracy. And to sustain democracy, there must be viable choices for people at every point. Also, there must be a viable opposition to keep people’s hope alive and create credible alternatives to keep the government on its toes.

“Those who want to leave the party should go and let those of us remaining have a clear view of who we are talking to and where their political loyalty lies. All we need is for those who want to stay back in PDP to show commitment and we can all work to rebuild the party.”

Saraki also warned against having a one-party system in the country.

According to him, a country with diverse cultures, languages and traditions cannot afford to head towards such a route.

“A one-party state as being disingenuously designed by some people will not augur well for a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-religious, and highly diversified society like ours. It is even more dangerous when we eliminate alternatives and make people hopeless.

“Therefore, it is in the interest of Nigeria and the survival of our democracy for the opposition to be vibrant and strong enough with the capacity to replace the ruling party at any point. Thus, my charge to our party members is that the PDP is merely experiencing a rebirth.

“This development has vindicated the stance of people like me who have decided to remain silent and watch events unfold. I have seen that there was no sincerity with supposed leaders of the opposition. One was not sure of the next person one was talking to,” he stated.

The former Senate president appealed to the party’s supporters and loyalists not to engage in the blame game or go after perceived traitors for the dwindling fortune of the PDP.

The Waziri of Ilorin also stated that it will be irresponsible for any leader to admit being pressured into taking the plunge in the manner the Delta governors and his supporters did.

He said, “My appeal to PDP members nationwide is that we should know that the sustenance of democracy is not a sprint. Rather, it is a marathon. It is not a knock-out football match series. It is a league. 24 hours is a long time in politics and nobody can predict how the dynamics will evolve in the coming weeks and months.

“We should stay strong and focus on strengthening the party. It is not necessary at this point to lament why they left. Our party members should also refrain from blaming our woes on the ruling party. That would be a lazy approach. They are playing politics to win elections. It is our responsibility as party members to ignore their antics and seize the moment and momentum to make our party stronger and better.

“Our numerous party members should know that the PDP is better with fewer members who are loyal, sincere, determined, dedicated, and committed to its ideas, ideals, and progress than to have so many who will identify with us in the afternoon and be romancing the ruling party in the night.

“We still have about two years before the next election. That is a long time in politics. We have enough time to brace up to the challenge. There is nothing that prevents us from getting some governors from the other parties to join our ranks. My appeal to our young party members is that this defection is just a mere challenge to us to further mobilize and put our house in order. Also, our women’s wing should seize the opportunity to help in the rebuilding mission.”

 

Credit: The Punch

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