Declaration Of Candidacy For National President Of The Human Rights Report Commission Of Nigeria

 

DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY FOR NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT COMMISSION OF NIGERIA

I, Adeshina Adewale Excel, hereby declare my intention to contest for the position of National President of the Human Rights Report Commission of Nigeria in the upcoming election scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Asaba, the capital of Delta State.

This candidacy is a testament to the belief that unity is bigger than numbers. A dedicated group of individuals, who share a profound commitment to inclusiveness, have recognized my potential to lead and have chosen to support my representation for this esteemed role. Together, we seek to broaden the opportunities within our Association and strengthen our collective voice.

As we approach this election, I urge us to reflect on the true greatness of our Association. Our strength does not solely lie in our numbers or the prestige that accompanies our profession. Instead, it is rooted in our unwavering belief in the power of our individual and collective potential.

REASONS TO VOTE FOR ME AS NATIONAL PRESIDENT

The role of National President is crucial within the Human Rights Report Commission of Nigeria. It carries the responsibility of safeguarding the rights of Nigerians, promoting fair hearings for all, fostering unity within our nation, and ensuring that the interests of the people are upheld.

I firmly believe that I possess the necessary skills and experience to serve effectively in this capacity. My journey in leadership began in secondary school, where I served as the President of the Press Club. During my undergraduate studies, I held the positions of Public Relations Officer and later Chief Editor of the press. Additionally, I have served in various capacities within the Human Rights Report Commission of Nigeria, both at the Southwest and National levels, where I have been known for my accountability and transparency.

What I Aim to Achieve If Elected

• Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights: I will advocate for the protection and promotion of these fundamental rights.
• Civil and Political Rights: I will fight to ensure that these rights are upheld for every Nigerian.
• Special Procedures and Investigative Bodies: I will work to establish mechanisms that address human rights violations effectively.
• Constitutional Enhancement: I will push for the translation of the Nigerian Constitution into major Nigerian languages—Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo—and other accessible formats.
• Court of Law Advocacy: I will strive to promote fair hearings and justice for all in our legal system.
• Support for the Masses and Less Privileged: I will champion the rights and interests of the most vulnerable in our society.
• Voter Education: I will lead efforts to educate citizens on their rights to vote during general elections.

I promise to lead not just by the power vested in me but by the power of example. Together, we can build a sustainable future for our Association and our country. Let us move forward together and achieve victory together.

Vote for Adeshina Adewale Excel. Vote for the youngest candidate. Vote Excel.

Signed

Adeshina Adewale Excel

Pleasant Poetic Prose: A Review of Bayo Adebowale's “Up From The COUNTRYSIDE”

 PLEASANT POETIC PROSE: A REVIEW OF BAYO ADEBOWALE'S “UP FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE”

By Ebika Anthony

An autobiographical novel written in the style of facts and fiction, 'UP FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE' by Bayo Adebowale, began with the author's mysterious birth story after a sojourn of eleven months in his mother's womb. His first earthly cry was heard in a mud room in the village of Adeyipo. This was on the sixth day of June 1944, signalling the arrival of peace for the unification of warriors in the land.

The joy of the author's eventful birth gripped Ayanlade, his father, who in the company of some drummers, beat his talking drum so dramatically that women danced "the blissful dance of the butterfly sucking the nectars of yellow daffodils in the garden". Men also danced. They danced "the fleet-footed dance of the antelope, gliding over the low twigs of the guinea savannah".

In growing up at the countryside, Bayo Adebowale presented us with a very large canvas containing soul refreshing pictures. He painted a picture of poverty wrestling with villagers and instigating them to celebrate lack and want. And then he painted a picture of the rascality of village children who gave their elders soured dishes of tough times to consume. In their horrible styles, the author wrote, "we kids had become hot like embers inside a furnace". Interestingly, their rascally behaviours were curtailed as teachers at Saint Andrew's School, Bamgbola, treated them with strokes of canes.

'Up FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE' is a meticulous recount of Bayo Adebowale's experiences of rural community existence, academic battles, adjustments and transformation of life. His is the captivating story of morning's barren dews of hunger's torments, to the flourishing grace of Noon's blessings, and to the beauteous shows of afternoon's offerings.

With the fineness of education, civility descended on the once rascally Adebowale in the character of Gbadegesin in the novel, as he journeyed through the roads of Teachers' College and University where he had the opportunity of eating prawn crackers, ice cream, and eating with fork and knife. By the kind of sweet educational training he enjoyed, his rural behavioural pattern and level of English language changed, and he became a pride of the countryside people.

At the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, as one of  the thirty-four 1971 class disciples in the Department of English, the author acknowledged, "being properly groomed for three full sessions before being finally released into the world to prove our mettle". Having gone through the strong hands of academic and literary giants, the author excelled as a thoroughbred teacher of English and literary studies at tertiary levels of College of Education, Polytechnic and University.

In travelling through the smooth roads of Bayo Adebowale's 'UP FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE', I noticed a rich blood of creative dexterity flowing in the veins and arteries of his powerful artistry. This in fact, makes the novel to talk prose, sing poetry and dance the dance of poetic prose with creative elegance.

On the large canvas of this autobiographical novel, Adebowale painted several pictures. He also painted a picture of keeping the fire of creative writing aglow while he was teaching and moulding characters to be useful people in the society. Voracious reading made him to take creative writing as his 'first and always dependable wife'. His marriage to creative writing gave birth to beautiful prose children like 'The Virgin', 'Out of His Mind', 'A new Life', 'Lonely Days' and now 'Up from the Countryside'. 

A beautiful child, 'The Virgin' was adapted into a film titled NARROW PATH by Mainframe Organization. 'Lonely Days' was a recommended Literature in English text by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). Adebowale's fruitful marriage to his 'first wife' also gave birth to laudable children of poetry such as 'Village Harvest', 'A Night of Incantations', 'African Melody' and 'Oriki'.

As the journey of the novel advanced, the author passed through the doorsteps of his parents. About his mother, he noted, "Mama was a deeply religious woman. Her abstractions   had always penetrated into the celestial. She frequently had walked on the path of righteousness and trodden the corridor of conscientiousness". While for his father who drummed dramatically during his birth ceremony, the author noted, "Papa was my first teacher who had taught me early in my childhood days, how to wriggle to the delightful rhythm of the talking drum, and how to enthusiastically dance away my sorrow. He had taught me how to raise a smile on my lips to appreciate the message of the talking drum, and how to transfer into my brain the skill to decipher the drum's coded language".

Obviously, there is so much exacting of creative energy in making UP FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE' attain a high level of poetic beauty. Truly, the novel stands as a poetic prose purely refreshing to the soul. From chapter to chapter, poetry keeps peeping into the house of prose, making prose more robust, more exciting and creatively elegant to dazzle the literary terrain.

In the journey from the garage of trials through the bus stop of travails and to the terminus of triumphs as evident in 'UP FROM THE COUNTRYSIDE', the author, Bayo Adebowale in a state of victory concluded: "Now I grinned happily in victory!  Whatever will be will be! And Doris Day's all time lyric of Que Sera Sera began to sip through my system, bringing cheerful relief to my soul and serenading me now with rhythm of a sweet lullaby".

This is a novel of twelve chapters about a typical childhood experiences at the countryside, to adulthood in the city centre. It follows the path of mature language use, it takes the smooth expressway of poetic expression and stands out as a novel with nice narrations.

APGA Chieftain in Ekiti Accuses Tinubu of Ignoring Hunger Crisis for Second Term Ambition

 APGA CHIEFTAIN IN EKITI ACCUSES TINUBU OF IGNORING HUNGER CRISIS FOR SECOND TERM AMBITION

The former Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ekiti State, who now serves as the Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the party, Mr. Alabi Rufus, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the critical issue of hunger affecting the nation.

Mr. Alabi urged President Tinubu to take decisive action, highlighting that the root causes of hunger are well known and must be tackled to improve the nation's food security. He emphasized that the persistent food shortages are a result of neglect by previous administrations, driven by their ambitions for a second term in office.

In his statement, Mr. Alabi expressed frustration, saying, "You don't keep deceiving us. We all know the roots of this problem." He noted that this issue could have been resolved during the regimes of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, but their focus on securing a second term prevented them from addressing it effectively.

Mr. Alabi pointed out that the unchecked invasion of farmlands and the killing of farmers by armed individuals have exacerbated the problem. "How can somebody come from nowhere, invade another man's farm on his own land, and because he is carrying an AK-47, kill the owner of the farm?" he questioned.

He further condemned the attacks on villages where armed groups displace residents, forcing them into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. "Someone will come from nowhere, enter a village, and start killing people, taking their land and houses. These people have no choice but to stay in IDP camps," Mr. Alabi lamented.

Mr. Alabi stressed that without ensuring the safety of farmers, expecting food surplus in towns is unrealistic. He remarked, "With all this, you expect the farmers to be on their farms, and you expect food surplus in the town? It can't work that way."

Calling for immediate action, Mr. Alabi urged President Tinubu to prioritize the security of Nigerian farmers, allowing them to work without fear. "Mr. President, forget the ambition of a second term and do the needful. Ensure the security of our farmers so they can work on their farms without fear."

He underscored that the damage to property and loss of lives in the country is primarily due to hunger. "Property and lives damaged in this country is too much, and the cause is hunger," he stated emphatically.

Mr. Alabi concluded his appeal by urging President Tinubu to take concrete steps to address the nation's food security challenges, emphasizing that failing to do so would be a disservice to Nigerians. "Please, let President Tinubu do the needful," he implored.

APGA NWC Greets Gov. Soludo on 64th Birthday

 APGA NWC GREETS GOV. SOLUDO ON 64TH BIRTHDAY

By Wole Adedoyin

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), headed by Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, has congratulated the party's National Leader and Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, on the occasion of his 64th birthday.

In a statement released today, the NWC expressed its deep admiration for Gov. Soludo's exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of Anambra State and Nigeria as a whole. "Sir, your life has been one of perpetual relevance and inspiration to humanity. As a party, we pride ourselves on the fact that you are our greatest asset," the statement read.

The NWC highlighted Gov. Soludo's remarkable contributions to economic reforms and public policy, which have significantly improved the lives of many Nigerians. His tenure as Governor of Anambra State has been marked by groundbreaking initiatives in education, infrastructure, and economic development, earning him widespread acclaim.

"We celebrate you not only as our National Leader but also as a visionary economist and public servant whose impact transcends the boundaries of our party and state. Your dedication to good governance and sustainable development continues to set a high standard for leadership in Nigeria," the NWC added.

The committee also praised Gov. Soludo's relentless efforts to foster unity and progress within APGA, emphasizing his role in strengthening the party's foundations and expanding its reach. "Your exemplary leadership has been instrumental in positioning APGA as a formidable force in Nigerian politics," the NWC noted.

In their congratulatory message, the NWC members expressed their sincere prayers for Gov. Soludo's continued health, strength, and wisdom. "It is our sincere prayer that you shall experience greater grace in sound health of mind and body," they conveyed.

As Gov. Soludo marks this significant milestone, the NWC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting his vision and initiatives aimed at transforming Anambra State and advancing the welfare of its people. "Happy birthday, Odenigbo Nigeria. May your journey ahead be filled with even greater accomplishments and fulfillment," the statement concluded.

The NWC also called on all members of APGA and well-wishers to join in celebrating Gov. Soludo's birthday, recognizing his invaluable contributions to the party and the nation. "Let us unite in celebrating a leader whose life epitomizes service, excellence, and integrity," they urged.

In celebrating Gov. Soludo, the NWC emphasized the importance of reflecting on the values he stands for—hard work, dedication, and a commitment to positive change. "Your life and work continue to inspire us all to strive for a better Nigeria," the NWC stated.

The National Working Committee of APGA remains steadfast in its resolve to work alongside Gov. Soludo in achieving the party's goals and aspirations. "Together, we will continue to build on the solid foundation you have laid for the prosperity of our people and the advancement of our party," they assured.

APGA National Chairman, Sly Ezeokenwa Mourns the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah

 APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, SLY EZEOKENWA MOURNS THE PASSING OF SENATOR IFEANYI UBAH

By Wole Adedoyin

The incumbent National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, has mourned the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who represented Anambra South Senatorial District.

"Words fail me as I grapple with the devastating loss of my dear big brother and friend, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah," Ezeokenwa expressed. 

"The sorrow that weighs on my heart is twofold. We have lost a great son of Ndi Igbo as well as a towering figure in both politics and other areas of national life, whom I shared my last flight with a few days ago. On that journey, we exchanged anecdotes about our personal lives and hopes for the future. Little did I know that our conversation would be our last."

Ezeokenwa noted that Senator Ubah's passing has left a profound void in Anambra State and the wider Nigerian community. Despite their political differences, Ezeokenwa acknowledged Ubah as a consummate statesman who utilized his business acumen and philanthropic spirit to positively impact their state and nation. 

"His unwavering dedication to the progress of our dear state will be sorely missed, as will his remarkable legacy," he stated.

Reflecting on Ubah's contributions, Ezeokenwa highlighted the senator's commitment to the development of Anambra South and his efforts to uplift the lives of many through various initiatives. 

"Senator Ubah was a man who believed in the power of giving back to the society and empowering the less privileged," Ezeokenwa remarked.

At this difficult time, Ezeokenwa extended his heartfelt condolences to Ubah's family, friends, loved ones, and the entire Ndi Anambra. "May they find solace in the outpouring of love and support from all corners of the nation," he added.

Ezeokenwa also called for unity and solidarity among the people of Anambra State in honoring Senator Ubah's memory. "Let us come together to celebrate his life and continue his work in advancing the well-being of our community," he urged.

The APGA National Chairman pledged that the party would honor Senator Ubah's legacy by upholding the values he stood for and continuing to work towards the betterment of Anambra State. "Senator Ubah's vision for a prosperous and inclusive society will remain a guiding light for us all," Ezeokenwa promised.

Finally, Ezeokenwa requested a moment of silence and prayers for the late senator, emphasizing the need to remember his contributions and the positive impact he made on many lives. "Senator Ifeanyi Ubah's spirit will live on in our hearts, and his work will continue to inspire future generations," he said.

The entire APGA family joined the nation in mourning the loss of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, celebrating his life, and cherishing the memories of a man who dedicated his life to public service and the betterment of his people.

APGA National Secretary Reaffirms Leadership of Sly Ezeokenwa Amidst Destabilization Attempts

 APGA NATIONAL SECRETARY REAFFIRMS LEADERSHIP OF SLY EZEOKENWA AMIDST DESTABILIZATION ATTEMPTS

By Wole Adedoyin

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Mallam Ibrahim  Mani has reiterated the firm leadership of Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, who is currently presiding over the affairs of the party. 

This assurance comes amidst circulating misinformation and attempts to destabilize the party's leadership structure.

In a recent statement, the National Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Mani confirmed that Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa is effectively managing the National Secretariat of APGA. 

This confirmation is crucial in maintaining party unity and ensuring that members are aligned with the legitimate leadership.

Moreover, the National Secretary, Mallam Ibrahim Mani emphasized the unwavering leadership of His Excellency, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who remains the National Leader of APGA. 

Prof. Soludo, also the Executive Governor of Anambra State, continues to enjoy the overwhelming support of the Ndigbo community, reinforcing his position as a pivotal figure in the party.

The National Secretary condemned the actions of those attempting to undermine Prof. Soludo's developmental initiatives. He described such individuals as enemies of progress and urged them to seek forgiveness for their attempts to disrupt the state's advancement.

Reaffirming the commitment to Prof. Soludo's vision, the National Secretary stated that his second tenure as the Executive Governor of Anambra State is both sacrosanct and divinely destined. 

He assured that under the leadership of Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, APGA will continue to thrive and achieve its goals.

The statement also called on all party members and the general public to disregard the unfounded claims being propagated by individuals such as Edozie and his associates. 

These claims are seen as baseless and not reflective of the party's true state of affairs.

APGA Challenges INEC's Ruling, Reaffirms Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa's Leadership

 APGA CHALLENGES INEC'S RULING, REAFFIRMS BARR. SLY EZEOKENWA'S LEADERSHIP

By Wole Adedoyin

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has expressed strong condemnation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a statement released by the commission. INEC's statement claimed recognition of Edozie Njoku as the National Chairman of APGA, citing a judgment by the Court of Appeal that allegedly affirmed an earlier FCT High Court ruling. This announcement has prompted a stern rebuttal from APGA.

Mazi Ejimofor Opara KSM, the National Publicity Secretary of APGA, issued a press statement rejecting INEC's interpretation of the Court of Appeal's judgment. According to Opara, neither the FCT High Court nor the Court of Appeal ever declared Edozie Njoku as APGA's National Chairman. Furthermore, Opara pointed out that there is no court mandate for INEC to recognize Njoku, nor is there evidence of INEC monitoring any convention held by Njoku.

APGA criticized INEC's decision, which it based on an incorrect interpretation of the Supreme Court's corrected judgment from March 24, 2023. The party emphasized that the Supreme Court never pronounced Njoku as the National Chairman, and this was reinforced by a concurring judgment from one of the Court of Appeal Justices. The party questioned the basis of INEC's decision, noting that it was not grounded in any court judgment.

Additionally, Opara highlighted that Njoku had claimed to have won the National Chairmanship in a purported 2019 Owerri convention, which would have had a four-year tenure ending in 2023. Regardless, the tenure in question has already elapsed, and APGA has since conducted a National Convention that elected Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa as the National Chairman.

The statement stressed that no existing court judgment recognizes Njoku as the National Chairman. Opara recounted an incident where Jude Okeke, claiming to be APGA's National Chairman, was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, which affirmed Victor Oye's position—a judgment upheld by the Supreme Court.

Moreover, APGA noted that the correct interpretation of the Supreme Court's judgment was clarified by Hon Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division. This judgment was affirmed by the Court of Appeal, establishing that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court had recognized Njoku as APGA's National Chairman.

The party expressed concern over INEC's decision, emphasizing that neither Ezeokenwa nor APGA was involved in the suit leading to the contested judgment. APGA suggested that INEC acted under pressure and ignored a pending appeal and stay of execution motion filed by Chief Victor Oye, choosing instead to enforce a judgment that did not declare Njoku as Chairman.

APGA reiterated that Njoku is not recognized as the National Chairman by any court. The party called for INEC to operate within legal boundaries, criticizing the commission's arbitrary actions. 

APGA announced plans to challenge INEC's decision in court, affirming that the current leadership under Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa remains legitimate.

The party assured its members and the public of its commitment to overcoming this challenge, urging calm and patience. APGA called on INEC to reverse its decision in the interest of justice, vowing to continue its progress despite the recent setback.

APGA remains confident that with divine guidance, the party will triumph over this obstacle.