ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE - ISSUE 27

EXCLUSIVE EDITION

ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 27 FREE (This Edition) SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER, 2015

The UNSTOPPABLE

WALK TO LUGARD HOUSE C e l e b r a t e

I n s p i r e

C h a l l e n g e

PHOTOSPEAKS

Otunba Oladipo Arriving the venue of the APC rally in Anyigba

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Arise Igala-Issue 27

Current Residence Abuja Interest Singing, Reading and Cooking Occupation Student/Artiste Favourite Igala Food Igbari Like(s) Jokes Dislike(s) Disappointment gala Hero/Heroine Prince Abubakar Audu and Maimuna Abaji Dream for Igalaland Social/Infrastructural Development and Unity

OMA UFEDO ATA

Native Town Ogugu, Olamaboro LG

FACE OF INIKPI

Full Name Veronica Ojonugwa Akor (VOMA)

Phone 08132992093

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THE QUOTE

“

“The Prince Abubakar Audu return to Lugard House is a project for all Kogites not just the APC Campaign Council.

This is about the time that we Kogites have to demonstrate with our votes that we truly desire this much needed CHANGE. I call on all of us to do our best with the power of our PVC to prove that Kogi state is a complete APC State by massively voting His Excellency Prince Abubakar Audu come the 21st of November, 2015.

This is operation deliver your Polling Unit.

Let’s count our victory from all the Polling Units across the state.”

COMR. ISAH DANIEL (AKA “THE PROF.”) Director General, APC KOGI STATE CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

“

”

“There’s no better time for Kogi women to prove their love for CHANGE than now.

This is the right time for Kogi women to Show that they believe in the winning party, All Progressives Congress (APC) to help them improve the standard of their living at home, work and businesses.

Kogi women, let’s stand up and cast our votes for AUDU/ FALEKE. The time for change is now or never. Let’s make good use of our PVC by voting the right candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu.

I know we can do it. Let’s win together as one to bring CHANGE to Kogi state.”

”

HAJIYA (BARR.) HALIMA ALFA Secretary General, Department of Women Affairs, APC KOGI STATE CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

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THE QUOTE

“

“The youths of Kogi state are tired and are willing to make CHANGE come in Kogi state. They are ready to prove themselves at the forthcoming election on 21st of November, 2015.

Prince Abubakar Audu is our choice and we cannot afford to miss this great opportunity of bringing back the lost glory of our beloved state. We will go out en masse to prove that we need the CHANGE that will help us secure our future” ENGR. ISAH IBRAHIM ATODO State Youth Coordinator, APC KOGI STATE CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

“

”

“I appreciate the maturity of all the aspirants who participated in the APC Primary Election. Our maturity Shows that our party is a progressive political party.

Now that we have a candidate in the person of our leader, Prince Abubakar Audu, I urge all of us to rally round him to take our party to higher height in the November 21 Governorship Election in Kogi state.

I want all of us to celebrate together as one big family at the end of the Governorship Election because I believe we can bring CHANGE to Kogi state.”

ALHAJI HA’ADI AMETUO (State APC Chairman) Member, APC KOGI STATE CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

Arise Igala-Issue 27

”

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EXCLUSIVE EDITION

ISSN: 2141-7423 ISSUE 25 FREE (This Edition Only) SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER, 2015

THE UNSTOPPABLE

WALK TO LUGARD HOUSE C E L E B R A T E

I N S P I R E

C H A L L E N G E

GRAND PATRON His Royal Majesty DR. IDAKWO MICHAEL AMEH OBONI Agabaidu, Ata Igala & Chairman, Kogi State Council of Chiefs.

FOUNDER/PUBLISHER ONOJA JAMES OKPANACHI President/CEO, Onoja Dreams Network Limited Managing Editor Emmanuel Nathan Oguche Online Editor Idakwo Oguche Columnists Ojochide Yusuf-Nathan Emmanuel Nelson Arome Pst. Livinus Husseini Okpe Mallam Mohhammed Atojoko Contributors Idibia Ojabo Muhammed Nasirdeen Lawal (Eleojo Mama) Moses Abimaje David Usman Yakubu PHOTO PARTNERS De Famous Studio | JT Digital World | Ottagab Voice & Vision PRODUCTION ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE (ISSN: 2141-7423) is published by ONOJA DREAMS NETWORK LIMITED (RC 868974), ABUJA: C29, MIB Plaza, First Avenue, Gwarinpa, F.C.T. | LOKOJA: C/O NUJ Press Centre, Lokoja. +234 (0)803 698 0602, (0)805 663 0751, (0)803 968 1501 Website: www.ariseigala.com, Twitter: @ariseigala, Facebook: ARISE IGALA Magazine Email: ariseigala@gmail.com, ariseigala.sales@gmail.com, ariseigala.opinion@gmail.com Copyright (c) 2010-2015 Onoja Dreams Network Limited

VISION To inspire a generational change that will give birth to a new breed of Igala people in the face of globalization thereby changing perspectives on selves as we consciously bring out the beauty in our people

MISSION To be (and remain) the most informative, educative, entertaining, challenging, inspiring and authentic source of information on the past and current issues of Igala Kingdom and her people as the authoritative voice and image maker of Igala race via publications and media activities.

MANDATE Our mandate is to Celebrate, Inspire and Challenge Igala sons and daughters at home and abroad into positive ventures for the benefit of mankind.

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The 15 UNSTOPPABLE WALK TO LUGARD HOUSE

CONTENTS

REGULARS

MEET THE “INCOMING”

DEPUTY GOVERNOR,

HON. JAMES ABIODUN FALEKE

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ROYAL QUOTES

>

PUBLISHER’S DESK

>

FROM THE ARCHIVE

>

EDITORIAL

>

OPINION

>

SPECIAL

>

FOCUS

>

EVENT

>

COMMUNITY

>

4 9 10 11 12 20 24 26 40

We invite comments and request that they be civil and on-topic. We do not moderate or assume any responsibility for views. The views in this publication are not sacrosanct. Readers have right to reply. All photographs in ARISE IGALA are copyright of the magazine and may not be reproduced, copied or used in any form without written permission from the publisher.

Arise Igala-Issue 27

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ADVERT

DAVID ZACHARIA FOUNDATION

I want to use this medium to congratulate the entire people of Kogi state home and abroad as it is very obvious that the so much desired CHANGE is coming to our land with the forthcoming governorship election.

I also urge all well meaning Kogites to educate their people - family, friends, associates and colleagues on the importance of voting for the All Progressive Party (APC) candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu on Saturday, November 21, 2015.

May all our efforts count and bring us profits as we journey to Lugard House with the true CHANGE AGENTS that Kogi so much needs now.

SIGNED:

DAVID IDRIS ZACHARIA

David Idris Zacharia sends out this message of CHANGE from Ogbonicha during the Sallah homage to His Excellency, Prince Abubakar Audu.

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Arise Igala-Issue 27

PUBLISHER’S DESK

WHEN IT’S

TIME…

ONOJA J. OKPANACHI PUBLISHER/CHIEF EDITOR

I

t is absolute truth that nothing stops time.

Time is constantly moving forward. And, change naturally occurs unhindered as time progresses.

This truth best depicts the situation that was on ground before the All Progressives Congress’ Gubernatorial Primary Election and its aftermath in Kogi state.

Time moved forward, nothing could stop it and change naturally occurred in the process.

Propaganda in its ugliest form one can ever imagine in a state like ours was shamelessly and openly alive on our streets, homes and gatherings. Rumours of devil inspired tales of a fellow man’s fall spread like wild fires against one man all because of how he was perceived a “threat” to their ambitions. Many were forced to be blind to the realities on ground painfully not because they couldn’t see them but

Arise Igala-Issue 27

because they deliberately refused to see. They refused to see because some people offered to buy their inner eyes with money. Yes, money really worked but it didn’t stop the time and the time, fortunately, came with the change.

Once again, it was a very big lesson that was made plain but how many of the blindfolded are willing to open their eyes now to see and learn from the past events to make a positive change for the development of our land and the good of generations yet unborn?

While pondering on the above question, permit me to quickly add here that propaganda, blackmail etc. cannot produce better results politically than being on ground to face and address realities of the time. Lee Kyua Yun of Singapore’s experience is a good example – There will always be differences in life; cultural, political,

religious and so on but getting them resolved will only come from accepting them first and then addressing them and not the other way round.

So, results of the APC Primary Election proved that His Excellency, Prince Abubakar Audu is very much on ground and so took the lead and eventually emerged as the All Progressives Congress’ Candidate in the forthcoming Kogi state governorship poll

by November 21, 2015.

Therefore, I see Prince Abubakar Audu’s emergence as a great chance to reconcile all and lead the state to unity that will produce positive results for all Kogites and Nigerians in general. So, if Kogites seek change, sing change and go to vote change then the change must definitely after all.

Arise!

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FROM THE ARCHIVE

The ARISE IGALA MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD 2014 being presented to HE, Prince Abubakar Audu (L) by HRM, Ata Igala, Dr. Idakwo Ameh Oboni II (R) at Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja on Saturday, March 28, 2014 during the annual ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS/LECTURES 2014 organized by ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE

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EDITORIAL

TIME CHANGED YESTERDAY Everything in life is scheduled within a time frame. Nothing exists or takes place outside time so time is indeed of great essence in life. However, the only constant thing with time is change. Change occurs as time progresses and nothing can ever alter this fundamental principle of life.

Therefore, it becomes man’s duty in life to understand time so as to know when and when not to do certain things. Like the holy writ says, “there’s time for everything under the earth; time to be born and time to die, time to laugh and time to cry, time to sow and time to reap” and so on. So, what time is it in our dear land, Kogi?

It is very obvious in Kogi state today that the time we are in calls for change.

This is time for change not because the advocate of the change created it but because the situation on ground calls for it and so the people who desire the change are advocates of what the time brings and those who are willing to execute the change therefore become the change agents. It is time that has made it so and no one can alter it.

The evidence of this change in our political life in the state is so glaring and we can only work with time for the interest of the majority of our dear people to make this change. We have the mandate to celebrate, inspire and challenge the people into positive ventures for the benefit of mankind and so we are up to challenge our people to wake up to the reality that has dawn on us with time.

The time for political maneuvers changed yesterday. The time for ballot box snatching changed yesterday. The time for money rule the people changed yesterday. The time for rigging changed yesterday. The time for falsification of electoral results changed yesterday. The time for federal might militarizing electoral process changed yesterday. The time for intimidation changed yesterday. This is a new dawn.

Today, politicians are beginning to realize that the only saving grace in electoral process is nothing but good performance. Every other thing becomes secondary in the process. We have been launched into an era that our works will convince the electorates either to vote us or not. In this case, no amount of packaging can sell a bad product once the people know that it is a bad one.

Finally, it is our responsibility to present the truth to the people and it is the people’s responsibility on the other hand to see the facts and judge for themselves. Now, we have done our part and so we leave you with your conscience to do the right thing.

Whatever we sow today, we reap tomorrow; your future is on your thumb. Use it right.

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OPINION

The Prince Abubakar Audu They Don’t Know

By Odaudu Joel Minister President, Confluence Rescue Mission - COREM

M

yriad of publications have kept reverberating in the national dailies and buzzing on the online media with respect to the panache and leadership style of the former governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu while he superintended over the affairs of the State as governor between 1999 and 2003, and his intention to contest the gubernatorial election which comes up on 21st November, 2015. I have so far, kept a dignified silence in the face of the spurious allegations by some political saboteurs; outright lies, libelous and traducing publications by bellicose political contenders; the manifold insolent cum disparaging posts and comments on Facebook by combative “power shift” agitators; gross inexactitudes by ample prevaricating pundits; the politically sterile vote of no confidence and “Pull him down” (PhD) syndrome by ostensible “party elders”; all the skeptics and sponsored phony groups; the legion of muckraking and pestlewielding critics in the opposition, and the band of mudslinging commentators across all Kogi online platforms. I am always reluctant to responding to the sundry chair critics because it will appear as if one is making attempt at shoring up an image that is not deserving of it. However, my silence seem to have given these “know all” captious analysts and mudslingers the leeway to publish whatever falsehood they could cook up in their devious minds and serve their concocted fables to the unsuspecting and credulous members of the public.

Before I proceed, I wish to categorically state here that this

article is not aimed at laundering an image since it does seem the image had been soiled, tainted, and bested by wrong doing in any form.

However, it is principally designed to make concerned indigenes of Kogi State, stakeholders, and the watching public cognizant of the fact that Prince Abubakar Audu, while a governor, did a great good for the people of Kogi State as captured by this maxim by Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States of America: “A simple and proper function of government is just to make it easy for us to do good and difficult for us to do wrong.”

Needless to say, Prince Abubakar Audu was the first civilian governor of Kogi State who contested and won the gubernatorial seat on the platform of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) in 1992 but his administration was cut short. This gargantuan political gladiator rebounded into the political milieu in 1999, contested and won the gubernatorial election on the platform of the now defunct All Peoples Party (APP).

From different corners, I have heard copious lies and a number of pernicious adjectives used to qualify the person and governance style of Prince Abubakar Audu.

“

A simple and proper function of government is just to make it easy for us to do good and difficult for us to do wrong.”

Some say he is arrogant, so haughty to the extent that if you wish to see him, you will have to put off your shoes and crawl on the floor from some kilometers away before you get to him. Some people would say you don’t dare sit on the chair when Audu sits on a chair – yours is to sit on the floor. Others perceive him to be tribalistic. Some would even say he is an oppressor who put the squeeze on his subordinates.

All these idiosyncrasies ascribed to the Prince of the Niger are pure misconceptions, the height of mendacity, and flawless improbability. Prince Audu is pompous? How? When has it become a crime to blow one’s trumpet after accomplishing a feat?

Any moment Prince Audu attempts to enumerate his achievements on any occasion that warrants it, his critics misconceive it as arrogance.

Any moment he visits project sites and upbraid erring and indolent contractors, they will say Audu is rude and wicked. The perception and attribution of Audu being tribalistic remains groundless given the equitable manner his developmental projects were spread out and allotted to each of the three senatorial districts mutatis mutandis. Whenever he takes the practical step of having his subordinates be at the right place at the right time to do the right thing, his action is being misconstrued by the indolent and those who malinger as oppression.

What about the trumped up buzz by some perfidious contenders that he fleeced millions of naira from some APC contestants before giving them tickets to contest on the party’s platform? To say the least, those who dislike and upbraid Prince Audu do so on the grounds of his perceived individual flaws and not in any way for nonperformance while in office. All these misconceptions and the

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song and dance about the nature and character of Audu does not in any way justify the unnecessary calls and agitations from some trepidatious co-contestants and sponsored groups requesting Audu to drop his gubernatorial bid. Some party stalwarts and acolytes kick against his ambition and asking him to pull out of the race to enable them gratify and actualize their microscopic political landscape agenda — the Dekina Agenda, Kogi Central Agenda, and Kogi West Agenda. Others say Audu should go fly a kite with respect to his gubernatorial bid because they want a Christian governor in Kogi this time around. Moreover, some even opine he drops his governorship ambition on the grounds of old age.

All these are improbable criticisms and implausible excuses which are not potent enough to abate Audu’s momentum and political success at the polls come November.

I wish to acquaint those with the “old age” mentality that Audu’s mental faculty, perceptive, sensitive, and articulate reasoning remains sound and superlative even at 68!

In my own estimation, the basis for all these agitations should be non-performance, cluelessness, dull and lethargic leadership which is not the case with Audu. As can be widely attested to, Prince Abubakar Audu, irrespective of his age, possess the merit, competence, and capacity to return as Kogi’s next governor.

By and large, the Prince Abubakar Audu I know, strictu sensu, is not just an embodiment of simplicity and humility, but is quintessential of an affable, empathetic, compassionate, and strong-willed personality with a greater vision. He is a man who has penchant for human and structural development, and with a strong desire to salvage Kogi State from its current deplorable condition. The Prince Audu that I have met and interacted with ample times is an assiduous and ironclad personality who is richly endowed with all the desiderata for good governance and development.

As we already know, during the intervals Prince Abubakar Audu superintended over Kogi State as governor, he made monumental

“

A simple and proper function of government is just to make it easy for us to do good and difficult for us to do wrong.”

landmarks in virtually all sectors particularly in the area of housing, electricity, roads, education, and healthcare services. Kogi State and its people indubitably witnessed and enjoyed their finest and peerless season of infrastructural development. Georges Pompidou (1914-1974), French President said, “A statesman is a politician who places himself in the service of the nation while a politician is a statesman who places the nation at his service. Prince Abubakar Audu placed himself at the service of Kogi State by embarking on super-colossal projects which midwifed both human and structural development in the State. The State owned Polytechnic (Kogi Poly) is Audu’s feat. Kogi State University which today, has produced multifarious superb graduates into the Nigerian social formation is Prince Abubakar Audu’s tour de force. The ever functional Obajana Cement Company is his exploit. Besides the aforementioned enterprise, substantial housing schemes for public officers comprising over 1,500 housing units designed to be effortlessly acquired by civil servants in Lokoja, The 5-Star Confluence Beach Hotel, the transformation of Lokoja township road with asphalt, street lightening and artistic roundabouts, FM Radio Station, The Graphic Newspaper, Modern State Library, and myriad of other laudable projects were all developmental projects courtesy of Prince Abubakar Audu.

OPINION However, it is so sad that most of the key estimable projects that Audu initiated during his tenure as governor has been abandoned and left to rot by successive administrations that came after him.

The elegant Kogi State University now looks crude, faded and untidy, and being afflicted with incessant strikes consequent upon Kogi government’s nonchalance towards the institution. I could remember the magnificent Confluence Beach Hotel in Lokoja hosted 109 Nigerian Senators and about 50 Diplomats when the National Assembly held their first retreat.

But today, the same hotel is no longer worthy of accommodating ordinary local government councilors and has become a home of rodents consequent upon its current battered and shabby state.

Occupants of Lokongoma Phase 1 and Phase 2 Housing Units can confirm the fact that the presence of government is no longer felt in those housing units as it has been left in a state of decay. As a matter of fact, if it is possible for one to remove Audu’s projects from the present day Lokoja, the Kogi State Capital will look like nothing better than densely populated village!

Kogi State at the moment is just like a sick patient lying in coma. She needs a doctor with the medical expertise and experience to proffer the panacea to her severe ailment.

The alarming degree of economic and socio-political devastation in Kogi today requires a pragmatic, focused, audacious, and visionary leader like Audu to salvage it from its present predicament. Bringing on board any political neophyte at the moment will do the State no good. Prince Audu stands tall among all those vying for the number one seat in Lugard House.

To wrap it up, Prince Abubakar Audu remains the man with an unrivaled administrative gravitas; the political gladiator and emancipator with the democratic finesse and managerial acumen needed to revive, rehabilitate, restructure, and reposition the structurally decayed, economically morbid and politically crippled Kogi State.

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COVER

The Architect Of Kogi State Development Prince Abubakar Audu is one bold, visionary and confident leader that do not necessarily wait for ALLOCATIONS to develop Kogi State; he will always look inward to see what can be produced within, like he did in the case of Kogi State Cement Company, Obajana (now Dangote Cement Company, Obajana).�

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HIS EXCELLENCY, PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU

This Is Prince Abubakar Audu: The Architect Of Kogi State Development

By Onoja James Okpanachi

P

rince Abubbakar Audu, a Fellow, Corporation for Certified Secretaries, Fellow, Association of International Accountants (London), Fellow, Chartered Institute of Secretaries (London), Fellow, Institute of Industrial Administration of Nigeria and First Black Senior Management Staff of Standard Chartered Bank in London and New York. On the national scene, his roles are very significant in Nigeria’s external relations given his connections in political circle in Europe and America. In 1999 when the African Community Development Institute, Inc Washington DC presented him with African Leadership Award, his paper on the perspectives of Development in Africa remained key till date.

Without mincing words, Prince Abubakar Audu is the architect who understands correctly the structural and developmental needs of Kogi state in all ramifications. Situations have proven beyond doubt that he is in charge of the template; the masterplan is still with him and with due respect accord him to lead, guide and teach, the glorious dream he has for the state will certainly be realized and sustained for the good of 16

all.

This man, Prince Abubakar Audu is no doubt a man of his words; when he says it, he means it and when he means it, he does it. His words and actions as presented below tell of a man of proven integrity who does not exchange quality for anything. It is his nature that when he gives contracts, he follows them up from the start to finish, to ensure that they go according to specifications because he knows very well that quality pays his people.

As an accomplished banker, his connections within and outside the shores of Nigeria

are of great importance to the nation and Kogi state in particular considering its current condition.

Prince Abubakar Audu is one bold, visionary and confident leader that do not necessarily wait for ALLOCATIONS to develop Kogi State; he will always look inward to see what can be produced within, like he did in the case of Kogi State Cement Company, Obajana (now Dangote Cement Company, Obajana).

So, are there better ways of measuring a man’s character other than his words and works (actions)? Show me a man who speaks and acts differently, then Arise Igala-Issue 27

HIS EXCELLENCY, PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU

I will show you a man who is unworthy of one’s trust.

Prince Abubakar Audu needs no introduction, he is an all-time octopus on Kogi political field. He did not achieve this by chance, he earned it by hard work, dilligence and total commitment towards the liberation of Kogi people from the prangs of poverty, underdevelopment and infrastructural decay.

Please, note, this piece is a conscious attempt to exhume and revisit history; an attempt to embark on a recovery and rebuilding mission as it offers you reasons to at least respect the architect of Kogi State socioeconomic development.

Therefore, let’s embark on this journey of revisiting history together as you will permit me to present ‘The Architect’ to you in his words and acts: “...our activities have been characterized by speed, sense of mission, equity, probity and fairplay so that the general yearning for the rapid socioeconomic transformation of our hitherto negleted area can be quickly met...”

H.E., Prince Abubakar Audu, 100 Days in Office, April 15, 1992.

The leadership style of Prince Abubakar Audu is indeed characterised with speed, sense of mission, equity, probity and fairplay. I have endeavoured to bring parts of His Excellency’s speeches and that of some of the cabinet members (then in office) to you well backed up with dates and events’ details.

Also, there are some pictures for your refreshment. From these, you can once again see the man better in his words and works.

Arise Igala-Issue 27

COMMISSIONING OF OTOKITI ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT “Two days ago, I performed a similar ceremony at Okebukun in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area as part of the activities lined up to mark the 8th anniversary of the creation of our young state and the first 100 Days of the present administration in the state. This event, is therefore, another step forward in our determination to improve the living standard of all the people in Kogi state.

“

our activities have been characterized by speed, sense of mission, equity, probity and fairplay so that the general yearning for the rapid socioeconomic transformation of our hitherto negleted area can be quickly met...

I am quite aware of the peculiar position of this community which lies on the outskirt of Lokoja metropolis. Because of the proximity of this community to the state capital, a large number of civil servants working in Lokoja reside here. This settlement, therefore, serves as a satelite town to the state capital. Despite this strategic position, this community has over the years remained without electricity. To improve the living standard of the residents in this community, we decided to initiate this electrification programme barely a month ago. I am delighted that this project has been completed and it is being commissioned today” H.E., Prince Abubakar Audu SEPTEMBER 4, 1999.

SIGNING OF THE BILL ON THE ESTABLISMENT OF KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY “For a long time, many indigenes of Kogi State had been denied access to University Education as a result of limited opportunities for admission in existing Universities in the country. In order to address this issue, the dynamic administration and visionary leadership of Prince Abubakar Audu decided to establish a State University and make it a centre of excellence for the promotion, aquisition, conservation, dissemination and application of knowledge that will radically transform the lives of the people through the use of applied research findings to enhance the socio-economic well-being of the citizens.”

Nicholas Yahaya Ugbane, Then Commissioner for Education, Kogi State.

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“

HIS EXCELLENCY, PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU

This, of course, to say the least, is a confirmation of the present administration’s resolve to bring quality health care services to the door steps of the entire citizenry of the state.

Your Excellency, on our part, we are more than determined to join your fast moving train which sole target is to ameliorate the suffering of our people particularly in the rural areas.”

NOVEMBER 18, 1999.

DAWN OF THE NEW MILLENIUM SPEECH “...To build a virile future for our young state, we must be armed with foresight and prepared to make genuine and selfless efforts to meet the obvious challenges of development. I am convinced that the overwhelming mandate freely given to me by the entire citizens of Kogi state is a vote of confidence on our past historic efforts. As we, therefore, move into this new era, I will bear the mandate you have given me with great sense of devotion, commitment, sacrifice and courage to satisfy our collective yearnings and aspirations.”

H.E., Prince Abubakar Audu DECEMBER 31, 1999.

COMMISSIONING OF THE COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CENTRE, EGUME “This, of course, to say the least, is a confirmation of the present

18

the past to make the necessary sacrifices to improve the lot of the ordinary people.

Although the resources of the state have not witnessed any dramatic improvement, this administration is very determined to prudently manage whatever is available to make the necessay impact. This is why in virtually every sector, we are embarking on vital development projects that are aimed at transforming the landscape of the state. I will not compromise this goal and we shall continue to use whatever resources that are at our disposal strictly for the benefit of the ordinary citizens of the state.” administration’s resolve to bring quality health care services to the door steps of the entire citizenry of the state.

Your Excellency, on our part, we are more than determined to join your fast moving train which sole target is to ameliorate the suffering of our people particularly in the rural areas.”

Alhaji Suleiman Baba Ali, Then Commissioner for Health, Kogi state.

SEPTEMBER 1, 1999.

COMMISSIONING OF ARAROMI-GBEDE ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT IN IJUMU L.G.A. “Our determination to provide basic infrastructural facilities in every part of the state has been propelled by the deplorable condition of living in most of our rural communities. This pitiable condition has persisted because of the continuous neglet of basic needs of our people and the lack of vision and commitment in

H.E., Prince Abubakar Audu FEBRUARY 10, 2000.

COMMISSIONING OF AYERE ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT IN IJUMU L.G.A. “This electrification scheme is the 15th we are commissioning

“

Our determination to provide basic infrastructural facilities in every part of the state has been propelled by the deplorable condition of living in most of our rural communities.

This pitiable condition has persisted because of the continuous neglet of basic needs of our people and the lack of vision and commitment in the past to make the necessary sacrifices to improve the lot of the ordinary people.

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HIS EXCELLENCY, PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU

since the inception of this administration and this, no doubt, underscores the importance this government attaches to the provision of rural infrastructures.

I am fully aware of the magnitude of under-development in our rural communities and this is why we have ensured that our projects are evenly distributed throughout the state irrespective of partisan inclinations. In the Western Senatorial Districts, this is the the fifth electrification scheme we are commissioning in the last ten months. The others are those of Okebukun, Igbaruku, Iyamerin and Araromi-Gbede.

In addition to these, we have made appeals to the Federal Government for the completion of over ten electrification scheme under the National Rural Electrification programme within this Senatorial District.

It is my expectation, therefore, that the magnanimity of my administration will be reciprocated through your absolute support and loyalty so that we can achieve our ultimate goal of placing Kogi state on a pedestal of accelerated development, peace and communal unity.”

H.E., Prince Abubakar Audu MARCH 30, 2000.

INAUGURATION OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY “As I have said before, our vision is to build a university that will be a centre of academic excellence with a pragmatic mandate to stimulate the accelerated development of our young state through research activities and manpower development programmes.

I am very committed to this vision because Arise Igala-Issue 27

“

To achieve this goal, we have carefully and prudently allocated the limited resources at our disposal to various sectors to make the desired impact on the lives of our people. I am happy that our efforts are being acclaimed within and outside the state. Let me note that through our collective determination, we have been able to establish Kogi State University within a record period of 10 months.

In addition, structures in over 45 primary and post-primary institutions have been reconstructed.

Furthermore, we have made great strides in other sectors such as housing, healthcare services, road development, and potable water improvement programme.

it is the desire of the entire people of Kogi state to take their destiny in their own hands and rise to the challenge of development in the new millenium.”

H.E., Prince Abubakar Audu FEBRUARY 11, 2000.

COMMISSIONING OF OGBONICHA ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT “To achieve this goal, we have carefully and prudently allocated the limited resources at our disposal to various sectors to make the desired impact on the lives of our people. I am happy that our efforts are being acclaimed within and outside the state. Let me note that through our collective determination, we have been able to establish Kogi State University within a record period of 10 months. In addition, structures in over 45 primary and post-primary institutions have been reconstructed. Furthermore, we have made great strides in other sectors such as housing, health-care services, road development, and potable water improvement programme.

You will all recall the dismal financial position we inherited at the inception of this administration. This position created an unprecedented public despair while our civil servants were left without salaries for the upward of five months. Within the last 10 months also, we have been able to reverse this situation through personal commitment and sacrifice. Apart from the various development projects we have embarked upon, over N500 million has been utilized to defray inherited arrears of salaries and leave grant to civil servants. In addition to this, we have religiously met our monthly salary of N200 million.”

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HIS EXCELLENCY, PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU H.E., Prince Abubakar Audu APRIL 6, 2000.

COMMISSIONING OF THE BASIC HEALTH CENTRE/NYSC CLINIC AT OGORI-MAGONGO L.G.A. “So far, we have in the last 10 months executed 17 electrification projects, 45 rural water schemes as well as several other projects in the health, housing and road development sectors. In addition to these, we have embarked on the re-construction of schools and successfully established Kogi State University within a record time of 10 months. I am glad to note that Professor P.C. Daudu, an eminent citizen of this community who is an erudite scholar has been appointed as the Pro-Chancellor of the State University. I congratulate you for his well deserved appointment.

Further to these, over 230 Housing Units including Commissioners Quarters are also under construction in the state.

Also, we have equally remained committed to prompt payment of salaries and the settlement of arrears of over 5 months inherited from the past military administration in the state.”

H.E., Prince Abubakar Audu APRIL 15, 2000.

COMMISSIONING OF GBOLOKO COTTAGE HOSPITAL, BASSA L.G.A. “It is my very great pleasure to be in Gboloko, Bassa Local Government Area today to commission this Cottage Hospital. The completion of this hospital is in line with the policy of my administration to give priority attention to all abandoned projects that are of vital importance to the well-being of the ordinary people...

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My fellow compatriots, I believe that this ancient town and, indeed, the entire Bassa Local Government Area deserve very close attention of the government because of the prevailing level of the under-development as reflected in the lack of basic social infrastructures.”

H.E., Prince Abubakar Audu MAY 25, 2000.

COMMISSIONING OF ALLOMA COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CENTRE “In the period ahead of us, we are making adequate plans to secure funds from international agencies to sustain the on-going development in the health sector.

As I noted at earlier occassions, 27 General Hospitals in the state are to be renovated and their facilities upgraded. Let me note that immediately we assumed office last year,we facilitated the take-over of Lokoja Specialist Hospital by the Federal Government as a Medical Center. This effort is intended to bring highly specialised medical services closer to the citizens of the state. With this

development, I have approved the establishment of a new General Hospital in Lokoja. In addition, my attention has been brought to the deplorable condition of the General Hospital at Ugwolawo, the headquarters of Ofu Local Government Area, and I wish to assure you all that plans are already underway to rehabilitate and expand the hospital. I wish to also use this occassion to note that a Specialist Eye Hospital will soon be established in the state by the government to cater for the growing eye problems among our citizens. Also, an eye camp will be established for free treatment within a very short period.”

H.E., Prince Abubakar Audu MAY 26, 2000.

COMMISSIONING OF THE OCHADAMU-UMOMI ROAD “Let me recall that this vital road which we are commissioning today has been in existence for

“

be in Gboloko, Bassa Local Government Area today to commission this Cottage Hospital.

The completion of this hospital is in line with the policy of my administration to give priority attention to all abandoned projects that are of vital importance to the well-being of the ordinary people

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HIS EXCELLENCY, PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU over 50 years serving as the major link between the entire Igalaland and Ochadamu where one of the first and most renowned missionary hospital in this area is located. Our decision to reconstruct this road with surface dressing is to make it more motorable all the year round for commuters within this area. Also, the road serves as a very short link between LokojaIdah axis of the state.”

H.E., Prince Abubakar Audu DECEMBER 31, 2001.

COMMISSIONING OF 16 BOREHOLES IN ADAVI L.G.A. “I am fully aware that the provision of potable water is one of the critical needs of the people of the Central Senatorial District and this is why I have not spared any opportunity I have to exceute any water related project within this area. Let me note that so far my administration has rehabilitated and drilled over 175 boreholes in various communities in Okene, Adavi, Okehi, Ogori and Ajaokuta Local Governemnt Areas.”

H.E., Prince Abubakar Audu JANUARY 26, 2002.

COMMISSIONING OF ANYIGBA TOWNSHIP ROAD “I congratulate the people of Anyigba township for the completion and commissioning of this major road ...so far, we have constructed over 550 kilometers of major roads in the state at the total cost of over N3.5 Billion. This includes a total of 20 major road projects in various parts of the state. Those already completed but yet to be commissioned are Ibana-OkpoOgugu Road, Also completed but

Arise Igala-Issue 27

“

I am fully aware that the provision of potable water is one of the critical needs of the people of the Central Senatorial District and this is why I have not spared any opportunity I have to exceute any water related project within this area. Let me note that so far my administration has rehabilitated and drilled over 175 boreholes in various communities in Okene, Adavi, Okehi, Ogori and Ajaokuta Local Governemnt Areas.”

Furthermore, two major township roads are being dualised in Lokoja township along with the reconstruction of other access roads within the state capital. In addition, Ogbabo-Abocho-Ajiolo Road, Lokoja-Ganaja-Ajaokuta Road and Idah Township Roads are presently under construction.

In the period ahead, we will continue to give priority attention to the construction and rehabilitation of roads in all parts of the state. In this regards, some of the road projects that are also under construction include Egbe-Odo-Ere township Roads, Mopa-Ife-Olukotun-IgbagunIyemoye Road, Okene-AdaviEba-Obangede Road and the abandoned portion of OdenyiOguma Road. Let me sieze this opportunity to re-assure the people of the state that no section will be negleted in our road development programme.”

yet to be commissioned is over 40 kilometers of Ankpa township road.

H.E., Prince Abubakar Audu DECEMBER 31, 2001.

“

It is my very great pleasure to be in Gboloko, Bassa Local Government Area today to commission this Cottage Hospital.

The completion of this hospital is in line with the policy of my administration to give priority attention to all abandoned projects that are of vital importance to the well-being of the ordinary people 21

CAUGHT ON CAMERA Is This The Proud and Arrogant Prince They Told You?

I

t is very erroneous when people cannot differentiate between one’s private and corporate/ political lifestyles. Prince Abubakar Audu has suffered greatly in this regard as some people have mischievously misinterpreted his lifestyle; Prince is naturally a neat and very organized gentleman. His taste for quality and good things of life cannot be compromised. So, he worked all his life to achieve and live his life that way even long before joining politics.

Here are some shocking things you will discover if you are meeting Prince Abubakar Audu the first time; he is straight to the point, he hates lies and gossips. Yes, he cracks jokes very well and tease a lot. Prince hardly eat alone, he loves eating with others on the same dining table with him and could even invite “you” irrespective of who you are.

When he invites you, try not to turn down his invitation to wine and dine with him, he is that simple.

Again, Prince Abubakar Audu always insist you sit to talk or discuss with him (but the enigmatic aura around him do compel many to go down when with him one on one). At such instance, watch his countenance, he would love you

sitted and very comfortable.

It’s on this note that we publish these few pictures to show you the other side of Prince that his foes hardly tell you about.

See for yourself.

Prince Abubakar Audu on the chair’s arm with Alhaji Ishaka sitting

HE, Prince Abubakar Audu (r) humbly welcomes HRM, Ata Igala, Dr. Idakwo Ameh Oboni II to ARISE IGALA LEADERSHIP AWARDS 2014 at Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Abuja

HE, Prince Abubakar Audu with some of his guests, carefully analyse the picture for yourself

Prince Abubakar Audu sees his guest off, he opens the door for him to board the vehicle

Prince Abubakar Audu pays full attention to a woman who came complaining about her challenges. Prince eventually blessed the woman thereafter.

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PHOTOSPEAKS

Hon. James Abiodun Faleke (m) with Chief David Dare Olatunde, Mayegun of Isolunland (l) and Elder Leke Abejide at The residence of Prince Abubakar Audu in Lokoja

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HON. JA

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MEET THE “INCOMING�

DEPUTY GOVERNOR,

AMES ABIODUN FALEKE

The hall full to capacity during Kabba townhall meeting to welcome Hon. Faleke

Rt. Hon. Clarence Olafemi being hugged by Hon. Faleke as they enitre west support his emergence as the running mate to Prince Abubakar Audu

The cheering crowd inside the hall at Kabba, Kogi State

Hon. James Abiodun Faleke appreciates the entire people of west for giving him and apc their supports

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Hon. James Abiodun Faleke and beloved wife

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orn on a historical day, December 25, 1959 in Ekinrin Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi state, Nigeria, the young, smart and intelligent James Abiodun Faleke had his childhood experience in that beautiful land as primary school pupil.

His secondary school days at the prestigious Abdulazeez Atta Memorial College, Okene, were filled with memorable activities.

Same school has produced a good number of leaders in the country.

There, the young James Abiodun Faleke distinguished himself in both academic and extracurricular activities. At the school, he served as the house captain of “Ohimege House. The Ohimege House was the largest in the school then and he stood out as a rising leader.

Faleke proceeded to gain admission into the Kaduna Polytechnic in Kaduna state. There he studied and at the end succesfully obtained a Higher National Diploma in Purchasing & Supply Management with Upper Credit in 1986. His excellent academic performance earned him the Best Student Award in the department.

An active sportsman, he was fully involved in sporting activities. He engaged in sporting activities for the institution both at the state and national levels. The marvelous thing about James Abiodun Faleke is his multi-talents in sports; he was a key

26

player for the school’s volley ball team while being the captain of the table tennis and handball teams. At same time, he was a striker of the school’s football team. One of his outings for the school includes his participation in the volleyball team that represented the institution at the NIPOGA Games in 1985. He sporting engagements won several medals for the institution.

After his academic accomplishments at the polytechnic, James Abiodun Faleke was deploy to Lagos state for his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in 1986/1987 service year. His (NYSC) Orientation Camp was a joint which held in Ibadan. Four states participated in that joint exercise; Lagos, Oyo, Ogun and Ondo states. At the camp, James Abiodun Faleke being a smart and outgoing sportsman emerged as the Parade Commander for the entire NYSC members of the states. He was very outstanding in carrying out that responsibility and as a result was recommended for an award by the Camp Commandant. He was then saw posted to the National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi for his primary assignment where he eventually performed well, too.

NYSC COMMUNITY SERVICE Faleke’s community development service (CDS) was in Ikeja Local Government and there, he was also made the group leader. His services

to the community drew attention of the people and concerned officers as he constructed waste bins to assist with the collection and management of wastes in the area during his service in 1987.

This excellent performance vis-à-vis the passion with which he carried the service got a letter of commendation from the local government and since then he became integrated into that society and has never relented in his service to the community.

This integration and involvement in the community’s activities eventually saw James Abiodun Faleke later becoming an elected Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ikeja Local Government Area in Lagos state.

PROFESSIONAL/EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT In pursuance of his educational and professional career, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke has a Master Degree in Business Administration (MBA) with Management as his field of specialization from Imo state University, Owerri, Imo state.

In 1992, he sat and passed the professional examination of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS), London. He was thus awarded the full membership of the institution with MCIPS to be used in front of his name.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of

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Public Administration (FIPA).

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY From 1986 to date, James Abiodun Faleke has worked in different management capacity of Procurement, Clearing & Forwarding, Warehousing, Distribution and

Construction. In 1986/1987, he worked as the Purchasing Expediter in National Orthopedic Hospital, Lagos.

He also worked as Material Manager at Kayo Foods Limited, Ilupeju, Lagos. He moved on to become Purchasing, Clearing and Distribution Manager and the Commercial

POLITICAL OFFICES HELD A – NATIONAL ASSEMBLY: In June 2011 to 2015 he emerged as Honourable Member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency of Lagos state. He won his re-election for second term in March, 2015.

Activities/Engagements: - Chairman, House Committee on Anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Values - Member, House Committee on Public Procurement - Member, House Committee on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) - Member, House Committee on Interior - Member, House Committee on Science & Technology - Member, House Committee on Petroleum Subsidy Probe Legislative Bill Sponsorship/Motions: - N.Y.S.C. Act Amendment Bill: To provide Life Assurance Coverage for NYSC Members.

- Legal backing for newly created 9 Federal Universities.

- Prohibition on the sale and use of military uniforms - The construction of pedestrian bridges at Berger and Onilereke Bus-Stop, Ikeja Federal Constituency - The replacement of soldiers with Civil Defense Corps at NYSC Camps - The need to put on hold the re-introduction of Toll Gates on federal roads - Motion on the need to clamp down over 1,400 illegal routes to curb insurgence B – LOCAL GOVERNMENT - James Abiodun Faleke was the pioneer Executive Secretary of Ojodu Local Council Development Area from 2003 – 2004.

- Elected Executive Chairman of Ojodu LCDA (2004 – 20011) for two terms.

- Chairman, Conference 57, body of Local Government Chairmen in Lagos state (ALGON) from 2006 – 2011.

- Member, Lagos State Reform Committee - Member, Governor’s Advisory Committee, Lagos state C – PARTY/PRESIDENTIAL

In December, 2014 to April, 2015 Hon. James Abiodun Faleke was the Lagos State Campaign Coordinator for Buhari/Osinbajo Campaign Organization.

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Manager at Tate Industries PLC. He was also Purchasing Manager at Air Liquid PLC.; Purchasing Manager at Aluminium Manufacturing Company of Nigeria (ALUMCO) PLC and worked as Commercial Manager at Crown Agents Limited between 2000 and 2003.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS In recognition of Hon. James Abiodun Faleke’s achievements and contributions to lives, society, politics and his professional pursuits, here are some of the awards and recognitions by educational, corporate, media and Non Profit bodies.

1. Best Student Award (Purchasing & Supplying Management – 1986/84), Kaduna Polytechnic.

2. Lagos State NYSC Merit Award (1986/87) service year 3. Honourary Fellow Award – The Bible Society of Nigeria, 4. Leadership Award for Excellence (1994) – The Leadership Trust Organization 5. Merit Award of Excellence (2004) - Okun Youth Solidarity Front 6. Cleanest Local Government Award (September 15, 2005) 7. Excellence in Local Government Administration (2005) – INDEPENDENT Newspaper Award 8. Best Chairman in Human Development – Harmony Media Communication Meritorious Aawrd 9. Outstanding Chairman of the Year (2007) – DAILY INDEPENDENT Newspaper 10. Award of Excellence for Community Development (2007) - Video Rental Operators Association of Nigeria, Ikeja Central Zone 11. Award for Valuable Contribution Towards Students Development – National Association of Polytecnic Accountancy Students 12. Recognition as Partner in Progress – Heerlink Group 13. Grand Motivator Award (2008) – Aguda Youth Development Association 14. Award of Excellence (2009) – Nigerian Union of Tailors 15. Community Policing Excellence Award (2009) – Committee of Police and Friends, Area G Chapter, Lagos state.

16. Award for Selfless Service to Humanity(2009) – AIT in conjunction with Golden Pictures Communications Limited 17. Award of Excellence for outstanding contributions to socio-economic development (2009) – Leadership Summit Excellence Award 18. Merit Award – All Christian Leaders & Ministers Forum, Ojodu Chapter 19. Award for Outstanding Contribution to Youth Development – National Youth Council of Nigeria 20. Award of Distinction (2010) – Nigerian Society of Nigeria 21. Best Local Government in Infrastructural Development – Nigerian Union of Journalists 22. Award of Recognition (2010) – Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria 23. Grassroots Developer Award (2010) – Celestial Landlords Association, Powerline, Oke Ira 24. Award of Excellence (2010) – Core Media Limited Hon. James Abiodun Faleke is happily married and blessed with children.

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GR

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APC

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APC RALLY ANYIGBA

The crowd calling for change

As they echoe ‘sai audu’

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E SS I V E C

APC

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END OF DISCUSSION!

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ON

APC (AUDU/FALEKE) Rally

A L L P RO

RALLY

ANYIGBA...

Pictures don’t lie.

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hese pictures are pure demonstration of how much the people of Kogi East Senatorial District are ready for the so much desired CHANGE. At the Flag off Campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anyigba on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 the turnout of people and electorates was very impressive. Many at the venue of the event opined that the turnout indicates the readiness of the people of the area to vote for CHANGE in the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for November 21, 2015.

Addressing the happy and vibrant crowd at the rally, the

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APC gubernatorial candidate, HE, Prince Abubakar Audu reassured the people of speedy development to the benefit of Kogites seeing the level of decay in the state.

He went further to promise civil servants of paying all their outstanding salaries and arrears both at local and state levels. And, more importantly, he advised people to shun the rumour being peddle from some quarters that his return will be for revenge. Prince Abubakar said the work to be done in the state is more important to him than going backward into the past that won’t benefit anybody in the state.

Speaking shortly after Prince Abubakar Audu, the incoming

Deputy Governor, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke told the people that performance is a trademark of APC and that Prince Abuabakar Audu has demonstrated that before and he will even do more now that APC controls the central government. Hon. Faleke said the people will never regret for voting CHANGE in the governorship election as they will work for the good interest of Kogi state.

The rally was a great success as more decampees from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Hon. Yunusa Yahaya were received into APC. Hon. Yunusa Yahaya was the former Majority leader in the state House of Assembly on the platform of PDP.

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APC

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RALLY

The change train arriving venue of the rally

Prince Abubakar Audu alongside his running mate, Hon. Faleke (l) and Comr. Isah Daniel, Dg Prince Abubakar Audu Campaign Organization (r)

Hon. James Abiodun Faleke addressing the ever vibrant crowd

Prince and Otunba having tete-a-tete before going up to the podium

The strategists, L-R: comr. Isah daniel (the prof.), Alh. Linco ocheje and engr. Isah ibrahim atodo (state youth coordinator)

Hon. Hassan Omale (l) and Alhaji Ha’adi Ametou, APC state chairman

MC, Emmanuel Ekele announcing the special pure water packed for the Prince Abubakar Audu campaign

It was a fulfilled day again, HE, Prince Abubakar Audu takes his leave for the day

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Elder Ubolo Itodo Okpanachi

Senator Abdullahi Abdulrahaman (Abdulrailway)

Alhaji Linco Ocheje

Mrs. Justina Dolapo Abanida

Amb. Isaac Onuh

Hon. Benjamin Ikani

Hon. Tim Nda Diche

Engr. Friday Ojima Michael

Hon. Salihu Akawu (SAS)

Hon. Abidemi

Hon. Bello Balogun

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Rt. Hon. Clarence Olafemi (Obembe)

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APC

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Zulezoo (Ibro the lion) rocking, thrills the large crowd

Tijay Bala thrilling the audoience

L-R: Prince Otokiti, Onoja (Publisher, Arise Igala), Barr. Cosmos Atabor and Godwin Okolo (Baro)

L-R: Tijay Bala, Ngbede (Arise Igala Cameraman) and Zulezoo (Ibro the lion)

Women support group for Prince Abubakar Audu

One of Prince Abubakar Audu support groups

Wheel Barrow Association Anyigba supporting the Prince Abubakar Audu project

A home base women group in support of Prince Abubakar Audu

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THE PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION INAUGURATION

A

fter the victory of the primary, emerging as the standard flag bearer and confirmed by receiving the certificate from the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, Prince Abubakar Audu returned home to inaugurate his campaign organization alongside his running mate, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke.

The APC State Campaign Council (i.e. Prince Abubakar Audu Campaign Organization) was inaugurated on Saturday, September 12, 2015. At the occasion the Kogi State APC Chairman, Alhaji Ha’adi Ametou called on all party members to join forces to achieve victory at the November 21 Governorship poll in the state. He urged all the other 27 aspirants to put the primary behind them and come together as a team for the success of the party.

Speaking on behalf of all the aspirants, Hon. Tim Nda Diche assures the party and His Excellency, Prince Abubakar Audu of their full supports in all ramifications. Prince Abubakar Audu thanked everyone and promised to carry all along.

He later announced names of key officers of the campaign team adding that list of sub-committees will be released subsequently. The names of the key officers are as listed below:

Comrade Isah Daniel - Director General Hajiya Halima Alfa - Secretary General, Department of Women Affairs Alhaji Linco Ocheje - Deputy Director General, East Hon. Saliu Akawu (SAS) - Deputy Director General, West Hon. Deborah - Deputy Director General, Central Hon. Ibrahim Ahovi - Secretary General Engr. Isa Ibrahim Atodo - State Youth Coordinator Alhaji Ha’adi Ametou - Member (State APC Chairman) Hajiya Rabi Haruna - Member (State APC Women Leader) Barr. Adejoh Esq - Member (State APC Secretary) All Serving/Former Senators

- Members All Serving/Former House of Representatives Members - Members All Serving/Former State Assembly Members - Members All Former Governorship Aspirants of the party - Members All principal party stakeholders/ Leaders in all the Local Govt. Areas of the state - Members

HE, Prince Abubakar Audu (r) and his running mate, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke

Sharing ideas on the day’s meeting

The Prof., DG of the campaign organization discussing with Prince Abubakar Audu

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HE, Prince Abubakar Audu

Senator Abdulrahaman Abdullahi (Aka Abdulrailway)

Hajiya (Barr.)

Halima Alfa

Alhaji Ha’adi Ametuo, APC state Chairman

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CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

R-L: Rt. Hon. Clarence Olafemi, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke and HE, Prince Abubakar Audu

Alhaji Ha’adi Ametuo making a submission to His Excellency

L-R: Engr. Isah Ibrahim Atodo, State Youth coordinator and Comr. Isah Daniel (the prof.), DG, Abubakar Audu Campaign Organization

Hon. Abdullahi Bello

Hon. Benjamin Ikani Okolo having a handshake with HE, Prince Abubakar Audu

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Hon. Salihu Akawu (SAS)

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CAMPAIGN COUNCIL

Focusing on the issue of the day

Hon. Dr. Tim Nda Diche pledging support to HE, Prince Abubakar Audu on behalf of all the 27 aspirants at the APC primary election

L-R: Deborah Oyiza, Deputy DG, Central, Dr. Attah Ahmed Jacob (m) And Engr. Friday Ojima Michael

The Prof. addressing the audience on behalf of the entire campaign team

Mr. Emmanuel Ekele (DG Protocol) doing his thing as a master at it

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EVENT

The APC Primary Election 2015

Prince Abubakar Audu arriving reverton Hotel for his tag

Prince collects his tag

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EVENT

Signs to collect his tag

T

he former Governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu emerged as the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2015 gubernatorial election. The APC Primary Election took place on Saturday, August 29, through Sunday, August 30, 2015 at Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, Kogi State.

The emergence of Prince Abubakar Audu went to prove how truly grounded he is in the state politics. The primary election was a very tough contest and many political analysts, observers and even politicians could not say what the outcome may be out rightly apart from the fact that many believe strongly that Prince

Abubakar Audu is a very strong aspirant to beat any day as far as the state is concerned.

Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the new comer into the politics of the state showed himself as a strong force in the contest but lost at the end due to some strategic reasons as many opined. He (Bello) was able to pull 703 votes to come next to

Finally, the victory is here

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EVENT

Addressing the press after victory Tete A Tete - Hajiya Halima Alfa and HE, Prince Abubakar Audu His Excellency, Prince Abubakar Audu who pulled a total number of 1,109 votes.

Earlier, the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir ElRufai who was the chairman of the electoral panel, announced that 238 out of 239 wards were accredited because one had problem which resulted to a total number of 3,044 eligible

delegates to vote instead of 3,458.

Voting started at 10:08pm with Adavi Local Government Area and ended at 2:48am with Yagba West Local Government Area.

Thereafter, sorting and counting of the ballot papers followed.

After all the excercise which span through two days, Prince Audu Abubakar was declared winner by the executive Governor

Congratulating the Prince of the Niger

L-R: Otunba Oladipo and Prof. Stephen Ikani Ocheni happily discussing the victory

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EVENT

Alhaji Yahaya Bello responding after Prince Abubakar Audu’s speech Before the voting, up for his final presentation of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir ElRufai.

In his speech, “he urged the aspirants to accept the results of the election in good faith and in the interest of the party as it was free, fair and transparent” In his response, Prince Audu Abubakar commended all the other aspirants (27 of them) who contested with him. He appreciated their efforts especially Alhaji Yahaya Bello whom he referred to as young

Celebrating with Prince Abubakar Audu

Tete A Tete - Prince Abubakar Audu and Yahaya Bello

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EVENT

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai responding to questions from the press and vibrant man who was able to put such outing at the election adding that “the age of Methuselah has nothing to do with Solomon’s wisdom’. He described the result of the election as “no victor, no vanquished” and appealed to the aspirants to work keenly with him in the upcoming election slated for November 21, 2015.

Alhaji Yahaya Bello also spoke on behalf of all other aspirants.

In his response, he congratulated the winner and ask him to always remember that he has a son in him.

He also ask Prince Abubakar Audu to carry him and the other aspirants along and that they will all work

HE, Prince Abubakar Audu responding to the press for the interest of the party so as to defeat the incumbent governor (PDP) in the upcoming election.

Below are detail results of the primary election: Idris Maiyanga - 2 Idris Danjuma - 5 Alhaji Sanusi Abubakar 309 Hussein Idris Kazeem - 0 Alhaji Sadiq Adabara - 0 Senator Dr. Alex Kadiri - 1 Pharm. Aliyu Zakari Jiya- 0 Ojo Onukaba Adinoyi - 2 Enejo James Ocholi (SAN) - 90 Engr. Olusola George Olumoronti - 58 Barr. Babatunde Obadofin - 0 Prince Rotimi Obadofin - 16

Alhaji Yahaya Bello talking to the press Dr. Haqeen Habeeb - 8 Dr. Tim Nda Diche - 13 Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd) - 6 Engr. Sunday Ejibo - 1 DCP. Abutu Ejeh Suleiman- 2 Rt Hon. Clarence Olafemi- 7 Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed- 4 Hadiza Ibrahim - 0 Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-400 Prince Abubakar Audu - 1,109 Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed 11 AVM Atawodi Saliu - 183 Suleiman Baba Ali 28 Sani Halilu Shuaibu - 1 Senator Nicholas Yahaya Ugbane - 8 Alhaji Yahaya Bello 703

HE, Prince Abubakar Audu making his speech after the victory

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THE INTERVIEW

My Mission Is To Join My Leader, Prince Abubakar Audu To Rescue Kogi State and even if you call it controversies they are very positive ones.

FALEKE

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on. James Abiodun Faleke, the running mate of Prince Abubakar Audu who is the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Kogi state spoke to ARISE IGALA MAGAZINE on the chance of the party saying that APC is in a very good form to win going by its performance in that last Presidential and state assembly elections.

Since your emergence as APC running mate to Prince Abubakar Audu there seem to be lots of controversies being generated especially as some have it that APC National leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu is penetrating into Kogi state politics. What would you say on this?

Let me quickly correct this impression that my emergence is generating controversies. It is not. Rather it has been generating lot of support from party leaders, community leaders everywhere I have gone to since my arrival here; it has very been wonderful. Let me also add here that as the running mate to Prince Abubakar Audu, the

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Governorship candidate of our dear party APC is the will of God. This point I am making will be made very obvious by the time election is conducted and the results you are going to see in the entire Okunland and the West senatorial district of the State at large is going to be that of absolute victory for our party.

The result that our party would receive at the end of the exercise would be so overwhelming that the PDP would be dropped totally from our system. Honestly, my people are so excited to have received from kings of various communities, from leaders of communities, leaders of our party and those who contested against Prince Abubakar Audu open endorsement of my candidature. So, that is why there are no controversies. From our visitation train (we have not started our campaign, we are just visiting communities to sensitize them by showing my face to some of those who may not know me because many of them have heard my name mentioned but they have not seen me physically) the reception we are getting are so marvelous. So, I will say that there are no controversies

You expressed great confidence in victory for APC in Okunland at the polls, is emanating from the overwhelming support for your candidature?

First, my confidence is in God that we are going to win the election; my confidence also arises from the fact that God does not start a project without finishing it. I had no plan whatsoever to become deputy Governorship candidate, I did not lobby for it and it was God’s doing and that God touched Prince Abubakar Audu’s heart to pick me. I want to say that the reception that we have witnessed indicates that the people are completely tired of PDP. Can you imagine a situation where our traditional rulers are receiving 20% allowances? These people don’t work, they have no other jobs, they only sit down to oversea the affairs of their communities. So, where do they expect them to make ends meet?

Can you imagine where civil servants at the local government levels are owned salaries for ten months? Look at the Cement Company at Obajana that was initiated by Abubakar Audu’s administration which has neglected its social responsibility to its immediate community. Worst is the ugly situation where Obajana Cement that is located right there in the heart of our State with the roads leading to the company impassable.

For me, this is a clear proof that the Government in power does not know how to negotiate or discus.

A situation where our teachers are not paid their salary as at when due, our infrastructural development is in shambles.

In the last election, the APC in

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THE INTERVIEW this State won the three senatorial districts, won six House of Reps out of nine and in the state House of Assembly election, APC won 11 out of 25 seats. Let me tell you this very vital one; APC defeated the sitting Governor in his ward, APC defeated the Deputy Governor in his ward, that is the signal that Kogites have sent to the ruling party and the one that is coming would be more disastrous. I have told them wherever I have visited that they have tried one party, I used an illustration; that when you send your son on an errand first, second and third time and he did not bring back good result why don’t you send another son. What we are saying is that they have continually voted PDP and the party has failed so it’s time they should give APC four years of trial and the power to change us is in their hands and if we don’t do well after four years they should vote us out. That is the element of democracy; I have my power in the voter’s card.

If flying on the wings of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu are you landing in Kogi state to re-enact your success in Lagos state?

Once again, I want to sincerely advice those Nigerians who are fund of linking everything to Asiwaju, for me they need to re-check themselves and to accept God’s directive.

Asiwaju is my political father and also my biological father I dare say. Yes, I can claim that because he accepted me in Lagos without asking who my father was or where he came from, he has never asked me one day. He had never known anybody from my family apart from my wife and accepted me in Lagos politics and not only that, I represent his own constituency both as a council chairman and as a House of Reps member. I assure you that Asiwaju Tinubu is not that type of person that imposes people; no, it is the will of the people that he allows to happen.

In this instance he had no impute and it was not his decision at all. It is the decision of Prince Abubakar Audu our Governorship candidate.

While Tinubu had no hand in it the decision was taken by Abubakar Audu without my knowledge and when we met he said “I have heard about you and I am looking for a neutral person that will not bring in controversy” because if he had

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chosen any of those who contested the primary election along with him, the rest would have gotten offended.

So, the man said “I am looking for a neutral person and my associates told me about one Honorable James Abiodun Faleke who plays politics in Lagos but he is from Kogi State”. I met the team that told him anyway.

This was his statement to me: he said on that bases “when they gave me your score card on what you are up to and you are from Kogi State I decided to contact you.” When he invited me for a chat I opened up to him whom I am and he accepted me wholeheartedly as a son also. I want to say that for me what I am bringing to Kogi State by the grace of God is to join hands with my leader, my Governor Prince Abubakar Audu to develop our State and to join him to lead this State out of the doldrums, to work with Abubakar Audu tirelessly to lift the State out of the total mess it is presently. So, we are coming with good governance, we are coming with strategies that would improve our economy and with strategies that would develop our infrastructure and we are coming with strategies that would stop the payment of percentage salaries to all civil servants. We are coming with strategies that would ensure the infrastructures of the State are taken from where Audu left it in 2003. When you look at infrastructural development and the major projects that still exist today in the State you will find the hands of Prince Audu. If you talk about the University he brought it, talk about the Polytechnic, the Confluence Beach Hotel, talk about even the Stadium he started it, talk about health centres and hospitals and talk about virtually all the roads existing in the State today they were the foot prints of Audu and so on and so forth. If two successive Governments have come under PDP and they were unable to capitalize on the power of their center (they controlled the center throughout their tenures) to develop Kogi State so that our people could be happy, I think this time around God want to use Abubakar Audu to move the State forward. Remember he had contested elections three times though he won but he was rigged out but for a reason. For me I keep on saying that it is God’s decision that he should not come at that

time and I want to say that for him to continually be acceptable to the people it means that Kogites have not forgotten all the good things he has done. Coming on board in 2015 election I can assure you that God will perfect his will for the state.

He will continue with those good projects he had started.

People are wondering what could be attracting you to this position being in the House of Reps for Lagos the second time after your success as Local Government chairman Well, I represented Ikeja Federal Constituency, the capital of Lagos State, center of excellence, in the House of reps 2011 to 2015, I contested for second term in primaries I was unopposed and I won my election as a current member of the House of Reps now. In Lagos State I was the campaign director of Buhari/Osibanjo throughout the campaign. When we got to Abuja at the National Assembly I also led the team of the APC colleagues of mine. I want to State clearly that God ordained leaders and it is only God that anoints leaders. My coming to Kogi State is to work with my boss to provide services and to ensure that his objectives are delivered. It is to work with my boss day and night to honestly bring Kogi back into the comity of other States that were created the same year 1991. If you look at the bailout being requested

by Kogi State it is the highest N50.9B that is to say N51B, it is the highest in the country. The State closest to it is N34B. The question then is what would we use the money for?

What are the things on ground that we would use the N51B for.

When you come into the State, the Lokoja city Road, the major road in our State is not as good as a local Government road in Lagos State. So, one of the major thing is to develop our road network to the standard that is accepted worldwide. I travel from community to community and I tell you my primary school was in my town Ekinrin-Adde and my secondary was in Okene. When I was growing up from primary to secondary the same quality of roads especially the federal roads that were there is the same today and the question is despite the fact that PDP has been in Government at the center and at the State levels

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THE INTERVIEW what have they brought to the development of our road network they are all trunk A roads, nothing.

I went through Kabba to Isolu yesterday to see some leaders and I almost shed tears, why because the entire economic activities of all the towns in that axis have been killed because all the roads are so bad that those coming from Ilorin don’t go through there again they now divert through Ekiti. This means all the filling stations on that road are closed down because there are no more customers. The restaurants that were booming in the areas are all closed down. There is no single economic activity on that road.

How many kilometers is Kabba to Egbe? It is less than 200km and yet we had a Government at the center that abandoned these areas.

I want to say that Kogi State today is the only State remaining in the six north central States, all the other States that were PDP are all now APC and Kogi cannot afford to be in the opposition. I have come to tell you that if we are voted into office we are here to serve. We shall provide service, we shall liaise with the Federal Government and all the Federal roads would be constructed and all the bad infrastructures would be brought back. The economic activities of our people would bounce back in APC era.

You served as a council chairman two times in Lagos and currently serving as a lawmaker representing Lagos and now you are coming in as a deputy Governor of Kogi State, where is your voting unit in Kogi State?

I started my political career in Lagos like I said earlier and currently representing Ikeja Federal Constituency as a House of Reps member. Well, as a registered voter I voted in Lagos in the last election.

The moment I was nominated by Prince Abubakar Audu as his running mate I applied to INEC to transfer my data. That has been done and so I will be voting in unit 08 Oja-Adde in Ekirin-Adde ward, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi state.

That is where I will be voting by the grace of God. Let me say this very clearly; Nigeria is one, if and only other States can emulate Lagos and accept everyone that wants to serve then Nigeria would be a better place.

Lagos never one day discriminated

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against me. Let me also say when I was a council chairman for two terms, I was chairman of all the chairmen in Lagos State. My State of origin was known to all my colleagues, the council chairmen. I had never hidden my identity, in all my INEC forms I had always Stated Kogi State. I am not that type of person that do not want people to know where he came from even though Kogi is so bad in terms of infrastructure. Today, Kogi State is so bad in terms of publicity; talk about kidnapping, the security system here is terrible yet I am proud to be an Indigene. I used it to even campaign that let my people emulate Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu to have even allowed a Kogi man to represent his constituency at the federal level.

Not only allowing that at the federal level but he allowed me to operate politically in Ikeja since he adopted me as a son, he does not interfere in Ikeja politics. So, he allowed us, myself and other leaders to operate the way we want to operate and knowing fully well that this boy is not an indigene of Ikeja neither is he from Lagos State or a popular Ijebu man. I want to say that I will continue to be grateful to Lagos because they have invested in me in terms of training and acquisition of political knowledge and exposure. Lagos is a place that if you are determined to serve they will give you the opportunity to serve irrespective of where you come from. I will use this opportunity to thank all Lagosians, my immediate constituency Ikeja Federal Constituency, I want to say thank you.

Are you for power shift in Kogi State; is your coming in the spirit of that shift of power after Audu’s tenure hoping that APC will win in the forthcoming election?

Here’s a very important point to note, none of us as politicians know tomorrow, it is only God that knows tomorrow. If we all know what tomorrow holds in stock nobody would be struggling and nobody will continue to pray to God. My mission of course is to join Abubakar Audu to rescue Kogi State.

When you talk about power rotation a section of the State cannot sit down and be talking about power rotation, it must be collective responsibility of all the sections throughout the State and it must be done at the right

time. You cannot do that when you don’t even have the power. As it is today PDP has the power and hence they have the leadership but for APC in Kogi they are not in Government yet so we cannot be talking of power rotation when we don’t have the power. We must take that power first then we sit down with our leaders if that is what they want. I am sure Prince Abubakar Audu has stated clearly to say that by the grace of God if he was the first beneficiary of power rotation agreement he will also be the first to implement it but it is going to be based on a joint decision. It is not going to be because West Senatorial district wants power rotation or because central wants power rotation, no, but the East, Central and West would sit down at a round table at the appropriate time. I want to tell Kogites to please leave the issues of power rotation for now, leave it out because at the appropriate time God will do his work. For me and all the other leaders in the State especially the APC we should please allow free and fair election and work hard for our party to win without conditions, when you start giving conditions, then for me we are not loyal to the party. The party already has a candidate there is no need for conditions to work for the party. At the appropriate time our party will sit around the table and discourse way forward, Let us now join hands together and win our election and we will move from there.

Some have this fear that you would ploug back your gains to Lagos State?

Bad orientation, very bad orientation.

When people think like that they think about those who come to office to take wealth. Lagos does not need me to develop. Lagos is developed and it is developing everyday. This house we are staying in is the gains of my service in Lagos State. I got my income from Lagos State and I built a house here in Ekinrin-Adde (in Kogi state). What is there in Kogi to take to Lagos, how much is federal allocation to Kogi State? What we are doing is to come and make Kogi a better place through sacrifice. Let Kogites wait so to see what dividends of democracy we will bring as to what to plough back.

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COMMUNITY

THE SALLAH HOMAGE: Prince Abubakar Audu Receives Guests At His Ogbonicha Residence

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gbonicha, the home town of His Excellency, Prince Abubakar Audu was agog and fully alive as many trooped in to pay Sallah homage to the All Progressives Congress candidate in the forthcoming Kogi state governorship election.

The Eid Kabir celebration was a great opportunity for many

communities and high profile personalities to pay homage and register their full supports for Prince Abubakar Audu’s race to Lugard House. The visit was also a meeting point for many like minds who reviewed the situation so far and also strategized for the days ahead as the election is fast approaching. The Independent

National Electoral Commission (INEC) has since fixed the date of the election to November 21, 2015.

ARISE IGALA Magazine crew was on ground and so brings to you some of the pictures from the visits.

Enjoy!

Prince Abubakar Audu arriving the hall amidst cheers from the crowd waiting to pay homage

The crowd in happy mood welcome HE, Prince Abubakar Audu

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Settling down to receive the people, HE, talks with Alhaji Linco Ocheje Introducing Hon. Adejoh Akowe standing behind His Excellency, he waves to the crowd

On the High Table with His Excellency

Earlier, Elder Ubolo Itodo Okpanachi led his community to pay homage to His Excellency

Elder Ubolo in handshake with Hon. Adejoh Akowe and Ambassador Isaac Onuh

Earlier, HE, Prince Abubakar Audu remind Hon. Salihu Akawu (SAS) of some funny past and hey all laugh

HE, Prince Abubakar Audu returning from the Hall and on his right hand is Attah Morandy, Olamaboro delegation leader to Ogbonicha for the Sallah Homage

Elder Ubolo (humbly squats down) and elders of his community in a group photograph with Prince Abubakar Audu

Some of the Olamaboro party leaders earlier at Ogbonicha

L-R: APC State Welfare Secretary and the state Women Leader

L-R: APC Olamaboro Chairman, Attah Morandy (APC Stalwart In Olamaboro) and the Youth Coordinator

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