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Edo 2024 Guber: Jacob Idinye Denies Involvement Of PDP In Attacks On Opposition Parties
A two time governorship aspirant in Edo State and a chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), High Chief Jacob Egietseme Idinye has absolved his party of all blames in the series of attacks on the campaign trains of opposition parties across the state, saying the PDP abhors violence.
While reacting to the allegations of his party masterminding attacks on some members of the Labour Party and All Progressives Congress in the the state, the Etsako born media guru and politician described the allegation as baseless and untrue.
High Chief Idinye during a chat with some journalists in a popular hotel at his village in Agenebode (Etsako East, LGA) said, “It is irresponsible and reckless of the tottering political parties to level such a wild allegation without any substantial proof. Anywhere in the world, a winning side in any contest will never involve itself in any act of violence to disrupt its projected victory. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP poseses intimidation credentials that have already decimated his opponents and as well endeared him to the electorate. Impressively, various polls and pamutations have largely put him ahead of his opponents who are apparently pretenders and not serious contenders.
Idinye who is also a member of the newly inaugurated Etsako East LGA Campaign Council further said, “What we read recently in both social and traditional media are full of lies, innuendos, vituperative criticisms, and libelous. PDP is only be magnanimous and tolerant not to have them with legal suits. Moreover, the baseless allegation of the Labour Party and also of the All Progressives Congress accusing the ruling Edo State PDP of being responsible for the attacks of their supporters in Edo State is not only laughable but ridiculous and reprehensible.
“The PDP as the ruling party in Edo State remains the biggest stakeholder to ensure that there’s no breakdown of law and order. On behalf of my party I want to state unequivocally that PDP members were not involved in any attack. Our investigation into the concerned local governments and Wards made nonsense of the allegations.
“As a decent, disciplined and purpose-driven political party, our position has always been for the security agencies to do their jobs and bring those found culpable in any attack to book. Our leader and mentor, His Excellency Governor Godwin Obaseki is a lover of peace and unity, similarly our candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo is also an Ambassador of peace who has utter disdain and contempt for violence. He will never be involved in any act of violence, neither does he have any history of same. A complete gentleman, brilliant, with bold ideas and competence, a man of integrity, dignity and moral rectitude.
“Those who alleged must be able to provide evidence and point at suspects and leave the rest to the police and other security agencies. We abhor violence as a party. Everybody has the constitutional right to support whichever party they choose and we don’t think that should make for any kind of violence. We don’t see the Labour or any other party as a threat in Edo our good works and scorecards.
“It’s important to put it on record that every indication points to our victory in the coming election in Edo State based on the widely acknowledged great performance of the state governor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki and other elected and appointed government officials in this outgoing tenure.
“Our members have no business unleashing attacks on the opposition parties. The state government remains committed to the security of the lives and property of all Edo State citizens and residents irrespective of political affiliation.
“The Labour Party and All Progressives Congress attack dogs will do well if they desist from needless blackmail and face the substance of the expectations of the electorate, so churning out damaging and misleading footages and images on the social media with the vicious intent to sow seed of discord and spread falsehoods will only bounce back on these misguided elements alongside their paymasters. Asue Ighodalo clearly holds all the aces, he is not only contesting, but will record a landslide victory.”
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Video: Watch moment Senator Manu tasks NAFDAC officials on poor budget presentation
The Senator representing Taraba Central, Manu Haruna white washed officials of NAFDAC for poor budget presentation during 2025 budget defense on Friday.
In a video, Senator Manu a former Deputy Governor of Taraba State opened the underbelly of NAFDAC on improper presentation of figures in the outlines.
He pointedly told the officials that the presentation was designed to mislead senators.
Watch video below:
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Why I returned N100m excess fund to Kano Govt Commissioner
The Kano State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tajo Othman, who was recently in the news for returning N100 million excess fund to the state government, has revealed the reason behind his action.
The commissioner while addressing newsmen in Kano on Friday said his action was influenced by the state governor’s “exemplary leadership style,” adding that in an ideal situation, leaders are always a pace setter for others to follow.
He said he did not expect Governor Kabir Abba Yusuf to reveal the act to the public, but the governor chose to do so during the flag-off of the free uniform distribution to encourage the future generation to be transparent.
He said, “In an ideal governance setting, the leader is a pace setter for others to follow. We have seen the governor’s body language and as such we fall in. That is what exactly happened. it is the wish of the governor that everybody should be as transparent as possible.
“He is a transparent governor and therefore we should be transparent as well. I never expected the governor to go public with it, but I believe the reason behind his announcement is indeed genuine.”
The commissioner added that as the head of the committee for school uniform distribution, the state governor entrusted him with the task and advised the committee to execute it to the best of their ability.
The commissioner who was a retired customs officer was in the news when the Governor Yusuf publicly commended him for returning N100 million in unspent funds from a N2 billion budget earmarked for the production of 798,000 uniforms for pupils of primary 1 in the state.
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Nigerian Online Population Shows Strong Enthusiasm for AI – Report
A new global survey report from Ipsos and Google has shown widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools among Nigerian online population.
The study, tagged: “Our Life with AI: From Innovation to Application,” surveyed 21,000 people across 21 countries, and observed that global AI usage has jumped to 48 per cent and excitement about its potential now exceeds concerns (57 per cent vs. 43 per cent, up from 50 per cent / 50 per cent last year).
According to the report, in Nigeria, AI adoption and enthusiasm are even higher, as 70 per cent of the Nigerian online population used generative AI, surpassing the 48 per cent global average. Moreover, 87 per cent are excited about AI’s potential and see its benefits outweighing the risks.
Analysing the report, President of Global Affairs, Google & Alphabet, Kent Walker, said: “AI is starting to deliver magic at scale, making people’s lives easier and better. The survey results show the more people use these tools, the more excited they get about the possibilities and about the personal, professional, and scientific breakthroughs on the way.”
The survey results indicate that optimism about AI is growing within the surveyed online community in Nigeria. Key findings from the survey, show that among survey participants in Nigeria, 70 per cent reported using generative AI in the past year, which is significantly higher than the global average of 48 per cent. A substantial 87 per cent of Nigerian respondents feel that AI’s potential benefits outweigh the associated risks, suggesting a strong belief in the positive impact of AI. A significant 81 per cent of surveyed Nigerian adults believe AI will positively change the economy.
Furthermore, 90 per cent of the survey respondents in Nigeria anticipate AI having a positive impact on science and medicine, demonstrating the widespread belief in the potential of AI to drive progress in these sectors.
According to the report, Nigeria’s online population demonstrates a higher level of excitement and adoption of AI when compared to other regions. The survey indicates: Nigeria is among the top countries in terms of AI usage and excitement about its potential.
This contrasts with more cautious sentiment in some European and North American countries.
The report also said the Nigerian online community saw immense potential for AI in science and medical advancements:
“A significant 90 per cent of survey respondents expect AI to have a positive impact on science and medicine. This is one of the highest rates globally, highlighting the strong anticipation of breakthroughs in these fields through AI,” the report said, and onlinerd that the population in Nigeria recognised AI’s potential to enhance personal and professional development:
“Many believe AI can make people’s lives better by boosting productivity and providing access to resources. Within the Nigerian online population surveyed, there is a prevailing sentiment that supports the fostering of AI advancement rather than restrictive regulations. This suggests that those surveyed are keen to embrace innovation,” the report further said.
The survey results highlight the strong enthusiasm and optimism of the surveyed online population in Nigeria about the role of AI in various aspects of life, particularly in the economy, healthcare, and scientific advancement. The findings suggest that Nigeria’s online community is among the most enthusiastic globally about the transformative potential of AI.
Google has been pursuing AI boldly and responsibly for years. In 2018, Google was one of the first companies to establish AI Principles grounded in beneficial use and avoidance of harm. Two years ago, it unveiled its opportunity agenda, which shard concrete recommendations for governments to ensure AI benefits the broadest range of people possible.
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