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Consequences Of South-East Marginalisationll Be Huge, Says APC Chieftain Joe Igbokwe

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Lagos State, Joe Igbokwe, has raised concerns over the perceived marginalisation of the South-East zone in national affairs, warning that continued neglect of the region could have serious consequences for Nigeria. Igbokwe made the remarks in a statement posted on his official Facebook account on Saturday. “If Nigeria continues to treat the South-East as if the zone does not exist or does not matter, the consequences will be huge,” Igbokwe stated. His comments came amid ongoing debates over appointments made under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Critics have accused the government of favouring certain regions over others. A recent criticism came from Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South. Ndume warned that lopsided appointments by the current administration could have negative implications. Responding to the growing concerns, the Presidency has defended its approach, stating that appointments under Tinubu are based on merit. However, Igbokwe insisted that the issue runs deeper, referencing historical grievances. “The civil war has ended, but the scars are still there. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Neglect of SE is bad,” he added.

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Adeleke, APC Clash Over Market Revenue Collection

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the All Progressives Congress in the state argued on Sunday over who should collect market rates in local government areas. They even threatened to arrest each other. Since February, APC-elected chairmen have been in charge of local councils in Osun. But Adeleke told the PDP chairmen and councillors elected on February 21 not to go to work. Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, released a statement in which the governor asked the Osun State Commissioner of Police to stop what he called illegal tax collection by some APC council chairmen. He also accused them of forging council documents. The governor said the police should question those involved in faking documents, collecting money with fake papers, and charging traders illegally. Adeleke mentioned a specific case in Boripe Local Government. He said the chairman there set up a revenue taskforce, which is against the law. He said this act also disrespects the court, since the APC has already filed an appeal about their removal from office. In response, the APC told Adeleke to stop violating the Constitution, asking the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to order the Osun Commissioner of Police to investigate the state government’s alleged plan to attack some council officials who are working to keep order in markets using fake policemen. APC’s spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, said since February 10, when the Appeal Court in Akure brought back APC council officials elected in 2022, the state government has used several tricks to stop them from returning to work. Adeleke, however, argued that the APC chairmen are in office illegally. He added, “The same illegal taskforce officials have begun issuing the fake documents like local government Identification letters, market revenue receipts, etc., to the members of the public,” and asked the police to act before things get out of hand. He also told his Special Adviser on Security, Samuel Ojo, to work with the police to carry out his order. Adeleke said the APC chairmen were making life harder for people by collecting “illegal revenue and tax collections.” He continued, “Is this the reason for illegal occupation of local government secretariats? Is this all about extorting the people and imposing pains and suffering on them? This should stop forthwith.” He warned the public, saying, “We alert the public to this new round of illegality on a subjudiced matter. I have directed the police authorities accordingly. Forging council documents and collecting revenue illegally are punishable offences under the law. Any person caught in such act will face the full wrath of the law.” The APC denied the governor’s claims, saying the governor and his team refuse to accept that the APC chairmen and councillors were legally brought back to power by the court. APC said they have the right to supervise markets. They said, “By virtue of the Court of Appeal judgement of the 10th of February, 2025, the said chairmen and councillors cannot be said to be performing illegal duties by superintending the markets which fall within the purview of their schedule as allowed by the Constitution. “One wonders why Governor Adeleke is afraid of approaching the Supreme Court if he is angry that the Court of Appeal backed the elected chairmen to return to their office to exercise the mandate given to them by the electorate in October 2022. The governor should act decently and honourably, rather than knocking his head on the wall, pacing maniacally like a bull in a china shop.” APC asked the police bosses to warn Adeleke and others causing trouble. They reminded him that the Constitution does not give the state government power over market affairs. They added, “We resolve that the political instability which Governor Adeleke has courted in recent time, and which his faction of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has been conscripted to energize, would be given to him in full dosage if he decides to prevent the recognized, lawfully elected and reinstated local government council chairmen from performing their constitutional duties.”

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Brit Properties Celebrates 15th Anniversary

Brit Properties, the subsidiary of Brit Holdings, is marking its 15th anniversary with a celebration that combines fitness, community engagement, and social impact. In a statement, it was noted that the highlight of the event was the Brit Mini-Marathon, a 20-kilometre race designed to promote fitness and well-being while fostering unity and giving back to society. It stated, “The marathon, which will kick off from Ajah, will have runners go through Ogombo Road and connect with Monastery Road before ending at ShopRite, Novare Mall, Sangotedo. It will feature both male and female categories, and winners in each category will receive N1,000,000 for first place, N500,000 for second place, and N250,000 for third place. In addition to the race, participants and attendees will enjoy a variety of sporting activities, including fitness challenges, heavy lifting, push-and-pull contests and so on. “A key aspect of the celebration is the CSR initiative scheduled to take place under the Ajah bridge, where 1,000 people will be fed and provided with free medical interventions. Furthermore, medical support will also be available at the Novare Mall finish line to ensure participants’ well-being.” Speaking at a press conference ahead of the event, the Managing Director of Brit Properties, Dr. Bright Chimezie, spoke on the inspiration behind the event. He said, “We’ve been here for 15 years, and in considering ways to give back to society, we thought of different ideas, including supporting schoolchildren, which we often do, but this idea stood out due to its importance. We have many young people who need positive engagement, and this is one way we intend to contribute to that and inspire a change by promoting physical wellbeing.” Emphasising the company’s mission, the National Sales Manager at Brit Properties, Josephine Arowele, said, “The three basic needs of man are food, clothing, and shelter, as these needs have a direct impact on the quality of life we live. At Brit Properties, we are very particular about that. We make sure that we bring affordability, and that is what we are known for. We provide land to people at a price they can afford, with flexible payment plans. It is structured in such a way as to suit both the middle class and the lower class, as well as children through our Brit Young Landlord programme.” The Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Blessing Nwafor, added, “The Mini Marathon was set up to encourage fitness and create awareness. For us, it’s not just about being a real estate company; we’re also partners in people’s journeys, and we care about their fitness.” Meanwhile, the CEO of Fitness Religion Company, Lawal Graham, a key member of the organising team, said, ”The Brit Mini Marathon was a shared vision designed to foster community engagement and to impact and inspire the community where we live and where we work.”