News

I Lost My Senate Bid Because I Didn’t Consult God – Ortom

Published

8 months ago

October 1, 2024

editor

Former Benue Governor Samuel Ortom has attributed his defeat in the 2023 senatorial election to his failure to consult God before joining the race. Ortom, who served two terms as governor, revealed this during a courtesy visit by members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) G-14 in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Tuesday.

Reflecting on the loss, Ortom explained that he made the critical mistake of relying solely on the encouragement of his political supporters without seeking divine guidance. He acknowledged that this decision led to his electoral defeat and emphasized the importance of following God’s direction in all his endeavors.

“I lost because I did not consult God,” Ortom said, addressing the delegation. “My people purchased the forms for me, and I accepted them without asking for God’s approval. God has now revealed everything to me. He asked me to wait for Him, and I have no choice but to respect His wishes.”

The former governor further disclosed that he has no intention of running for any political office in 2027, stating that God had instructed him not to contest. According to Ortom, this divine message leaves him with no option but to step back from the political stage, at least for now.

“I’m not contesting the 2027 election. God has made His will known to me. I will wait for His direction and won’t make the same mistake I did in 2023,” he added.

During the meeting, Ortom also took the opportunity to reflect on his tenure as governor, highlighting the sacrifices he made for the benefit of the state. He mentioned that, at times, he had to distance himself from family and friends to focus on the state’s affairs. Despite the personal costs, he expressed pride in the work he had done for the people of Benue.

“I gave everything to the state during my tenure. At some point, I had to abandon my family and friends to prioritize the needs of Benue. It was not an easy journey, but I am proud of the sacrifices I made,” Ortom stated.

Despite his decision to step away from political contests, Ortom assured the G-14 members that he would continue to support the PDP and work towards ensuring its success in future elections. He expressed confidence in the party’s ability to reclaim the Benue Government House in 2027 and urged party members to prioritize unity and the collective interest of the PDP.

“No one’s ambition should be above the interest of the party,” Ortom said, emphasizing the importance of unity and loyalty to the PDP’s goals. “I will continue to support the party in every way I can.”

Addressing speculations about the status of the PDP G-14 group, which plays a significant role within the party’s structure in Benue, Ortom reaffirmed its importance. He emphasized that the group remains a vital force within the PDP, and no one, including himself as the leader, has the authority to disband it.

“The G-14 is an integral part of our party. No one, not even me, has the power to disband this revered group,” Ortom asserted.

As Ortom contemplates his next steps, he continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the PDP in Benue State, albeit from behind the scenes. With his declaration not to contest in 2027, his focus now seems to be on mentoring and guiding the next generation of leaders, all while adhering to the divine path he believes is set for him.

News

Treat Women with Respect, Not as Property, Oniru Tells Nigerian Men

Published

3 hours ago

May 21, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Huldah Shado

The Oniru of Iru Land, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal Abisogun II, has urged men across the country to stop treating women as possessions and start seeing them as equal partners in families and society.

Speaking at the third Men-Only Townhall Meeting held at his palace in Victoria Island, Lagos, the monarch delivered a powerful message on the need to uphold the dignity, rights, and voices of women.

“Men must stop viewing women as property. They are human beings with equal rights and dreams,” he declared.

The forum brought together community and religious leaders, as well as social development experts, to explore ways men can help build safer homes and communities, especially for women and girls.

Oba Lawal emphasized fatherhood as a sacred duty and called on men to continue educating themselves to better serve their families.

He stressed the vital role religious leaders must play in safeguarding women through advocacy and education.

Chairing the meeting, Chief Abayomi Daramola, the Balogun of Iru, spoke on the struggles of parenting and the crucial need for fathers to instill strong values at home.

Keynote speaker, Mr. Balogun Murtala, challenged fathers to raise boys who respect women and promote fairness, calling for an end to all forms of discrimination and abuse against women.

Pastor Olamilekan Adewale of the Redeemed Christian Church of God highlighted the power of love and positive male role models, while Mr. Deji Oluwalonimi, Ashipa of Odi Olowo, urged traditional rulers to speak boldly on root societal issues.

The gathering ended with a resounding consensus: protecting women and girls must be a shared responsibility of all, and men must lead the charge by being responsible, supportive, and respectful.

News

Kano Drug Kingpin Faces Eight-Count Charge

Published

3 hours ago

May 21, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Huldah Shado

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has filed eight-count charges against Sulaiman Danwawu, a notorious drug dealer in Kano, at the Federal High Court.

The charges stem from his arrest on May 10, 2025, by the Kano Police Command, which subsequently handed him over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.

Danwawu, previously arrested in 2022 for possession of 500 cartons of suspected Tramadol tablets, was re-arrested in Tudun Yola Quarters, Gwale Local Government Area, Kano State.

The current charges include possession of 72 grams of Tramadol, 1.7 grams of Rohypnol, 24.1 kilograms of Pregabalin, 2.3 kilograms of codeine syrup, and 28 grams of cannabis sativa.

These offences contravene Section 19 of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The arrest and subsequent charges are part of the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.

The agency has intensified its operations, leading to significant seizures and arrests across the country.

In early 2025, over five tonnes of illegal substances, including cannabis, cocaine, codeine, and tramadol, were seized during operations nationwide.

Danwawu’s case underscores the persistent challenges posed by drug trafficking in Nigeria and the authorities’ commitment to addressing them through stringent enforcement and legal action.

Judiciary

Chris Brown Freed on $6.7M Bail in London Assault Case

Published

5 hours ago

May 21, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

American R and B star Chris Brown has been granted bail by a United Kingdom court after being charged with grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with a nightclub attack in London.

The Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday approved Brown’s release on a six point seven million dollar bail, allowing the singer to continue his European tour which kicks off on June 8 in Amsterdam.

The thirty six year old was accused of violently assaulting music producer Abe Diaw at Tape, an upscale Mayfair club, during a February 2023 visit. Prosecutors allege Brown repeatedly struck Diaw with a bottle and followed with punches and kicks, with the incident captured on CCTV.

Brown’s associate and fellow artist Omololu Akinlolu, known as Hoody Baby, was also charged in the case. Both men are expected to appear in court again on June 20 and have not yet entered pleas.

With his tour hanging in the balance, the judge’s decision spares Brown from missing upcoming shows. However, the case adds to the artist’s long history of legal troubles and reignites debates about fame, accountability and justice.

Brown remains one of the most commercially successful R and B acts, despite repeated controversies throughout his career.