Purported Attack On witnesses: Kogi Govt says it’s illogical to attack witnesses doing enough to make paymasters lose woefully in court

Published

2 years ago

March 30, 2024

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Purported Attack On witnesses: Kogi Govt says it’s illogical to attack witnesses doing enough to make paymasters lose woefully in court——The Kogi State Government has debunked what it described as a headless allegation by the Social Democratic Party that it masterminded attacks on witnesses at the ongoing Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, saying the allegation was not only reckless, but stands logic on its head.

The state government said, contrary to the propaganda of the SDP, discerning members of the public were following the Tribunal case and would know that there was no way anyone would plot an attack against witnesses that were already testifying against those who paid them to testify and doing enough to make SDP lose woefully.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications in the state, Kingsley Fanwo, said it was, however, important to enlighten the SDP that the case at the Tribunal was between parties and that the State Government, which it accused, was not one.

Fanwo, who spoke at a press conference in Lokoja, on Saturday, noted that if any attack did happen as claimed by the SDP, “it must have been stage-managed by the SDP to justify their failure to produce the number of witnesses they claimed to have in line with their modus operandi as witnessed during the campaign.”

“Why would anyone attempt or even attack a witness that has testified against those that paid him to witness for them? The discerning public is following the tribunal case and understands there is no need to attack witnesses that are doing enough to make SDP lose woefully in the law court,” he said.

The state government noted that it was absurd and incomprehensible for the SDP to continue to exhibit anti-democratic tendencies and provoke the sensibility of the people in such a reckless manner, adding that “if they are so confident in their incompetent petition, why resort to self help?”

“As a legitimate Government, we won’t be soiled in the oil of subjudice that the SDP has engaged in with impunity. We will protect all the people and residents of the State and also protect our integrity and image,” the Commissioner stated.

He said, “We wouldn’t have bothered to respond to the barking of the SDP and its leadership as the State Government is busy with governance; but it is important to set the record straight and address the minds of the public to the tradition of lies by the SDP.

“The Kogi State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Alh Ahmed Usman Ododo, the democratically elected Governor of the State, will be undaunted in its resolve to serve the people of the State rather than be entangled in the propaganda festival by a jobless and idle party.”

According to him, the Kogi State Government is unwavering in its stance on security and constitutionalism as the basic minimum in ensuring a peaceful and secured state.

The Commissioner added that it was the responsibility of the Government to protect all citizens, irrespective of their political or religious persuasions.

“To this end, the State Government did not receive any report of politically stirred crisis and therefore surprised at the blatant, false, spurious and pedestrian claims by the Social Democratic Party in the party’s usual way of whipping up sentiments and spreading falsehood to win public sympathy,” he said.

The state government stated, “It is clear that SDP’s petition is suffering an irreversible setback at the Tribunal as the comedians they presented as witnesses probably didn’t rehearse their lines well or they are falling because their claims have their foundation in fiction. It will be unacceptable for them to vent their impending failure on the State Government that is doing all it can to provide security for all in the State.

“The Kogi State Government doesn’t subscribe to violence and actions that breach the peace of the State. We will also not accept statements deliberately made to incite the people against the Government and possibly spark panic. The SDP must always be prepared for the consequences of their actions and utterances against the Kogi State Government or its officials.

“The illogic of the SDP’s claims is characteristic of a party that is desperately making efforts to hug the limelight through propaganda.

“The Governor of Kogi State is a law abiding gentleman who is working hard to consolidate on the achievements of the immediate past administration. He promised to protect all Kogites irrespective of their political and religious beliefs. His commitment to fulfilling such promises is iron cast and unimpeachable.

“For the National Chairman of the SDP to make false claims against the Kogi State Government before gentlemen of the Press is further proof of the party’s irrelevance and the reason the party is not controlling any state in the Federation. Kogi State cannot be a podium for the SDP to test its songs of division, ethnic bigotry and violence.

“We urge the people of the State to go about their normal businesses as there won’t be any chance for anyone to attack any Kogite. No stone will be left unturned to ensure peace and security in the State.”

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APFSPN Set To Host Inaugural Town Hall Meeting And Induct New Members

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2 days ago

June 15, 2026

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APFSPN Set To Host Inaugural Town Hall Meeting And Induct New Members

……APFSPN Town Hall Meeting and Induction of New Members Set for June 17

The Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria (APFSPN) has announced plans to host its Inaugural Town Hall Meeting and New Members Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture, Iganmu, Lagos.

The landmark event, themed “The Business Behind the Plate,” is expected to bring together stakeholders across Nigeria’s food service ecosystem, including caterers, restaurant owners, event food service providers, culinary professionals, food entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners to discuss the future of the industry and strengthen professional collaboration.

Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the event, the newly elected President of APFSPN, Mr. Tobi Fletcher, said the Association was established to address the longstanding absence of structure, institutional support, and unified representation within Nigeria’s rapidly growing food service industry.

According to him, despite being one of the most vibrant sectors of the economy, the food service industry has operated for too long without a coordinated voice capable of driving standards, recognition, and sustainable growth.

“APFSPN exists to professionalise the food service industry. We exist to give caterers, food vendors, restaurant owners, event food service providers, and every professional who works behind the plate a platform for growth, recognition, and collective strength.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

He explained that the theme of the event, “The Business Behind the Plate,” reflects the economic realities and entrepreneurial ecosystem surrounding food service delivery in Nigeria.

“Behind every plate of food served at an event, in a restaurant, or at a corporate function, there is a business, a dream, and a livelihood. More importantly, over 90 percent of our members are women who wake up every day to build sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy. APFSPN is here to ensure that these businesses are supported, protected, and celebrated.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

Also speaking at the press briefing, the Vice President of APFSPN, Mrs. Ibidunni Layade, emphasised the Association’s commitment to capacity building and the welfare of its members. She noted that APFSPN is not merely a professional body but a support system designed to elevate the standards of food service delivery across Nigeria.

“Our members are the backbone of Nigeria’s hospitality and events industry. What APFSPN offers is a structured pathway for them to access training, mentorship, business development resources, and a community that understands their unique challenges. This Town Hall Meeting is the beginning of that journey — a space where every food service professional can have a voice and be heard.” — Ibidunni Layade, Vice President, APFSPN

Mrs. Layade further stated that the induction of new members at the event underscores the Association’s rapid growth and the hunger within the industry for formal recognition and collective representation.

The Events Director of APFSPN, Ms. Temi Adelana, took the media through the programme of events for the Town Hall Meeting. She outlined a carefully curated agenda designed to combine ceremony, knowledge sharing, and networking.

“The event will commence at 9:00 AM with the arrival and registration of guests, followed by the opening ceremony, the presidential address, the keynote by our Guest Speaker, and the formal induction of new members. We have also incorporated panel discussions, an exhibition showcase featuring food service businesses, and structured networking sessions to ensure that every attendee leaves with tangible value and new connections.” — Temi Adelana, Events Director, APFSPN

Ms. Adelana added that the choice of the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture as the venue reflects the Association’s desire to position the food service industry within the broader narrative of Nigerian creativity, culture, and enterprise.

The event will also feature the formal induction of new members, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to building a professional body dedicated to excellence, ethics, innovation, and capacity development in Nigeria’s food service sector.

In further demonstration of the growing relevance of the Association, APFSPN disclosed that the event will attract international delegations and representatives from the Canadian Trade Commission and the Italian Trade Agency.

The Guest Speaker for the event is Former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed; Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, DG/CEO of NIHOTOUR, while the Special Guest of Honour is High Chief Lai Labode, Aare Ona of Egbaland, and other top dignitaries.

With over 500 food service professionals and stakeholders expected in attendance, the event is positioned to become a defining moment for the industry and a launchpad for stronger institutional engagement.

Calling on the media to amplify the industry’s story, Fletcher described the gathering as more than an event.

“You are not merely covering an event; you are witnessing the beginning of a movement. We urge the media to help tell the story of the women and men who feed this nation and an industry that is ready to be recognised and taken seriously.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

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21-Year-Old Woman Dies After Staff Allegedly Forget Safety Rope During Brazil Bridge Jump (VIDEO)

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4 days ago

June 14, 2026

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21-Year-Old Woman Dies After Staff Allegedly Forget Safety Rope During Brazil Bridge Jump (VIDEO)—-Tragic rope-jump accident in São Paulo leaves young woman dead as authorities detain six people and launch an investigation into safety failures.

A 21-year-old woman has died after being launched from a bridge during a rope-jump activity without being attached to the required safety rope in the Brazilian city of Limeira, São Paulo state. The victim, identified as Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, fell approximately 40 metres after staff allegedly failed to secure her safety equipment before the jump.

The fatal incident occurred at the Ponte do Esqueleto trail, a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. Video footage circulating on social media reportedly shows instructors carrying the woman to the jump platform before releasing her. Moments later, witnesses can be heard shouting that the rope had not been attached.

Emergency responders, including firefighters and paramedics, rushed to the scene but were unable to save her. She was pronounced dead at the site of the accident. Authorities say witness statements indicate a critical safety lapse may have occurred before the jump.

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Brazilian police detained six individuals connected to the operation as investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Reports indicate that some workers attempted to leave the area following the incident before being located by authorities.

The companies linked to the rope-jump operation have come under intense scrutiny as officials investigate potential negligence and safety protocol violations. The case has reignited debate over safety standards in Brazil’s growing extreme-sports industry.

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