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Fact-checking Ajayi’s and Aiyedatiwa’s claims at the Ondo 2024 gubernatorial debate

Fatimah QUADRI
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Fact-checking Ajayi’s and Aiyedatiwa’s claims at the Ondo 2024 gubernatorial debate

AT a debate organised by Channels TV on Sunday, November 3, 2024, the two leading Ondo State gubernatorial candidates spoke about their plans for the state if elected in the off-season November 16 governorship poll.

The debate, moderated by Seun Okinbaloye, a broadcast journalist and Politics Today’s anchor on Channels TV, includes discussions on the state of the economy, security, education, infrastructure, health and poverty eradication etc in the state.

The gubernatorial candidates present at the debate are Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is the sitting Ondo governor and Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The FactCheckHub verified the accuracy of the claims made by the PDP candidate, Agboola Ajayi, who was a former deputy governor of the state.

Fact-checking Ajayi’s claims at the Ondo 2024 gubernatorial debate

CLAIM 1

Ajayi claimed that there are no industries in Ondo state.

THE FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is FALSE!

This list by Nigeria Directory shows some of the industries/manufacturing companies in the state.

A keyword search on the words “Industries in Ondo state” provided search results on some industries such as OmoadeCeil Industry, Johnvents Industries limited and Emmver Industries, amongst others.

THE VERDICT

The claim that there are no industries in Ondo state is FALSE; data show that there are multiple industries operating in the state.

CLAIM 2

Ajayi said that Ondo state ministry of agriculture has no tractor.

THE FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MOSTLY TRUE!

In September 2024, multiple media platforms such as The Guardian, Punch, and Tribune reported that the Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, Olayato Aribo explained that during the late Governor Akeredolu’s administration, 30 tractors were purchased and subsequently sold to companies and individuals at subsidised rates to boost farming in the state.

He further stated that most of these tractors are now outside the state and no longer government-owned, with some sold outrightly and others under installment payment plans while noting that the state retained only one tractor.

He added that, despite this, they still plan to purchase more tractors but will, for now, expedite food production by engaging a tractor hiring company.

THE VERDICT

The claim that the Ondo state ministry of agriculture has no tractor is MOSTLY TRUE; all of the tractors were sold at subsidised rates leaving only one of the tractors for the ministry.

Fact-checking Aiyedatiwa’s claims at the Ondo 2024 gubernatorial debate

CLAIM 1

Aiyedatiwa said the 2024 edition of the Global Entrepreneur Festival would be held in Ondo state.

THE FINDINGS

Checks by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is TRUE.

In August 2024, multiple media houses, both local and international reported that the event slated for November 22-24, 2024, would take place in Ondo State.

ThisDay reports that Ondo State’s Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, at a press conference in Lagos said the festival’s theme, “Beyond Boundaries: Poverty Eradication through Entrepreneurship,” strongly reflects the state’s mission.

THE VERDICT

The claim that the 2024 edition of the Global Entrepreneur Festival would be held in Ondo state is TRUE, as it was reported by multiple media platforms few months ago.

 

CLAIM 2 

Ondo state is the second least state in terms of poverty in Nigeria.

THE FINDING

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MOSTLY TRUE!

The 2022 Multidimensional poverty index released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that Ondo was the least state with poverty at 27 percent followed closely by Lagos and Abia states.

Nairametrics also reported that Ondo state recorded the lowest MPI nationally at 0.095 with only 1.3 million multi-dimensionally poor people in the state.

THE VERDICT

The claim that Ondo state is the second least state in terms of poverty in Nigeria is MOSTLY TRUE; Ondo state is actually the state with the lowest poverty index in Nigeria, according to the 2022 Multidimensional poverty index.

CLAIM 3

Cocoa processing factory in Ondo state processes 7,000 tonnes of cocoa every month.

THE FINDINGS 

Findings by The FactCheckHub indicate that the claim is UNPROVEN!

An investigation by CrossRiver Watch shows that The Sunshine Chocolate Factory in Idanre, launched in 2020 by the state government as a government initiative was eventually bought by a private individual, Johnvents Industries after it went desolate some months later.

TheCable and Vanguard report that the late governor of the state, Rotimi Akeredolu, commissioned the factory in 2021.

A 2022 report by ThisDay notes that the factory had processed about 5,000 metric tonnes of cocoa for export, barely six months after its launch.

THE VERDICT

The claim that the cocoa processing factory in Ondo state processes 7,000 tonnes of cocoa every month is UNPROVEN, as there is insufficient evidence to verify the claim.

Doctored image showing Tinubu on sickbed circulates online

Fatimah QUADRI
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Doctored image showing Tinubu on sickbed circulates online

A Facebook user, Sokoto Birni has shared an image that purports to show the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, lying down on a sickbed in a hospital.

In the image, Tinubu could be seen lying down on the bed while a doctor examined him.

The image also had a caption which was originally written in Hausa language but was translated automatically using Google Translate to read:

“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return The strongest source that it moves but slowly.”

The FactCheckHub observed in the post’s comments section that some of the followers of the poster believed the message to be true, hence why we fact-checked them.

CLAIM

Image shows Tinubu on sickbed.

THE FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub show that the claim is MISLEADING, as the image has been doctored.

Screenshot of the claim extracted from Facebook; Insert MISLEADING verdict
Screenshot of the claim extracted from Facebook. Insert: MISLEADING verdict.

When our fact-checker subjected the image to a Google Reverse Image Search, the results indicate that the image dates back to 2018.

The original image was taken after Sunmi Smart-Cole, a veteran Nigerian photojournalist, was discharged from a Lagos hospital following a week-long stay there.

The actual Image showing Sunmi Smart-Cole in the hospital
The actual Image showing Sunmi Smart-Cole in the hospital.

According to The Guardian, Smart-Cole had been hospitalised for injuries sustained when some presidential security personnel allegedly manhandled him during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Lagos State in March 29, 2018.

The same Smart-Cole’s images were shared online during the period as seen here and here.

In addition, our fact-checker reviewed media reports around October 11, 2024 and confirmed that President Tinubu was actually in Paris, France, on a work leave then, as reported by some media outfits including Channels TV and The Cable etc. He has made other public appearances since then.

THE VERDICT

The claim that the image shows Tinubu on sickbed is MISLEADING; the original image shows Sunmi Smart-Cole, a veteran photojournalist on the hospital bed.

This report is republished from The FactCheckHub.

FCT police nab notorious car theft syndicate known for receiving stolen cars

Bankole ABE
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FCT police nab notorious car theft syndicate known for receiving stolen cars

THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT), police command, has arrested the leader of a car theft syndicate, Steven Abang, who specialises in receiving, rebranding, and selling stolen cars.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday, November 10, by the command’s spokesperson, Joseph Adeh, in Abuja.

According to the statement, on October 10, 2024, one Philemon Olaoluwa, reported to the central police divisional headquarters after his vehicle, a Honda Accord 2006 model, ash colour with registration number RBC 40 NW, was stolen.

It added that Olaoluwa’s car developed a mechanical fault, and a friend recommended he engage a mechanic from the Apo Mechanic Village, FCT, named Abdulhamid Saidu (currently at large). Olaoluwa, unaware of the mechanic’s motives, released his vehicle with its documents inside the car, but instead of repairing it, Saidu disappeared with the vehicle.

“Thanks to digital tracking technology installed in the vehicle, FCT Police command operatives tracked the car to Rayfield, Jos, in Plateau State, where it was discovered with Steven Abang, a notorious suspect known for receiving, rebranding, and selling off stolen vehicles.

“Abang confessed that he received the vehicle from his accomplice, Saidu.
At Abang’s workshop, two additional vehicles; a Hyundai Accent and a Peugeot 208— likely stolen as well, in the process of being rebranded were also discovered.

“Abang admitted to having ready buyers on standby whom he has sold over 16 stolen vehicles to in the past four years,” the command stated.

The FCT police stated that Abang is now in custody and will be charged to court following further investigations.

The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help combat car theft and other crimes in FCT.

Ondo governorship poll: Police ban vigilantes, vow tough security measures

Mustapha USMAN
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Ondo governorship poll: Police ban vigilantes, vow tough security measures

AHEAD of the Ondo State governorship election, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has assured Ondo residents of extensive security deployments and strict enforcement measures to ensure peace across the state on November 16.

In a statement released on November 10, Egbetokun outlined the deployment of police personnel and specialised units to all 18 local government areas, 203 wards, and 3,933 polling units in Ondo State. 

In addition to on-ground officers, the IGP said the police would deploy helicopters for aerial patrols and gunboats to monitor waterways, enhancing security coverage across all terrains.

He also warned political thugs and any individuals aiming to disrupt the process, saying:“They will face the full force of the law.

“The IGP has also issued a stern warning to political thugs and any individuals or groups who may contemplate acts of violence or disruption before, during, or after the election: they will face the full force of the law.

“The message is clear—those who attempt to jeopardise the peace and security of the state will not go unpunished,” the statement added.

The ICIR reported that eighteen governorship candidates on Friday, November 8, in Akure signed a peace accord ahead of the 2024 state off-cycle governorship election.

They pledged to support a peaceful and credible electoral process in the upcoming election on November 16, 2024.

The chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Abdulsalam Abubakar, oversaw the signing and emphasised the accord’s importance in promoting peace and democracy.

Abubakar urged party leaders and candidates to accept the election outcome, provided it is deemed free, fair, and credible.

He also encouraged them to seek legitimate and peaceful means of addressing any concerns that may arise after the election.

Police ban quasi-security group

In the same development, the IGP announced a ban on quasi-security groups such as the vigilante corps and Amotekun, stressing that election security is the sole responsibility of the NPF and authorised federal agencies.

According to the statement, only the NPC and federal security bodies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) are empowered to ensure safety during the election.

“Furthermore, the IGP reaffirmed the established guidelines governing election security management in Nigeria, stressing that no quasi-security organization, including state-backed groups like vigilante corps or Amotekun, will be permitted to participate in the election process.

Military raises alarm on terrorists online recruitment

Bankole ABE
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Military raises alarm on terrorists online recruitment

THE military says it has uncovered a desperate recruitment drive by terrorists, particularly the ISWAP terrorist group, on social media.

The director, defence media operations, a major general, Edward Buba, disclosed this in a statement, affirming that troop operations had severely depleted their ranks and files.

Recently, synchronised air strikes by the air force, coupled with operations by ground forces, dislodged terrorists from their enclaves, killing several of them. Specifically, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted targeted air strikes on terrorists located at Kwallaram and Arainna Cki islands in Borno State on November 6, 2024. These strikes resulted in the neutralisation of over 70 extremist members at Kwallaram, with several more killed at Arainna Ciki.

Buba reported that troops neutralised 169 terrorists, arrested 641 persons, and intensified offensives against terrorists and insurgents across the country.

Also, troops arrested 40 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 181 kidnapped hostages. The military also prevented oil theft worth an estimated N1,402,001,900.00.

Recovered items include, 192 assorted weapons.

Troops recovered additional items, including ammunition, communication equipment, vehicles and cash. These comprised 1,410 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 1,074 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 67 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 130 rounds of 108mm, 101 rounds of 9mm ammunition and 146 live cartridges. They also seized two Baofeng radios, seven vehicles, 29 motorcycles, 40 mobile phones and N729,000.

In the Niger Delta area, troops discovered and destroyed illegal refining infrastructure, including 20 crude oil cooking ovens, two dugout pits, 42 boats, seven reservoirs, five drums, 50 storage tanks and 83 refining sites.

The troops further recovered various items, such as three pumping machines, three outboard engines, a generator set, a speedboat, eight motorcycles, three mobile phones and three vehicles.

In June 2023, Malik Samuel, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), South Africa, provided firsthand perspectives on the primary factors driving the recruitment of new members by the Boko Haram terrorist organisation in Nigeria’s North-East.

Samuel, who also worked as a journalist, told The ICIR  in a phone interview on Thursday, June 7, that while there could be other factors, the group’s recruitment strategy was primarily based on religious ideology and the conscription of new members.

He noted that at its early stages, people were given two options: being killed or joining the group.

He explained that those young men were not the only ones conscripted, children in their early teens and primary school ages were also forcefully taken away from their parents and villages into the Sambisa forest for radicalisation by Boko Haram.

Samuel listed other factors, such as economic prosperity and protection from being killed by Boko Haram and security operatives, as reasons people join the dreaded terrorist group.

Man strangles newborn baby to death in Adamawa

Bankole ABE
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Man strangles newborn baby to death in Adamawa

A 19-year-old man (name withheld) has been arrested by the Adamawa State police command for allegedly killing his newborn baby in Mubi North Local Area of the state.

The spokesman of the command, Suleiman Nguroje, disclosed this in a statement in Yola on Saturday, November 9.

According to Nguroje, operatives of the command detained the suspect on Nov. 8 for the alleged murder of the three-day-old baby.

Nguroje said the mother of the baby (name withheld), who is the suspect’s girlfriend, reported the matter to the police.

“The complainant accused the suspect of murdering the three-day-old baby after she gave birth,” the police spokesperson said.

He added that a preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect impregnated the complainant, and after giving birth, she called him to come for his child. When the suspect visited the complainant’s house during the night hours, he carried the baby when she went on an errand.

The spokesman said the suspect killed the baby and buried the corpse in the Girpata area of Mubi.

According to him, the commissioner of police, Morris Dankombo, has ordered the case to be transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for discreet investigation.

A similar incident occurred in the same state in 2020 when a 50-year-old, Saidu Abdullahi, a resident of Tarawo ward in Song local government area, received a death sentence for killing his newborn baby.

This verdict came after Abdullahi was found guilty of strangling his newborn baby boy to death.

He was arrested, charged before the state high court for culpable homicide, violating section 221 of the State Penal Code Law.

On May 20, 2019, the judge, Nathan Musa, delivered the judgment, convicting Abdullahi to death. Musa emphasised that his hands were tied, leaving no option but to invoke section 221 and sentence Abdullahi to death.

Tinubu leaves for Riyadh Saudi Arabia Sunday

Bankole ABE
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Tinubu leaves for Riyadh Saudi Arabia Sunday

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday, November 10, for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attend the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit.

The president will be travelling to attend the summit, which will focus on the current situation in the Middle East.

This was disclosed in a statement posted on X by the Special Adviser to the President on
Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, November 9.

According to the statement, the summit will commence on Monday, November 11, 2024.

The statement added that the summit is being held at the invitation of King Salman and Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince, and followed last year’s summit in the same Saudi city.

“During the summit, President Tinubu is expected to address the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, emphasising Nigeria’s strong call for an immediate ceasefire and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.

“Nigeria will also advocate for renewed efforts to revive the two-state solution as a pathway to lasting peace in the region.

According to the statement, key officials, including the minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, will accompany the President.

Other members of the entourage include the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and the director general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed.

 

Bandits kill 15 in a raid on Kebbi community

Bankole ABE
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Bandits kill 15 in a raid on Kebbi community

BANDITS have reportedly killed 15 residents in an attack on the Mera community in the Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The deputy Governor of the state, Abubakar Umar Tafida, confirmed the incident during his visit to the affected community and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

Tafida reaffirmed the state government’s dedication to ensuring justice for the victims and preventing future attacks.

He emphasised the government’s commitment to collaborating with security agencies to safeguard citizens’ well-being and safety.

The Emir of Argungu, Samaila Mera, also expressed his condolences, urging unity and resilience among the people.

Confirming the attack in a chat with The ICIR on Saturday, November 9, Kebbi state police spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar, said the incident happened around 2 pm on Friday.

He said the identity of the attackers was still unknown but promised that the police command would get to the root of the matter.

“We can’t say this is the identity of the perpetrators now since the investigation is still on. Maybe after the investigation, we will know the people that did it,” Abubakar stated.

The Emir, the commissioner of police, and the deputy governor attended a funeral for the 15 victims.

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This incident is the most recent in a string of attacks on by insecurity that have affected the entire country, especially the north.

The country’s northern region has suffered a lot of devastation due to the activities of Boko Haram terrorists and banditry.

In a 2020 report, The ICIR detailed how over 600 people died in the region in six months from insurgent attacks.

Nigeria dominates 2025 Grammy nominations for Best African Music Performance category

Bankole ABE
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Nigeria dominates 2025 Grammy nominations for Best African Music Performance category

NIGERIAN music artists have made a loud statement at the 67th Grammy Awards, dominating the best African music performance category nominations.

This followed the unveiling of the nominees’ list by the Recording Academy on Friday, November 9.

The Academy released the list via an X post on Friday, November 8.

Burna Boy, Asake, Davido, Lojay, Yemi Alade, and Tems received nominations.

Specifically, Burna Boy’s “higher” and Asake’s collaboration with Wizkid, “MMS,” were recognised, while Davido and Lojay’s contributions to Chris Brown’s “Sensational” and Yemi Alade’s “tomorrow” also earned nominations, alongside Tems’ “love me, heje.”

Tems has made history as the sole African artist with three global music category nominations. Her debut album, “born in the wild” is nominated for best global music album, while “burning” competes for best R&B song.

Other Nigerian nominees include: Rema (Best Global Music Album for “rave & roses”) and Jordan Adetunji (Best Reggae Album for “bloody civilian” on Bob Marley’s “one love” soundtrack).

Burna Boy’s sixth consecutive nomination solidifies his position as Nigeria’s most nominated artist. His inaugural nomination and 2021 win for “twice as tall” paved the way for increased African representation.

Globally, Beyoncé leads with 11 nominations for “cowboy carter,” competing in record, song, and album of the year categories, plus pop, rap, country, and Americana. Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Post Malone follow with seven nominations, while Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, and Sabrina Carpenter secured sixth.

The 67th grammy awards ceremony will take place on February 2, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles.

At the 66th edition  in 2024, grammy award winner, Burna Boy performed at the event.

Aside from being a winner with several other nominations, this marked another feat as this is the second time he will perform at a grammy event.

He had previously performed his songs ‘level up’, ‘Onyeka’, and ‘ye’ at the premiere of the awards ceremony in 2020. The premiere is usually a prelude to the main awards ceremony.

The ICIR reported that the Recording Academy introduced three new award categories, which will debut at the ceremony in 2024.

Ondo governorship election: 18 parties sign peace accord

Bankole ABE
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Ondo governorship election: 18 parties sign peace accord

EIGHTEEN governorship candidates on Friday in Akure signed a peace accord ahead of the 2024 Ondo State off-cycle governorship election scheduled for November 16 in the state.

Eighteen governorship candidates in Ondo State signed a peace accord in Akure on Friday, November 8.

All the candidates pledged to support a peaceful and credible electoral process in the upcoming election on November 16, 2024.

Chairman of the National Peace Committee (NPC), Abdulsalam Abubakar, oversaw the signing and emphasised the accord’s importance in promoting peace and democracy ¹.

Abubakar urged party leaders and candidates to accept the election outcome, provided it is deemed free, fair, and credible.

He also encouraged them to seek legitimate and peaceful means of addressing any concerns that may arise after the election.

Abubakar, a former military head of state, called on all stakeholders to work assiduously in their capacities to ensure that peace reigns supreme during the election.

“And that the Ondo State off-cycle election sets a precedent for other off-cycle elections to emulate.

He urged all politicians who signed the accord to fully commit themselves and their parties to the letter and spirit of the agreement.

“Shun violence and intimidation and remember that as politicians, you must demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship, as that is a key trait of good leadership.

“So, it is the sincere hope of the National Peace Committee that the Ondo State election will be free, fair, credible, and peaceful,” Abubakar stated.

Abubakar, who commended INEC for the work done so far, called on them to continuously live up to their responsibilities in ensuring that eligible voters exercised their franchise peacefully.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, praised the NPC’s prompt efforts to unite candidates and parties for peaceful elections in Nigeria.

According to Yakubu, seven peace treaties have been signed in off-cycle elections since its commencement in 2020.

He urged security services, religious groups, traditional leaders, and others to work with the commission to ensure a peaceful election.

He reminded the gathering that signing the peace accord alone cannot guarantee a peaceful election.

“So, you have signed the peace accord; you should commit yourself to implementation and pass the message to your supporters to comply to honour the effort.

“I have said repeatedly that to honour the effort and sacrifices of the chairman and members of the NPC, we must ensure peaceful elections in Nigeria,” Yakubu said.

According to Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by Abiodun Alabi, 36,637 officers would be assigned to all 3933 polling stations and 203 wards throughout the 18 local government areas of Ondo State for the election.

“We are going to deploy four personnel to each of the polling units to protect the INEC materials, officials, and electorate during and after the election,” Egbetokun stated.

Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Ondo state governor, who is also the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Lucky Aiyedatiwa, pledged to follow the rules and laws governing the electoral process.

The peace accord is a significant step towards ensuring a violence-free election in Ondo State. With eighteen candidates committing to peace, the stage is set for a credible and democratic process.

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