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Oyo Govt Threatens To Sue Sahara Reporters Over Alleged N998m Contract Inflation Report

Published

4 years ago

April 3, 2022

Editor

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said his administration will sue an online media outfit, SaharaReporters, for the alleged false publication of exercise books contract.

The governor said he read the online publication where it was claimed that the exercise books contract awarded to the Chairman of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, was inflated to N998m but described it as a campaign of calumny aimed at him.

Makinde, who said this at the 1st anniversary of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, held on Saturday, stressed that anyone qualified and who could add value to the state would be supported by his government.

The governor, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, congratulated the management and staff of the radio station and hailed its chairman, Hamzat, for his commitment to the emancipation of the masses, a quality, which he noted, brought him [Makinde] and Hamzat together.

Makinde charged the media to be wary of being used to play politics of bitterness, stating that though he and not Oriyomi was the target of the smear campaign, the claim was untrue and unfounded.

He said, “Let me also say this. Yesterday, I read of an allegation on the internet that Oriyomi Hamzat inflated a contract amounting to N998m to supply exercise books. I am very sure they were trying to smear me, not Oriyomi but they are afraid of confronting me directly.

“Well, let me tell you the truth of the matter; such never happened. Anything you hear from me is nothing but the truth. If they don’t know where we are coming from, they know where we are going.

“What will happen is, I will encourage Oriyomi to sue them and settle the case in court. And, as a state government, we will sue SaharaReporters for the false publication. By the time we are done with them, they will stop publishing false reports about the government of Oyo State.

“It is unfortunate they are engaging in politics of bitterness. Nobody will stop them from doing politics but they should do politics based on truth and fact. If they are embittered that the government gave the contract to Oriyomi Hamzat, is he not from Oyo State? If anyone around me is qualified and can do what will add value to the people of Oyo State we will patronise such people.”

The governor said the youthful energy of most of the members of staff of the radio station and their commitment to excellence was responsible for the rapid growth recorded by the station in just one year of its existence.

PUNCH

Related Topics:#Seyi Makinde Oyo Govt Sahara Reporters

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Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

2 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

3 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

4 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.