The National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has vowed never to step on President Muhamadu Buhari’s toes but would rather step into his shoes as the next president of Nigeria in 2023.
Tinubu also asked the Senate Caucus of the party to support his lifetime ambition to be the President of Nigeria.
Speaking on Wednesday when he met with the APC Senate Caucus at the New Senate wing, the former Governor of Lagos State said that having served as a state Chief Executive Officer and as a Senator, he has the experience and capacity to be the President of the Country.
The APC National Leader was received by the APC Senators as led by the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan in room 301.
Tinubu who hailed the National Assembly for sustaining the nation’s democracy, said that the interest of women is necessary, adding that APC is doing its best to include the interest of women.
Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has told governorship aspirants seeking to succeed him in 2023 that he can’t decide alone, but would consult with the State Working Committee of the People Democratic Party, PDP.
Ikpeazu who stated this during the grand finale of the PDP State working committee’s tour of the 17 council areas, at Mgboko, headquarters of the Obingwa council, urged governorship aspirants to acknowledge that only one person can be governor at a time and assured that the PDP would do the right thing at the right time.
The Governor explained the party’s tour of the 17 council areas would help to strengthen the PDP in securing victory for the party in the 2023 general elections and commended the state party leadership for the initiative.
Those who are interested in governorship position should understand that leadership is ordained by God. I cannot decide alone but will meet with the PDP State Working Committee to take a stand based on reports they have gathered from the 17 LGAs of the State.
In his speech, the member representing Obingwa East at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Solomon Akpulonu, assured the PDP leadership that the party has a stronghold in the council and would turn in more votes than past elections.
Earlier, State Chairman of the party, Chief Asiforo Okere explained that the party embarked on the tour of the 17 council areas to make the PDP stronger and ensure success in all elections from House of Assembly to the Presidency.
He boasted that the Governor has made the PDP proud in terms of too many projects to campaign with for the 2023 election.
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders of the party, former Commissioner for Physical Planning, Elder Godwin Nna, assured that the PDP has no rival in Obingwa council and would return 100% votes.
Obiano, Soludo Rejoice as Achebe’s Son "Dr Chidi Achebe" Bags International Award
Dr Chidi Achebe, the second son of Africa’s legendary novelist, late Chinua Achebe, has won the 2022 prestigious John and Samuel Bard Award in the United States, for excellence in medicine and science.
Obiano, Soludo Rejoice as Achebe’s Son “Dr Chidi Achebe” Bags International Award
On hearing the news, the outgoing governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, and the governor-elect, Chukwuma Soludo, expressed their delight and congratulated Dr Chidi, who is also a chief executive of African Integrated Development Enterprise.
This was contained in a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, and made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday.
“This is a parting gift to me and the Anambra people as I am about to depart office after eight years of giving my best to a great state”, Adinuba quoted Obiano as saying.
Obiano added, “Professor Chinua Achebe remains a very great man even in the grave, and it is reassuring that his children like Chidi, a medical doctor who trained in some of the best institutions in the world, is steeped in the tradition of global excellence,”
Soludo described worthy ambassador of Anambra State whose passion for Africa’s rapid development “is reminiscent of his father’s lifelong commitment to Africa’s emancipation”.
The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, commenced investigative hearing on the N2.6tn owed the Federal Government by 77 oil companies operating in Nigeria.
House Of Reps Go After 77 Oil Firms Over Unremitted N2.6tn Revenue
The House is acting on the 2019 report of the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative.
The Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, threatened that the parliament might be forced to invoke the provisions of the Constitution against company or official who fails or refuses to cooperate with the House on the probe.
Gbajabiamila noted that N2.6tn is a huge sum of money that should not be allowed to go down the drain, especially at a time when the Federal Government is experiencing shortage of revenue to fund its annual budget.
He said, “To underscore the importance of this exercise, let me make a bold statement that if there are companies or individuals that refuse to cooperate with the committee during this exercise, it may be the first time in the 9th Assembly or in the history that I will personally invoke the provisions of the Constitution and have such person arrested. That is how important this exercise is.”
The Speaker added, “There is direct nexus between revenue generation and infrastructural development. It is also very important and that is why the House, in its wisdom, decided to put in place an ad hoc committee even though there is a standing committee that works directly in this area. I expect that the deliberation will be thorough and interrogate if it is true that the NEITI report is what it is.”
According to Gbajabiamila, N2.6tn is a significant sum of money under any circumstances, stating that, “When the country is confronting significant revenue shortages, coupled with an overwhelming need to address longstanding developmental challenges, there is a greater obligation on the government to do all that is necessary to recover these sums.”
He said these were the reasons the House resolved to “investigate these debts, conduct a proper reconciliation of accounts between the Federal Government and oil companies, and urge the National Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the National Oil Spill Detection Agency, and the Federal Inland Revenue Agency to provide the data required to facilitate the recovery of debts owed to the Federal Government by the oil and gas companies.”
Chairman of the committee and Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, decried that why the government was in need of funds to finance the 2022 Appropriation Act, some oil firms were holding on to its revenue.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the United States to “do more” during what is “the darkest time” for his country.
Zelensky calls on US to “do more” to punish Russia for invading Ukraine
“In the darkest time for our country, for the whole Europe, I call on you to do more. New packages of sanctions are needed, constantly, every week until the Russian military machine stops. Restrictions are needed for everyone on whom this unjust regime is based,” he said in a video address to Congress.
Zelensky said the US should sanction all Russian politicians “who remain in their offices and do not cut ties with those who are against Ukraine.”
“All American companies must leave Russia from their market, leave their market immediately, because it is flooded with our blood. Ladies and gentlemen, members of Congress, please take the lead, if you have companies in your districts who finance the Russian military machine leaving business in Russia, you should put pressure. I’m asking to make sure that the Russians do not receive a single penny that they use to destroy people in Ukraine,” Zelensky said.
He also said there needs to be “new institutions, new alliances” to stop the war.
“We propose to create an association … a union of responsible countries that have the strength and consciousness to stop conflicts immediately, provide all the necessary assistance in 24 hours, if necessary, even weapons, if necessary, sanctions, humanitarian support, political support, finances, everything you need to keep the peace and quickly save the world, to save lives,” he said.
Two prison officers were on Wednesday killed by yet-to-identified gunmen in Okigwe town in Imo State.
ABN TV gathered that the attack which happened at the Umulolo session of the town in the morning caused panic in the area.
Security personnel who do not want to be mentioned told our correspondent that the prison officers were ambushed by their attackers.
The source said, “Two Hilux vans of officers of Imo correctional center were on Wednesday morning attacked by gunmen at Umulolo Okigwe.
“Their attackers threw dynamites on their vehicles. Two officers were killed on the spot while others were rushed to the hospital. While one Hilux van was destroyed by the dynamite the other was not affected.
“The unaffected van has been rescued and returned to base at the command’s headquarters in Owerri. The officers are attached to Operation Search and Flush established by the Imo state government to deal with crimes in the.
“They took off from Owerri in the morning and on reaching Okigwe, the gunmen who were laying siege ambushed them.”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the command, Goodluck Uboegbulem, said, “We are still accessing the situation. If you can call me later I will be able to give you the full details.”
Manchester United suffer worst trophy drought in 40 years after Champions League exit
Manchester United’s Champions League exit means they are suffering their worst trophy drought in 40 years; United’s last piece of silverware was the Europa League in 2017 under Jose Mourinho; a win rate of 45 per cent in all competitions this season is their lowest since the 1989-90 campaign
Manchester United suffer worst trophy drought in 40 years after Champions League exit
Manchester United are suffering their worst trophy drought in 40 years after being knocked out of the Champions League by Atletico Madrid.
Defeat in Europe means the earliest United can achieve silverware is by winning next season’s League Cup final, which is due to take place on February 26, 2023.
With 2017 the last time United won a major trophy, they are now on their longest drought in four decades. After victory in the 1977 FA Cup, they had to wait until 1983 for their next triumph when they won the competition again.
United’s win rate of 45 per cent in all competitions this season is their lowest since 1989-90.
Manchester United have not won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013
Since former manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, United have lifted just three pieces of silverware. The FA Cup under Louis van Gaal in 2016, and the League Cup and Europa League under Jose Mourinho the following year.
After the high-profile arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho last summer, United were expected to mount a serious challenge for trophies this season, but they quickly fell behind rivals Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League and now face an uphill struggle to finish in the top four.
May 24, 2017. The last time Manchester United won a major trophy.
April 22, 2013. The last time Manchester United won the Premier League.
Under Sir Alex Ferguson, United never went more than three seasons without winning the Premier League title. For those who grew up knowing nothing else but endless success under the Scot, it is therefore understandable to view the current run of eight years following his retirement as a catastrophe.
But for a club and institution the size of United, that’s exactly what it is. Since his departure, United have lifted just three major trophies in nine seasons.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was tasked with restoring United to former glories when he replaced Jose Mourinho in 2018, but a mammoth penalty shootout loss to Villarreal in last season’s Europa League final was the closest he came before eventually being sacked later that year.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November and replaced by Ralf Rangnick after failing to win silverware
Attention then turned to interim boss Ralf Rangnick, but a shock FA Cup defeat by Middlesbrough ended United’s best chance of winning silverware in what has been – to put it mildly – a disastrous 2021/22 campaign.
It is now half a decade since United last won a major trophy – their longest drought in 40 years.
Liverpool waited 30 years for a top-flight title. It will already be 10 if United fall short in the league next season and although it might be a stretch to suggest they are on the same path, history has a strange way of repeating itself.
On current evidence, United’s barren streak looks set to continue for a while yet.
A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, dismissed a motion filed by leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, for the Director-General of the Department of States Services, DSS to give oral evidence on his state of health.
Nnamdi Kanu
Justice Taiwo Taiwo, in the ruling, held that fundamental rights cases are special cases “sui generis” which mode of commencement is affidavit evidence as prescribed under Order 2, Rule 2 of the Fundamental Human Right Enforcement Procedure Rules, 2009.
Justice Taiwo said that though there were various modes of commencement of action, including fundamental right cases, Kanu (applicant) chose to commence his “under the Fundamental Right Enforcement Procedure Rules that stipulate affidavit evidence.”
He ruled that after carefully perusing all the affidavits of the applicant and the respondents before him, he was of the view that there were no irreconcilable conflicts in the affidavits.
The judge, therefore, declined to grant Kanu’s application and was accordingly dismissed.
Taiwo adjourned the matter until April 13 for the hearing of the substantive application.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Justice Taiwo had, on March 7, fixed today for the ruling on Kanu’s motion, filed by his lawyer, Maxwell Opara.
Opara, in the application, prayed the court to direct the DSS DG and the IPOB leader to appear before it to give oral evidence regarding the health condition of the latter.
NAN reports that Kanu, through his lawyer, had, in a fundamental rights enforcement suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1585/2021, sued the DG of DSS and the office as 1st and 2nd respondents respectively.
He also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as 3rd respondent in the suit dated and filed Dec. 13, 2021.
Opara had alleged that the health of his client was deteriorating in the DSS custody, among others.
Opara had filed a motion on notice dated Feb. 14 and brought it pursuant to Section 116 of the Evidence Act.
He argued, in the last adjourned date, that there were conflicts in the counter affidavit filed by the DSS and that only oral evidence of the DG and Kanu could clarify the issue.
“We want to call Kanu and director-general of DSS to testify,” he said.
But the DSS, through its counsel, Idowu Awo, disagreed with Opara.
He argued that while the judge had powers to call oral evidence of parties, Kanu’s lawyer had not shown how the doctors attending to his client were doing “quack” work.
He further argued that merely stating that the medical doctors his office assigned to attend to Kanu were quacks did not amount to conflict.
“It is important to note that the applicant has not denied the above assertion by the respondents neither has he shown by material particulars that the listed medical practitioners are quacks.
“The onus lies on the applicant via a further affidavit,” he said.
He prayed the court to discountenance the application.
“We humbly urge that the application be thrown away and let us go into the substance of the case,” he said.
Also in the counter affidavit dated Feb. 24, Awo argued that it was common knowledge that Kanu was currently standing trial on a 15-count charge bothering on terrorism before a sister court.
He also argued that it was common knowledge that Kanu was earlier granted bail by the trial court, presided over by Binta Nyako, but he jumped bail.
He said he was re-arrested and re-arraigned before the judge. Awo said that there was no court order in existence anywhere “which is to the effect that applicant (Kanu) should have unrestricted access to his personal physician while in the facility of the 1st and 2nd respondents.
“If there is such order, the applicant has the option to produce same in a further affidavit.”
He said that refusal to grant this application would not prejudice Kanu’s case in any way.
The AGF’s lawyer, Simon Enoch, also corroborated Awo’s submission. He said there was no material conflict in the affidavits of fact submitted before the court. He prayed the court to reject Opara’s plea.
A human rights group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA has carpeted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in what it called latest round of forum shopping and targeted political persecution on the most senior South Eastern Political office holder in the current administration, Chief Whip of the senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
HURIWA said it is inconceivable that the anti-graft agency will devote a lot of man-hour and resources chasing shadows because it has a preconceived political agenda to demarket the most influential political leader of the National ruling party who is a pole’s position to clinching the prestigious Presidential flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress in a sinister plots to deny the Igbo religion of the historic opportunity of becoming an executive President of a United Nigeria.
“The latest application made by the EFCC praying the Abuja division of the Federal High Court to transfer the fresh trial of former Abia State governor over alleged N 7.1 billion fraud to Lagos State smacks of desperate forum shopping by an agency that is so much in a dead hurry to politically harass the chief whip of the senate to quit his presidential aspiration in favour of the political Godfather of some powerful forces embedded within the hierarchy of the EFCC,” the group said in a statement.
HURIWA also tasked the EFCC to tell Nigerians What the logic is in seeking to transfer the trial of a matter alleged to have happened in Abia State, South East of Nigeria to Lagos State as if the South East has become the outpost of the South West of Nigeria? This is provocative as well as vexatious.”
“We in the civil Rights Community hereby condemns the hierarchy of the EFCC for the undue interest and desperation to terminate the political rise of a phenomenal political leader who had previously been cleared by the nation’s apex court of having anything to do with this politically coordinated and calculated persecution to rubbish the presidential ambition of the most prospective candidate of Igbo origin”.
HURIWA recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC on Thursday last week asked a Federal High Court in Abuja to transfer to its Lagos division, the fresh trial of former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and two others in an alleged 7.1 billion naira fraud.
The motion on notice seeking the transfer was brought pursuant to sections 18, 19, 22 and 45 of the Federal High Court Act 2010 and section 93 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
The motion prayed for an order of the Federal High Court in Abuja, transferring the case with charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/56/2007 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Orji Uzor Kalu and two others to the Lagos division of the court.
Two others on the motion paper are Jones Udeogo and Sloks Nigeria Limited, an alleged family company of Senator Kalu.
Oluwaleke Atolagbe, counsel to EFCC said the motion was predicated on 5 grounds among which are that the Abuja division of the Federal High Court lacked the requisite territorial jurisdiction to entertain and try the defendants in the instant charge.
Another ground for seeking transfer of the trial was that the charge was preferred against Orji Uzor Kalu, Slok Nigeria Limited and Ude Jones Udeogu at the Federal High Court Abuja sometime in number 2007 by the EFCC, following an investigation by the commission.
The motion further indicated that after taking their plea, the defendant brought an application challenging the competence of the charge and contending that there was no prima facie case against them.
It was also contended that following the decision of the Supreme Court that many of the ingredients of the offences against them occurred in Lagos and even most of the witnesses who are bank workers reside in Lagos, the EFCC applied to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to transfer the matter to Lagos.
Satisfied that many of the ingredients of the offences occurred in Lagos the Chief Judge transferred the case to the Lagos division of the court where the defendants were prosecuted and judgment delivered in the matter.
He, therefore, asked Justice Ekwo to issue an order transferring the trial to Lagos in compliance with the Supreme Court order.
When the matter came on Thursday, Justice Inyang Ekwo said that he would not be able to take the application in view of the approaching Easter holidays.
The Judge consequently fixed May 17, 2022 for determination of the application.
At the proceedings, Prof. Awa Kalu SAN stood for former governor Kalu, Mr Solo Akuma SAN stood for Jones Udeogu while Goddy Uche SAN, stood for Slok Nigeria Limited.
HURIWA said it was worried that the EFCC is seeking to prosecute the Chief whip of the senate twice over the same matter in which a Judge who got elevated to the Court of Appeal chose to hang on as a Federal High Court judge and ended up passing a preconceived verdict against the former governor of Abia State senator Orji Uzor Kalu- a judgment that was torn into shreds by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
As the March 26 date of the APC National Convention draws nearer, a group, Movement for Progressives Development (MPD), has warned members of the party not to allow serving members of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) to be elected as substantive members of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
According to the group, electing them into the NWC of the APC may lead to a serious crisis, anarchy, and dissatisfaction.
The group stated this in a statement signed by its Director-General, Comrade Muhammad Ibn Aliyu, Wednesday in Abuja, saying that members of the current CECPC should be prevented from purchasing from any office.
“For the sake of morality, fairness, and transparency, members of the Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, CECPC, should not be allowed to purchase any form for any office in the NWC of the APC.
“We are appealing to the Leader of the party, President Muhammadu Buhari, Progressives Governors’ Forum, National Assembly Caucus, and other caucuses of the party to intervene. No position should be allocated to any serving member of the CECPC, be it from the North-East, South East, South-South, or South-West. They have done their job, and we expect them to go.
“Some of them almost destroyed the party by instigating crisis in some states just to be retained into the NWC. These people should be weeded out by loving members of our great party. Electing them would lead to a serious crisis, dissatisfaction and anarchy; This may lead to a serious crisis,” the group said.
