Senate Declares Bayelsa Gov’s Seat, Deputy Vacant

By

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February 21, 2020

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan has declared the seats of Bayelsa Central and Bayelsa West Senatorial Districts vacant, following the election of their occupants as governor and deputy governor of Bayelsa state.

The governor, Sen. Diri Douye represented Bayelsa Central while his deputy, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo represented Bayelsa West.

Speaking at a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners RECs on Friday in Abuja, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the electoral umpire would soon pick dates for the conduct of a by-election to fill the two seats.

“In compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court, the Commission has presented Certificates of Return in respect of the Governorship elections in Imo and Bayelsa States. In the case of Bayelsa State, both the Governor and Deputy Governor were serving Senators. Consequently, the Commission yesterday Thursday 20th February 2020 received two communications from the Senate President declaring the seats for Bayelsa Central and Bayelsa West Senatorial Districts vacant. The Commission will soon meet to determine the dates for by-elections in the two Senatorial Districts”, said Yakubu. He also spoke on the forthcoming Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, warning political parties to strictly adhere to its timetable and schedule of activities as of the late nomination of candidates after the deadline would not be accepted. “As stated earlier, the end of tenure Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo are holding later in the year. Given recent experience with some Governorship elections, political parties need to do more to avoid the conduct of acrimonious primaries or failure to observe due diligence in the screening of their candidates, resulting in protracted litigations and eventual determination of the outcome of elections by orders of the court. I wish to draw the attention of political parties to two critical dates in the timetable released by the Commission a few weeks ago. Party primaries for the democratic election and nomination of candidates for the Governorship election in Edo State must be held from 2nd to 27th June 2020. The date for Ondo State is 2nd to 25th July 2020. The Commission will not extend the dates. We will also rigorously monitor the primaries and where necessary, apply sanctions as provided by law. “At the same time, the personal particulars of all the candidates nominated by political parties for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, including their academic qualifications, will be displayed in our offices in the two States as required by law. This will enable citizens to scrutinise them and take legal action against any candidate who provides false information to the Commission. The personal particulars of candidates will be displayed on 6th July 2020 in Edo State and on 4th August 2020 in Ondo State. I wish to appeal to citizens to note the dates and to seize the opportunity to scrutinise the information provided on oath by the candidates in the interest of our democracy and good governance. “Ahead of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, critical changes will be introduced to strengthen our processes and procedures. Similarly, the Commission, jointly with the security agencies, is reviewing deployment during elections. Already, the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has set up a Committee in this respect. The inaugural meeting of the Committee is holding on Wednesday next week. “As you are aware, the Commission has released the timetable and schedule of activities for the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections to be held on 19th September 2020 and 10th October 2020 respectively. Furthermore, the Commission has released the timetable and schedule of activities for bye-elections to fill vacancies in Magama/Rijau Federal Constituency in Niger State, Babura/Garki Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, Patigi State Constituency in Kwara State and Kebbe State Constituency in Sokoto State. Going by the timetable, the period for the conduct of party primaries and nomination of candidates has lapsed. Four political parties have nominated candidates for the Magama/Rijau Federal Constituency, three parties for Babura/Garki Federal Constituency, six parties for Patigi State Constituency and seven parties for Kebbe State Constituency. The elections are scheduled to hold simultaneously in the four states on Saturday 14th March 2020. “For our part, the Commission has been studying the judgements of courts arising from the conduct of recent elections. We have also been reviewing the reports from accredited observers as well as internal reports from our State Offices. We will continue to keep an eye on the conduct of our officials and apply appropriate sanctions on erring staff, both regular and ad-hoc”, he added.

Attempts by Rivers State Government to malign my name is sacrilegious – Oshiomhole

By

Alex Enemanna

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February 21, 2020

0

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has read with utter disgust a statement by the Rivers State government that he and Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, “sponsored thugs” to attack the residence of former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili.

According to the malicious statement signed by the Rivers state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr Paulinus Nsirim, the “attacks” were made because Justice Mary Odili was a member of the Supreme Court panel that gave a unanimous verdict against the APC-governor-elect in Bayelsa State, David Lyon.

This reckless defamation of the character of Oshiomhole is unbecoming of a state government that is supposed to operate under the rule of law including fairness and justice to all.

The statement is an egregious assault on the reputation that has taken Oshiomhole a lifetime to build.

For clarity, Oshiomhole was not in any way involved in the action that took place at the residence of Dr Odili, a gentleman for whom Oshiomhole has tremendous respect as a friend of many years despite political differences.

As a matter of principle, Oshiomhole condemns any harassment, Hon. Justice Mary Odili had suffered for a judgment she gave within her powers aa a judicial officer. Oshiomhole as a one-time beneficiary of judicial redress of injustice always holds the judiciary in the highest esteem and the obedience of court orders.

Dissatisfied as a party, the APC under Oshiomhole’s leadership has returned to the Supreme Court seeking the review of the judgment. That is the democratic culture to which Oshiomhole subscribes.

It would be expected that it is the police that should give an account of what happened at the residence of Dr Odili based on investigation and not the Rivers State government in Port Harcourt.

The unsubstantiated allegation by the Rivers State government is, therefore, an insult on the APC National Chairman. It is an indecent thing for a state government to do in the circumstance.

We hereby call on the Rivers State Government to toe the path of decency and withdraw the defamatory statement with due apologies.

Traders wail as Lagos demolishes 60 shops at Ikotun market

By

Alex Enemanna

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February 21, 2020

0

Some shop owners at the Ikotun market have lamented the demolition of their shops by the Lagos State Government.

60 parts of the market were demolished in order to reconstruct the roundabout and expand the road for easy vehicular movement.

Mrs Folashade Aje, who sells condiments, told NAN that the notice was given late in 2019 but they assumed the demolition would come much later in the year.

“We were duly informed but we never knew it would be this early. You know it’s just the beginning of the year, there are so many expenses. Now, I don’t even have where to trade, it’s painful,” she said.

Chibuzor James, a dealer in second-hand appliances, told NAN that he wished the demolition had happened last year or later this year.

“I knew it will happen. If it was last year, by now one would have gotten used to the changes, but the year is still new and we have this to deal with alongside other personal issues.

“I know it’s for the best but it’s painful. We can’t challenge the government, we just pray that we are compensated,’’ he said.

The Chairman Igando-Ikotun Local Government Council Development Area, Mrs Morenike Williams, said measures would be taken to compensate shop owners.

She urged all affected property owners to take any proof of ownership to the office of the Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

William added that affected owners without any proof of ownership should take photographs of their property and bring it to his office for verification.

She said the motive behind the initiative was to ease the traffic situation around the market.

“I just want to implore our people to cooperate with the contractors and in the end, we will all benefit from the actualisation of the project.”

According to the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako, the project will be completed within four months from the date of commencement.

We’re days away from finally defeating Boko Haram/ISWAP, Buratai brags

By

Alex Enemanna

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February 21, 2020

0

Following recent heavy victories and bloody nose inflicted on several Boko Haram and ISWAP hideouts and bases as well as the neutralization of many of their Commanders, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai has declared that defeating the terrorists finally and ending Boko Haram menace is just a matter of days away.

Consequently, the COAS congratulated the Theatre Commander, Sector Commanders, Super Camps Commanders, Commanding Officers, as well as the gallant Officers and soldiers serving in Operation Lafiya Dole, for their gallantry that manifested in the unprecedented successes recorded in the Theatre recently.

The congratulatory message and commendations were contained in a letter to the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi, personally signed by the COAS.

In the letter, the COAS showered encomiums on the troops and their commanders for the rare display of courage, gallantry and patriotism that led to the decimation of the leadership and ranks of the criminal Boko Haram terrorists and their affiliate ISWAP in various parts of the Theatre.

An obviously elated Lieutenant General TY Buratai said that he has never been so happy and proud of the gallant troops in their concerted efforts of ending the menace of the criminal Boko Haram terrorists’ group and ISWAP.

Buratai urged them to continue to dominate the Theatre and maintain a high standard of professionalism. He also implored them never to allow the terrorists any breathing space or freedom of action anywhere as they continued to discharge their legitimate duties.

Buratai further thanked them for the renewed efforts that brought more confidence and hope in the troops by Nigerians. He also stated that he has foreseen that with the renewed zeal, it is just a matter of days to end the menace of Boko Haram terrorists and contain their criminality.

He stated that his confidence in total victory has further been rekindled by the dogged determination of the troops on the ground.

“I am more confident now than ever before with your current robust posture that you will end the BHT/ISWAP menace in no distance time.”

He also reminded the troops that they have done it before, and they will do it again without any foreign troops around.

A statement signed by Col Sagir Musa, Acting Director, Army Public Relations quoted Lt. General Buratai further assuring the troops of his continued support and stated that the President Muhammadu Buhari is proud of their accomplishments and would continue to provide the needed support for the troops to enable them to do more.

Senate Declares Bayelsa Gov’s Seat, Deputy Vacant

By

ABN TV EDITOR

-

February 21, 2020

0

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan has declared the seats of Bayelsa Central and Bayelsa West Senatorial Districts vacant, following the election of their occupants as governor and deputy governor of Bayelsa state.

The governor, Sen. Diri Douye represented Bayelsa Central while his deputy, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo represented Bayelsa West.

Speaking at a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners RECs on Friday in Abuja, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the electoral umpire would soon pick dates for the conduct of a by-election to fill the two seats.

“In compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court, the Commission has presented Certificates of Return in respect of the Governorship elections in Imo and Bayelsa States. In the case of Bayelsa State, both the Governor and Deputy Governor were serving Senators. Consequently, the Commission yesterday Thursday 20th February 2020 received two communications from the Senate President declaring the seats for Bayelsa Central and Bayelsa West Senatorial Districts vacant. The Commission will soon meet to determine the dates for by-elections in the two Senatorial Districts”, said Yakubu. He also spoke on the forthcoming Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, warning political parties to strictly adhere to its timetable and schedule of activities as of the late nomination of candidates after the deadline would not be accepted. “As stated earlier, the end of tenure Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo are holding later in the year. Given recent experience with some Governorship elections, political parties need to do more to avoid the conduct of acrimonious primaries or failure to observe due diligence in the screening of their candidates, resulting in protracted litigations and eventual determination of the outcome of elections by orders of the court. I wish to draw the attention of political parties to two critical dates in the timetable released by the Commission a few weeks ago. Party primaries for the democratic election and nomination of candidates for the Governorship election in Edo State must be held from 2nd to 27th June 2020. The date for Ondo State is 2nd to 25th July 2020. The Commission will not extend the dates. We will also rigorously monitor the primaries and where necessary, apply sanctions as provided by law. “At the same time, the personal particulars of all the candidates nominated by political parties for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, including their academic qualifications, will be displayed in our offices in the two States as required by law. This will enable citizens to scrutinise them and take legal action against any candidate who provides false information to the Commission. The personal particulars of candidates will be displayed on 6th July 2020 in Edo State and on 4th August 2020 in Ondo State. I wish to appeal to citizens to note the dates and to seize the opportunity to scrutinise the information provided on oath by the candidates in the interest of our democracy and good governance. “Ahead of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, critical changes will be introduced to strengthen our processes and procedures. Similarly, the Commission, jointly with the security agencies, is reviewing deployment during elections. Already, the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) has set up a Committee in this respect. The inaugural meeting of the Committee is holding on Wednesday next week. “As you are aware, the Commission has released the timetable and schedule of activities for the Edo and Ondo Governorship elections to be held on 19th September 2020 and 10th October 2020 respectively. Furthermore, the Commission has released the timetable and schedule of activities for bye-elections to fill vacancies in Magama/Rijau Federal Constituency in Niger State, Babura/Garki Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, Patigi State Constituency in Kwara State and Kebbe State Constituency in Sokoto State. Going by the timetable, the period for the conduct of party primaries and nomination of candidates has lapsed. Four political parties have nominated candidates for the Magama/Rijau Federal Constituency, three parties for Babura/Garki Federal Constituency, six parties for Patigi State Constituency and seven parties for Kebbe State Constituency. The elections are scheduled to hold simultaneously in the four states on Saturday 14th March 2020. “For our part, the Commission has been studying the judgements of courts arising from the conduct of recent elections. We have also been reviewing the reports from accredited observers as well as internal reports from our State Offices. We will continue to keep an eye on the conduct of our officials and apply appropriate sanctions on erring staff, both regular and ad-hoc”, he added.

Popular Nollywood Actor Dallas, Dies In Hotel Room In Abia

By

ABN TV EDITOR

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February 21, 2020

0

Another Nollywood star actor and film maker, Frank Dallas Ebulukwu is dead.

He reportedly died in his hotel room in Umuahia, the Abia State on Wednesday, where he was attending a summit.

Following his sudden demise, the National President of AGN, Mr Emeka Rollas, has declared three days of morning and prayed in honour of the late actor.

In a statement signed by the Guild”s PRO, Monalisa Chinda-Coker, the president has cancelled all official activities of the guild at all levels for three days.

The statement reads in part: ‘With a heart full of sorrow, we announce the sudden death of the immediate past National PRO of GNU, Frank Dallas Ebulukwu. ‘

“The National President of AGN, Ejezie Emeka Rollas has declared 3 days of national mourning and prayers across all State Chapters including FCT Abuja.’

”In view of this, all official activities of the Guild at all levels are hereby cancelled for three days.”

State Chapter Chairmen are instructed to open condolence register in his honour from Monday, 24/02/2020. Monthly meeting for February is dedicated to mourning and prayers. We shall be guided accordingly while we await further directives and burial arrangements from the family.

May his gentle soul rest in peace. Popularly known as “Adedibu” or “Killer” in movie circles, Dallas who hails from Ohafia in Abia State was the former public relations officer of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos chapter.

Monalisa Chinda-Coker defeated him to emerge AGN national PRO in an election held late last year.

Notable actor and producer, Charles Inojie has described Dallas as “an effervescent spirit”.

According to him, “Nollywood has lost a crowd in one man…”

“Fathers Who Send Out Their Children As Almajiris Should Be Arrested”- Emir Sanusi

By

ABN TV EDITOR

-

February 21, 2020

0

“Every day, wives are complaining about their husbands who claim their rights but abandon their responsibilities of marriage, women being divorced with their husbands not taking care of the children and those children ending up on the streets, drugs, political thuggery, violent extremism”.

“No law that talks about consent in marriage, the rights of wives and husbands, domestic violence, rights of women divorced, the responsibilities of husbands under divorce situations, if a child is found on the streets, is the father that is responsible and can the state hold him accountable?

“Do you just marry and have children without any responsibilities?

The reason Allah sends His Prophets is that there should be justice in this world. Justice in our relationship with our maker and in our relationship with our fellow human beings.

“Justice means that everyone is given his rights. If a man takes the privilege of being the head of the family, he takes the responsibilities of being the provider of the family.
You cannot take that privilege and abandon the responsibilities.

“Is it a fact that a father has the right to force his daughter into a loveless marriage?
That you have the right to batter your wife?
Do you have the right to have children and push them to the streets to beg?

That when you divorce your wife, you ask her and her children to pack and go back to her father’s house and that is the end?

“I can spend 100 years saying that it is wrong and un-Islamic for a man to beat his wife, but it is the Governor and the State House of Assembly that should pass the law, it is the courts and the Police that will make sure that the woman gets justice. Scholars and Emirs cannot do that.

“So, the problem is these groups of human beings are those who will stand to answer to Allah if there is no justice.

“The traditional and religious leaders have an obligation to ask for justice, but those with the political powers have an obligation to put in place the processes that will make sure that these justices are complied with.”

BREAKING: Israel Confirms Its 1st Case Of Coronavirus

By

ABN TV EDITOR

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February 21, 2020

0

The virus was confirmed in a citizen who flew home from Japan earlier this week after being quarantined on the stricken cruise ship Diamond Princess.

“One of the passengers who returned home from the cruise ship in Japan tested positive in a checkup by the health ministry’s central laboratory,” a ministry statement said.

The statement added that the other dozen Israeli passengers who had flown home had all tested negative.