President Buhari Chairs Council Of State Meeting, Gowon, Abdulsalami, Jonathan Present (PHOTOS)

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February 9, 2023

Abia APC Guber Candidate, Ikechi Emenike, Other Party Leaders Pay Courtesy Visit On National Chairman (Photos) — Ikechi Emenike

The Supreme Court has affirmed Ikechi Emenike as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.

A five-member panel of the supreme court led by Tijani Abubakar on Thursday affirmed the judgment of the court of appeal delivered in December 2022.

The Abia APC had held parallel governorship primaries that produced Uche Ogah and Emenike as candidates of the party.

On May 26, the APC declared Emenike the winner of the governorship primary in the state.

On November 11, Binta Nyako, a federal high court judge, sacked Emenike and ordered INEC to recognise Ogah as the party’s governorship candidate in the state.

Both APC and Emenike had filed separate appeals challenging the verdict delivered by Nyako.

Dan Eke, another aspirant, also filed an appeal challenging the judgment of the trial judge that recognised Ogah’s candidacy.

In December 2022, the court of appeal sitting in Abuja affirmed Emenike as the party’s candidate.

In the unanimous verdict, Olabisi Ige, who led the appeal court panel, read out the names of the party members sent by the APC national secretariat to conduct the governorship primary that produced Emenike, affirming that the exercise was valid.

Another candidate, Dan Eke, also filed an appeal in which he contested the trial judge’s decision to recognize Ogah’s candidacy.

The court of appeal in Abuja confirmed Emenike as the party’s nominee in December 2022.

Olabisi Ige, who presided over the appeal court panel, read aloud the names of the party members appointed by the APC national headquarters to oversee the governorship primary that produced Emenike and affirmed the validity of the process in the unanimous decision.

Flood Destroys INEC’s Voter Enrolment Machines In Edo

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May 26, 2024

INEC Chairman Defends N18b Supplementary Budget — INEC chairman: Mahmood Yakubu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that massive flood occasioned by heavy rain has destroyed part of its state headquarters building in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Sam Olumekun, said this Saturday in a statement in Abuja.

He said due to the flood, several moveable and immoveable items, including machines being configured for the continuous voter registration exercise, which begins on Monday, were affected.

He said as a result of the incident, the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will no longer take place at the commission headquarters in Benin as scheduled.

He said the exercise earlier scheduled for the state headquarters will now take place at the Ikpoba Okha LGA office located at 16 Customs Road, off Benin/Auchi Road, Benin City.

“However, the commission is delivering additional machines from neighbouring states to make up for the shortfall. We are determined to ensure that the CVR in all the 192 wards across Edo State will proceed on Monday 27th May 2024 as scheduled.

He added that the attention of the security agencies and emergency services has been drawn to the incident.

Ex-EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde Is Dead

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May 26, 2024

Ex-EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde Is Dead — Ibrahim Lamorde

A former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, is dead.

Lamorde, a retired police officer, was said to have died after he battled an undisclosed illness.

The retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police died at the age of 61 in Egypt where he was receiving medical treatment.

A former EFCC official told our correspondent on Sunday morning that his remains would be buried according to Islamic rite.

Lamorde served as the third Executive Chairman of the EFCC between 2011 and 2015. He was first appointed in an acting capacity in November 2011 after his predecessor, Farida Waziri, was removed by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Lamorde was confirmed as the substantive chairman of the commission by the Senate on February 15, 2012.

Mr Lamorde, who was born on 20 December 1962 in Mubi, Adamawa State, attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology in 1984. He joined the Nigerian Police Force in 1986.

He was the pioneer Director of Operations of the EFCC when the anti-graft agency was established in 2003 and acted as Acting Chairman until Waziri was appointed and confirmed by the Senate in June 2008.

Lamorde returned to the EFCC as Director of Operations in December 2010 to replace Stephen Otitoju, the then Acting Director of Operations.

NIPR Abia Chairman, Felix Olunkwa Declared Missing

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May 25, 2024

NIPR Abia Chairman, Felix Olunkwa Declared Missing — Felix Olunkwa

Deacon Felix Olunkwa, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Abia Chapter, has been reported missing.

His wife, Dr. Mrs. Olunkwa, raised the alarm after her husband failed to return home yesterday evening.

According to Dr. Olunkwa, her husband had gone to repair his uncle’s car, a Toyota 4Runner Jeep (2000 model) with plate number HS 391 ABC and ash in color, at Alaojie ABA and left the mechanic’s shop around 7 pm. She spoke with him at 8 pm while he was driving home along the ABA/PH expressway. However, all attempts to reach him after 10 pm were unsuccessful, and his whereabouts remain unknown.

The family is urging the Abia State Police Command to intervene and investigate Deacon Olunkwa’s disappearance. The police are yet to issue a statement on the matter.

The public is asked to provide any information that may assist in locating Deacon Olunkwa. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Nigeria Has Stopped Bleeding Under Me, Moving To Prosperity — Tinubu

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May 25, 2024

Don’t Devalue Naira After Implementing New National Minimum Wage – Workers Tell Tinubu — President Bola Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has said that the past 12 months have been fulfilling for his administration despite the presence of some challenges that are being addressed frontally.

According to the President, his administration has been able to stop Nigeria from bleeding which will propel it to prosperity.

Tinubu spoke when he received a delegation of the Yoruba Leaders of Thought at the State House on Friday, also emphasising that governance must be transformative and must address the critical needs of citizens.

This was disclosed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement made available to Channels Television.

“It has been challenging. It has been fulfilling as well. We took over, and we stopped the bleeding. I can say categorically now that Nigeria is no longer bleeding. And it will not bleed to death, but rather will now move to prosperity. That is the promise that I made to you all, and it is also the charge that you gave to me.

“We are managing to swim through the pond. The current is not a good one. We will turn the tide. We are turning the bend. This I assure you. I am being very careful. The worst is over for Nigeria. We will prevail.

“I thank the team who have been working really hard. All I can promise is that we will do whatever it takes. We are determined, and we will work so that all Nigerians can feel the impact of good governance,” the President said.

The President assured Nigerians that his administration will ensure they get value for every kobo spent, and that his government will leave a lasting legacy of prosperity to future generations while removing the yoke of poor governance and expanding access to qualitative public goods.

“We will get value for our money, and it is not for ourselves, but for our children. Our children will not inherit the burden of bad governance. Yet, they will enjoy the prosperity of Nigeria as a blessed nation from our very hands; from our sweat. We will bequeath to them a nation full of pride and prosperity,” President Tinubu said.

President Tinubu also called for the deepening of governance and the reinforcement of leadership across all levels of government and institutions, adding that his administration is committed to encouraging fiscal federalism and strengthening the system to enhance inclusion and equity for all Nigerians.

“Healthcare upgradation is ongoing. Road rehabilitation and construction is ongoing. Education development is ongoing. I am charging you to look at what is going on in the states. Pay attention to your state governors. Tell them to take their responsibilities seriously and make the people the focus of their development plans. Once there is synergy, then I can assure you that Nigeria will be one of the best nations that you will see anywhere on earth.

“Local government administration is being suffocated. People are looking at the opportunity to ensure that they survive and become more purposeful through community development programmes. What I will not support is any effort to make the local government a unitary system by handing all core responsibilities to the federal government. That is criminal when there is a federal system.

“We have a federal system. There are state and federal administrations. We have two components. States must do whatever is in the best interest of their own process of administration. There is no one-size-fits-all. That is what we should do by looking at the revenue formula, and we must be consistent with federalism; fiscal federalism. Those are the things you should expect from me, not the knee-jerk reactions ahead of elections.

“Our population is growing. It is getting larger. The geographical requirement is getting bigger, so we still want more space for housing. The population is growing. So that is the basis for flexibility at the local government level. We must grow and expand,” the President said.

While thanking the delegation of eminent Nigerians, President Tinubu urged continuous support for and faith in Nigeria, assuring them that his government would live up to expectations.

“I can tell you that Nigeria is no longer printing paper money and deceiving itself that it has a base for survival. Nigeria went through terrible labour pains, but we have seen the baby coming out alive,” the President concluded.

In his remarks, Honourable Bayo Aina, the National Secretary, who spoke on behalf of Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Convener of the Yoruba Leaders of Thought, commended the President for his prioritization of investment in infrastructure across various sectors.

“We salute your timely initiative to upgrade, construct, and modernize the infrastructure of our nation in health, aviation, transportation, as well as the education sector. We commend you for your commitment to providing responsible, responsive, and accountable governance in this country.

“At this point, we state without equivocation our total commitment to the vision of greatness that you have articulated, which is the destiny of Nigeria, not only within Africa but globally and among the comity of nations before the end of the 21st century,” the National Secretary of the group concluded.

Benue Prohibits Public Events Beyond 10pm

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May 25, 2024

Ban On Party Activities: Benue APC Chieftain Sues Gov Alia — Governor Hyacinth Alia

It’s now an offence for families who lost their loved ones to organise wakes beyond 10 pm in Benue State.

The state has also prohibited farming on empty unfenced plots of land in front of any premises, on the street, or by the roadside within urban areas; farming on undeveloped areas of government offices or quarters or reserved areas as well as organising rallies beyond 10 pm among others.

The state governor, Hyacinth Alia, signed the executive order establishing the Department of Public Order in the Ministry of Justice to coordinate government policies and matters relating to public order on Friday.

Alia said the decision was to curb the widespread criminality and political violence such as kidnappings, murders, and intimidation against targeted groups or individuals leading to the emergency of local warlords and militia groups in the state.

During the ceremony on Friday at the Government House, Makurdi, Alia said the order was pursuant to Section 14 sub-section (2) of the 1999 constitution and Section 10 of the Public Order Act, CAP 382 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Sam Odeh, prohibited all acts in violation of public order in the state and called for strict adherence to the laws.

The proscribed public acts include ‘”disobedience to traffic rules, child labour and exploitation, all forms of prostitution, indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road dividers, open defecation and urination, demanding of marching ground levy from developers, building on water channels or structures, kiosks, shanties on the right of way, hawking or selling of goods of any kind by the roadside or on the road.

“Also prohibited is farming on empty unfenced plots of land or in front of any premises or on the street, or by the roadside within urban areas. Farming on undeveloped areas of government offices or quarters or reserved areas.

“From the commencement of the order, rallies, wakes and other forms of public gatherings should not be held beyond the hours of 10 pm in the state.”

The governor warned that any breach of the prescribed public rules would amount to a sanction between N20,000 and N500,000 fine or imprisonment, depending on the gravity of the offence.

“But any person or group wishing to hold a gathering beyond 10 pm are advised to first, seek and obtain a permit from the Department of Public Order at the Ministry of Justice,” he added.

The governor also announced the establishment of a Public Order Advisory Committee with the mandate to advise government on policies, restoration, attainment, preservation and maintenance of public order and safety in the state.

Also, a Public Order Committee was established to operate in all the local government areas by collaborating with the advisory committee and other stakeholders to enforce the prescribed public order laws.

My Reinstatement Into The Traditional Stool Was Pre-Ordained By God — Emir Sanusi

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May 25, 2024

The Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II has ascribed his reinstatement as God’s will, thanking the state government for the “rescue mission”.

Sanusi was reinstated on Thursday and received his appointment letter a day after following Governor Abba Yusuf’s signing of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 into law.

The move led to his reinstatement four years after the immediate past governor of the North-West state Abdullahi Ganduje deposed him.

At an event to receive the appointment letter from Governor Yusuf, Emir Sanusi said his reinstatement was divine.

“The Arabians used to say that in everything we witness, there is a lesson that shows us that God is there. Whatever happens to an individual is preordained by Allah, and for those who are sensible enough, it’s a lesson. God is one, and whatever He does, nobody can change, and what He doesn’t do, nobody can,” he said at the Government House in Kano on Friday just after he got the letter.

“About 10 years ago, in this same place, former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso gave me my appointment letter as the Emir of Kano. Today, after 10 years, I am here again receiving a reappointment letter from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

“Time will not permit long talks. Whatever we needed to say, we said when we were leaving. We made it clear that God has preordained the time and cause for everything and everyone. He gives leadership to whom He wants and at the time He wants. When He gives, no one can take it away, and when He takes it away, nobody can bring it back.”

‘Rescue Mission’

He also thanked the governor and members of the Kano State House of Assembly whom he said were on a “rescue mission” by reinstating him.

“My Governor and our assembly members, you will not understand the gravity of what you did for the history of Kano and the country at large. Among Kano Emirs, it started from Bagauda over 1,000 years ago. In these years, there was only once that we had an Emir, Muhammadu Koguna, who was overthrown and came back after some days. This shows that in 1,000 years, there has been no case like what happened now.

“In the northern part of this country, we have seen in different states how politicians have balkanized emirates, with a state with one Emir becoming 20, some 19. In states of northern Nigeria, there are local governments with two or three first-class Emirs, all because the system has been destroyed.

“This thing that has been brought to Kano, had it been allowed, one day we would wake up with Emirs of Kumbotso, Bichi, Fagge, and 44 Emirs. So what the government and the assembly did is a rescue mission.

Channels TV

Senator Kalu Calls For Reactivation Of Oloibiri Airstrip As Airforce Base (Video)

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May 25, 2024

Senator Kalu's Compulsory Free Education Bill Passes First Reading

Senator Oji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North, has made a passionate appeal to the Nigerian Senate to revive the abandoned Shell airstrip in Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, and convert it into an Airforce base.

The former governor of Abia, Senator Kalu argued that the airstrip’s strategic location between Oloibiri and the Atlantic Ocean makes it an ideal launching point for the Nigerian Navy’s aircraft carriers and an alternate landing pad for monitoring oil pipelines and providing security in the region.

He also emphasized the historical significance of Oloibiri as the birthplace of Nigeria’s oil industry, making it a suitable site for foreign visitors. Additionally, the airstrip can serve as an alternate airport to Port Harcourt Airport, reducing the burden on airline operators who often lose money due to weather-related issues.

Senator Kalu stressed that reactivating the Oloibiri airstrip is a timely and worthwhile investment that will benefit not only the military but also the local community and the nation at large

This development has the potential to boost the region’s economy and enhance national security. The Senate is expected to consider Senator Kalu’s motion and take appropriate action to revive the abandoned airstrip.

“We Have Learnt Our Lessons” – PDP Tenders Apology To Abians

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May 25, 2024

PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Abia State chapter has tendered an open apology to Abians for not meeting up with their expectations over the years.

The party said this contributed to its defeat in the last gubernatorial election in the state.

Addressing journalists at the PDP secretariat on Thursday in Umuahia shortly after the party’s stakeholders’ meeting, the Vice Chairman of the party, cum Acting Publicity Secretary, Abraham Amah, said the party had learnt from the enormous mistakes made, stating its readiness to rewrite the wrongs.

He said the party was committed to doing things differently this time, stressing that the lessons learnt from the mistakes would be used to chart a new course, while expressing happiness that the party across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state was still intact.

Amah, however, expressed optimism that the Abia PDP would bounce back again, especially with the lineup of political heavyweights that would be joining the party in the coming days.

Asked also to speak on the recent defection that rocked the party, the acting PDP Spokesman said it’s imperative for a tree to shed its dried leaves so as to give way for fresh ones.

The former political Adviser to Abia governor said over the years the PDP family became so big and because of lack of pudding, the party suffered so much in the last election.

“It is customary for an Iroko tree to shed its leaves during the dry season. That doesn’t mean the end of the tree, but to create an avenue for the tree to grow new leaves.

“In the past few months, our party has witnessed some shedding. It’s a necessary change which we are managing.

“Nature abhors a vacuum. People left the party, but in the coming days more political heavyweights will be joining the party to replace the ones that left.

“Once you vacate your seat, another will definitely take over. PDP remains strong, we are not deterred. We remain the party to beat come 2027”, Amah said.

Earlier during the stakeholder’s meeting, the immediate past Governor of the State, Okezie Ikpeazu vowed that the era of imposition was over in the party, adding that the party would now allow the members to choose its leaders.

Meanwhile, the Abia State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Asiforo Okere, urged the members of the party to remain resolute and continue with their support for the party.

ABN TV gathered that the stakeholders’ meeting is the first after its defeat at the 2023 polls.

Governor Yusuf Defies Court Order, Presents Appointment Letter To Emir Sanusi II

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May 25, 2024

Governor Yusuf Defies Court Order, Presents Appointment Letter To Emir Sanusi II — Sanusi Muhammadu Sanusi ll

Sanusi Muhammadu Sanusi ll yesterday received an appointment letter as the 16th Emir of Kano from Governor Abba Yusuf at a grand event that took place at the Government House in Kano.

The governor had on Thursday assented to the Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment number 2) Bill 2024 after it was passed by the State House of Assembly.

The law dethroned all the five emirate councils created by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje and repealed the deposition of Muhammadu Sanusi in 2019.

Delivering an address while presenting the letter to the reinstated emir yesterday, Yusuf said the law had come to stay and nobody could change it.

He said the new law was promulgated out of a strong conviction that it would restore the lost glory of Kano State.

According to him, the law was passed after following due constitutional processes, and the government tried to amend it to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

He said it was foolhardy for the opposition to challenge the law which according to him, was constitutionally made, and urged Kano people to remain calm as no court can change the law passed by the Assembly.

“I feel happy and elated today. I give glory to God for giving me the ability to restore the lost glory of Kano State.

“As I stand before you today, I am going to present the letter of appointment to Sanusi Muhammadu Sanusi ll.

“Yesterday we had a series of meetings with the kingmakers, members of the House of Assembly, and security chiefs before we finally signed the new law repealing all the appointments of the former emirs as well as all the district heads and other appointments made by the previous administration,” he said.

Governor Yusuf said the law was made to reinstate the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) out of the conviction that he was victimized by the immediate past administration.

While congratulating the 16th emir, the governor urged him to use his wealth of experience and knowledge to revive the glory of the Kano Emirate.

“We hope and pray at this material moment of the emirate, that you will use your wealth of experience and knowledge to revive the past glory of the emirate council.

“It is our prayer that in your new stint to be guided by Islamic teachings as you are known.

“Use your position to unite all adherents of Mal Ibrahim Dabo. Use your position to bring harmony to the emirate and the state as a whole by uniting all the Islamic sects for peace and development to continue to reign in the state,” the governor said.

After the presentation of the letter, the district heads and traditional title holders present at the event paid homage to the emir, who was expected to later enter the palace in the evening to continue receiving homage from other district heads and high-ranking palace officers.

On the court order, the governor said what they did was constitutional.

A Federal High Court in Kano had earlier issued an ex-parte order preventing him from reinstating Sanusi as Emir of Kano.

In a suit issued on Thursday before the presiding judge, Justice A.M Liman by Alhaji Aminu Bappa Dan Agundi, a leading Kano traditional title holder, (Sarkin Dawaki Babba), the court averred that the implementation and the operation of the Kano State Emirates Council (Repeal) Law, 2024 (1445 A.H) be suspended.

“An order of Interim Injunction of this honourable court suspending, not giving effect to, not implementing the operation of the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024 (1445 A.H), as they affect all offices and institutions of all the emirate councils created under the provision of Kano State Emirate Council Law, 2019, (1441 A.H).

“An order of Interim Injunction of this Honourable Court restraining the 5th to 8th respondents from enforcing, executing, implementing, and operationalising the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024.

“In the alternative to relief 3 above, an order of interim injunction of this honourable court for the maintenance and preservation of the subject matter and or the preservation of the status quo by all parties to this suit, pending the hearing and determination of the plaintiff/applicant’s originating motion before this honourable court as well as an order of accelerated hearing on this matter” Justice Liman ordered.

Respondents in the suit include the Kano State government, the House of Assembly, the speaker of the State Assembly, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, the Inspector General of Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Department of State Services.

“Parties are hereby ordered to maintain status quo ante the passage of and assent of the bill into law pending the hearing of the Fundamental Rights application,” Justice Liman stated.

The court order came a few hours after Governor Yusuf announced Muhammad Sanusi II as the reinstated Emir and assented to the amended Emirate law by the Kano House of Assembly.

Governor Abba Yusuf had ordered the five dethroned Emirs in the state to hand over the emirates to the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam, who is also the deputy governor of Kano.

Governor Yusuf argued that the new law, which abolishes the emirates created by former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, would promote unity and socio-economic development in Kano.

Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to June 3, 2024, for a hearing on the fundamental rights application. The court directed that the plaintiff/applicant may serve their originating motion and other court processes on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in Abuja, outside the jurisdiction of the court.

Governor Yusuf claimed that Justice Abdullahi Muhammad Liman of the Federal High Court sitting in Kano was in the United States when he issued an interim order against the reinstatement of Muhammadu Sanusi II on Thursday.

Yusuf, who revealed this while presenting the appointment letter to Emir Sanusi, also announced his intention to report what he described as an abuse of court orders to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

Justice Liman had issued an interim injunction restraining the Kano State Government, Inspector General of Police, the Kano State Police Commissioner, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS) from enforcing the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law 2024.

The injunction was based on a motion filed by Aminu Babba Danagundi, who holds the title of Sarkin Dawaki Babba.

But, reacting to the court order, the governor said; “The person that issued the court order was in America, but he is ordering us to stop what we are doing. This issue of abuse, I must present before the Governors’ Forum so that we can tackle it accordingly.”

He emphasized the importance of due process, asserting that his administration had acted transparently and in accordance with the law.

“We are following the due process, that’s why we did what we did openly before everybody. Those that are meant to maintain the rule of law must follow it also,” he added.

Only The Court Can Decide Nnamdi Kanu’s Fate — AGF

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May 24, 2024