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

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.

South East Development Commission Assent: President Tinubu’s Legacy As A Progressive Unifier

By

ABN TV EDITOR

-

April 18, 2024

South East Development Commission Assent: President Tinubu's Legacy As A Progressive Unifier — His Majesty Eze Dr Frank Osita-Chuks

In the annals of history, few moments shine as brightly as those when leaders rise to meet the needs of their people with decisive action. Such moments of true leadership that shine as beacons of hope, guiding a nation toward unity, progress, and prosperity.

Today, we stand on the cusp; at the threshold of such a moment in Nigeria’s journey towards unity and progress, as we await President Tinubu’s assent to the South East Development Commission bill.

This monumental legislation, championed by the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ben Okezie Kalu with other progressives; and inspired by the enduring promise of Restoration, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation (3R) as promised after the civil war, holds within it the seeds of transformation and inclusion for the long-felt marginalized people of the South East region.

The pledge of the 3R echoed through the corridors of time, a beacon of hope for people yearning to rebuild their lives, their communities, and their futures. Yet, that promise remained unfulfilled, relegated to the realm of aspirations rather than tangible realities.

Now, with the South East Development Commission bill poised for enactment, President Tinubu stands at the precipice of history, with the power to turn that promise into reality; a living testament of National Unity and Progress.

President Tinubu’s tenure has been marked by a steadfast commitment to progressive ideals and a tireless pursuit of national unity. As a visionary leader, he has consistently sought to bridge divides, foster inclusivity, and pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all Nigerians. His willingness to champion initiatives like the South East Development Commission underscores his unwavering dedication to the well-being and advancement of every region within the nation.

By acceding to the South East Development Commission bill, President Tinubu has the opportunity to leave an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history as a unifier and a catalyst for positive change. His leadership transcends political boundaries, as he embraces the collective aspirations of a nation striving for equitable growth and development. Through his progressive policies and inclusive governance, President Tinubu has demonstrated time and again that he is a leader who leads not by words alone but by bold and decisive action.

Moreover, President Tinubu’s endorsement of the South East Development Commission bill will reaffirm his status as a statesman of the highest order. His ability to rise above partisan interests and prioritize the common good exemplifies the kind of leadership that inspires confidence and trust among the Nigerian people. In a time marked by uncertainty and division, President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to unity and progress serves as a beacon of hope, guiding the nation toward a brighter future.

The South East Development Commission transcends regional interests to embody the collective aspirations of a nation striving for equitable growth and development. Its establishment heralds a new era of cooperation and synergy, where the strengths of each region are harnessed for the greater good of the entire country. By investing in the restoration, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the South East, Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to the principles of justice, equity, and inclusivity upon which our nation was founded.

Rt. Hon Ben Kalu’s tireless advocacy for this bill has earned him the esteemed status of a statesman, not only within the South East but across the entire nation. His unwavering dedication to unity and progress exemplifies the spirit of leadership that defines our collective journey toward a more prosperous and harmonious Nigeria.

As we await President Tinubu’s historic decision, let us recognize the pivotal role he plays in shaping Nigeria’s destiny. Let us commend his progressive vision, his unwavering dedication to unity, and his steadfast leadership in advancing the South East Development Commission bill. In doing so, we honor not only his legacy but also the collective aspirations of a nation united in its pursuit of a better tomorrow.

By lending his support to this bill, President Tinubu will not only be writing his name in the hearts of the people of the South East but also etching his legacy as a unifier, a visionary leader committed to the well-being and prosperity of all Nigerians, regardless of geographical or ethnic divides. it is a profound testament to his leadership, his vision, and his unwavering commitment to the unity of our dear country Nigeria

In this watershed moment in our nation’s history, a chance to turn the tide of neglect and division into a tide of progress and unity., Let us rally behind the President in support of this historic initiative, and together, we shall build a nation where every region thrives, and every citizen flourishes.

His Majesty
Eze Dr Frank Osita-Chuks
Mkpam III of Umutu Ancient Kingdom

Investigate The Activities Of Wike During 2023 Elections, Clark Tells PDP

By

-

April 18, 2024

Lack Of Trust Tearing Nigeria Apart, Says Edwin Clark — Chief Edwin Clark

AS the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP holds its National Executive Committee, NEC meeting today, former Federal Commissioner for Information and South South Leader, Chief Edwin Clark has called for the setting up of a Disciplinary Committee that will be saddled with the responsibility of probing the anti-party activities of former Governor of Rivers State and others whose roles led to the failure of the PDP in the 2023 elections.

Clark described Wike who is presently the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA as the greatest enemy of the PDP, manipulating it, with an intent of destroying it.

He added that his anti party activities must be dealt with decisively, by setting up a strong disciplinary committee made up a strong people with resilience to resist pecuniary gains.

In a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, the Elderstatesman has also called for the immediate dissolution of the present National Working Committee, NWC of the PDP for what he described as their anti-party activities.

Clark’s statement is titled, ” As the National Working Committee, (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) meets: A Poser- PDP: To be or not to be?”

The Leader of Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF said that after the dissolution of the NWC, an Acting National Chairman should be appointed in accordance with the Constitution of the party, adding that there was a precedence during the tenure of Prince Uche Secondus, who was still in court, when the party appointed another Acting National Chairman.

According to the Leader of Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, SMBLF, the party should immediately revisit the on-line registration of its members as it was initiated by the then National Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, to save the party from depending on individuals, just as he said that some overzealous members of the party have hijacked it for their selfish gains.

Clark has warned the party that if the former Vice President and the 2023 Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar is made the candidate for 2027 elections, PDP will collapse as the second principal party in the country today.

Clark said, ” I know that many people who read this article will say to themselves that they thought Chief Edwin Clark said he has retired from active and partisan politics. Yes, I said I have resigned from partisan and active politics. But it was one of the famous philosophers Aristotle, who said “Man is by nature a political animal.” He went on to narrate that because no human can flourish on their own, there is a natural tendency of man to partner with their fellow men.

“And one of these partnerships is that relating to polis, which is the Greek word for community; from where is derived political partnership. Therefore, for as long as Almighty God keeps me alive, both physically and mentally, I will continue to speak on governance and political matters, especially when it is tending to adversely affect our nation.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was set up by leaders of like mind who assembled in the nation’s capital, Abuja, on 28th July, 1998, to work together “for the speedy restoration of democracy, achievement of national reconciliation”, amongst others. Some of us joined immediately the idea of such an egalitarian political party was enunciated, because we felt that was what our dear country needed and still needs.

“But what has happened today? Some overzealous members of the party have hijacked it for their selfish gains. Some of us have been shouting and warning against this. I recall that in order to avoid “money bags” taking over the party, instead of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, as provided by its Constitution, a one-time National Chairman of the party, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Governor of Enugu State, during his tenure, proposed in accordance with the party’s provisions, payment of membership dues by all members with which the party will be run. He denounced the issue of deep pockets taking over the party when in his acceptance speech in 2010 stated “Needless to say, we need money to prosecute our elections but I can assure you that Ghana-Must-Go bags will not be needed at the National Secretariat of PDP in order to win primary elections. There will be no room for cash-and-carry democracy in the PDP because it is the bane of true democracy.

” My sincere advice to the members of the party’s NWC which is composed of notable politicians, is that they should be courageous enough to: Set up a Disciplinary Committee to investigate the anti-party activities, particularly the roles played by some members which led to the failure of the PDP in the 2023 elections;

“To dissolve the existing NEC of the party for their anti-party activities;

“To appoint an Acting National Chairman in accordance with the Constitution of the party. This was what happened during the tenure of Uche Secondus, who was still in court, when the party appointed another Acting National Chairman;

“The party should immediately revisit the on-line registration of its members as it was initiated by the then National Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, to save the party from depending on individuals, because as they say, he who pays the piper, dictates the tune.”

Earlier, the Elderstatesman said, “Rumours have it that Atiku is already preparing for the 2027 presidential election. If this is allowed, PDP will collapse as the second principal party in the country today. While no one is contesting his right of contesting or indicating interest for the presidency of the country as many times as he wishes, which as the last count is up to five times, he should also know that fair play is the bedrock of the game.

“Another person that also seems to be holding or going for the jugular of the PDP, is Barr. Nyesom Wike. Honestly, I lack words to describe his actions. The nearest description I can give for his actions is political androgynous, he is neither in PDP or APC. He seems simply acquisitive, and the greatest enemy of PDP, manipulating it, with an intent of destroying it.

“Most of us supported Barr. Wike in his agitation against Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. But he has gone too far in causing tragedy in PDP. His anti party activities must be dealt with decisively, by setting up a strong disciplinary committee made up a strong people with resilience to resist pecuniary gains, who are courageous to investigate his activities, and that of any other person/persons suspected to engage in anti-party activities. The seeming contest for the soul of the PDP between himself and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is not only ridiculous but a negation of the ideals for founding the party.

“Even though Nyesom Wike, had a good case considering what transpired during the last presidential primary election of the PDP, he has crossed the red line. Today, he is dancing naked in the market. He regards himself as the leader of both the PDP and APC in Rivers State, and that is why I described him as someone who can be referred as a political androgynous; an acquisitive person. Wike used his influence on APC National Chairman, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, to set up a caretaker committee of the party in Rivers State under the leadership of Mr. Tony Okocha, a position he, Mr. Okocha, sees as an opportunity to deride, harass and attempt to humiliate an elected Executive Governor of the State, Siminalayi Fubara.

“The story is the same in PDP in the State; where Barr. Wike recently removed the State Chairman, and recommended him for a federal appointment. Now, with his control of PDP and APC in Rivers State, he has appointed some APC members as caretaker committee members of the party in Rivers State.

“Is Nyesom Wike only waiting for the appropriate time to destroy the PDP and become a full fledge member of the APC? It is alleged that it is the same Barr. Wike who sponsored the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, to defect from the PDP to the APC, using the National Secretary of the Party, who was in court as the reason and that PDP has split.

“Even though these members in accordance with constitutional provisions have lost their seats in the House as a result of their defection to another party when there was no crisis in the party on which platform they were elected, Wike is retaining them with the support of Mr President, to the extent of threatening to impeach the Executive Governor, Siminalaye Fubara.

” I will, at this juncture, like to repeat the question I asked in the book I am writing on PDP, ‘Whither PDP: to be or not to be?’. The inordinate ambition of Their Excellencies Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Barr, Nyesom Wike, to be president of the country, will kill the party. These two seem to prefer to use their personal funds to establish their leadership, not because of their love for the party. PDP wake up! This is a clarion call.

“It is true that for some time the party had no funds, particularly the time between Ahmed Makarfi and Ali Modu Sheriff. Nyesom Wike was the only Governor who financially supported the party. Again, in his usual manner, he insulted and humiliated the party. He dared them not to hold the party convention in Port Harcourt. The party kowtowed to him. Even after that, he continued to harass and intimidate the party. For instance, he sponsored Uche Secondus to be the national chairman of the party against the wishes of most other members. The same Barr. Wike later on instigated and sponsored the removal of Uche Secondus, two months before the party’s National Convention.

“Barr. Wike’s engagement in brash politics seems to be affecting members of the party including the party’s Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Iliya Damagum and the National Secretary, who take instructions from Barr. Wike. Hence, the sixty members on the platform of the party in the House of Representatives, are calling for the resignation and or removal of the Acting National Chairman.”

Transfer: Osimhen Would Be A Fantastic Signing For Liverpool – Nicol

By

-

April 18, 2024

Transfer: Osimhen Would Be A Fantastic Signing For Liverpool – Nicol — Victor Osimhen

Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has reckoned Victor Osimhen will be a fantastic replacement for Mohamed Salah.

Salah, according to report could be a target for Saudi Pro League clubs this summer, as the Reds consider his future.

Reigning Saudi champions Al-Ittihad made a reported £150 million offer for the Egypt international last September.

Another Saudi club, Al Hilal are also now reportedly interested in the former Chelsea player.

Nicol has urged his former club to bring in Osimhen as Salah’s replacement.

“The fact that Salah will leave, regardless of whether it will be this year or next, Osimhen? I think he would be fantastic for Liverpool,” Nicol told ESPN.

Osimhen is expected to leave Serie A champions, Napoli this summer.

He has already been linked with other Premier League clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal.

NPA Secures $700m For Tincan Island, Apapa Lagos Ports Rehabilitation

By

-

April 18, 2024

NPA Secures $700m For Tincan Island, Apapa Lagos Ports Rehabilitation

The Nigerian Ports Authority has secured a $700 million loan from Citibank and funded the United Kingdom Export Finance to rehabilitate the Apapa and Tincan Island Ports in Lagos.

The Managing Director of the NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the loan mandate letter would be sent to the Debt Management Office for final review and approval.

He said NPA had opened discussions with another funding agency to finance the upgrading of the Eastern Ports, including Calabar, Warri, Onne, and Rivers Ports, and the reconstruction of Escravos Breakwater.

“Currently in Nigeria, importers or exporters fill 30 to 40 forms for one transaction, but the Port Community System would reduce the numbers of forms, human interference and ensure speedy clearance process in or out of the country,” the NPA boss added.

Navy Dismantles 60 Illegal Refineries In Niger Delta

By

-

April 18, 2024

Navy Dismantles 60 Illegal Refineries In Niger Delta

The Eastern Naval Command, ENC, of the Nigerian Navy has deactivated 60 illegal refinery sites in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region between January to April 2024.

Flag Officer Commanding of ENC, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande also disclosed that they seized and destroyed about 293,900 litres of illegally refined AGO during the period.

Speaking to journalists in his office in Calabar, the FOC also stated that they recovered 412,000L of stolen crude oil.

The FOC said Operation Delta Sanity was responsible for the feat recorded within four months.

“Operation Delta Sanity has recorded some remarkable achievements since its launch by the Chief of Naval Staff in January this year.

“Some of these achievements include but are not limited to increase in Sea patrol time to about 1,752 hours and a cumulative patrol time of about 45,540 and 30 hours across the bases by boats and air assets respectively.

“There have been robust riverine patrol and clearance operations resulting in the arrest of several suspects, destruction of several wooden boats and recovery of illegal bunkering equipment,” he said.

He also maintained that navy anti-smuggling efforts had boosted, explaining that it led to the interception of smuggled parboiled rice, as well as petroleum products.

According to him, “as a result of the navy’s intensive and deliberate actions against illegal bunkering, there has been improved crude oil production capacity by 5.85 per cent from 1.55mbpd to 1.64mbpd as attested to by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission.

“The operational objectives of OP Delta Sanity is to further curtail the activities of Illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism syndicates and other crimes in the nation’s Niger Delta Region.

“It has denied illegal bunkering syndicates freedom of action, including the dismantling of several Illegal Refining Sites and arrest of suspects/vessels alike.”

Invasion: Oyo Govt Demolishes House Of Yoruba Nation Agitators, Alleged Sponsor

By

-

April 18, 2024

Invasion: Oyo Govt Demolishes House Of Yoruba Nation Agitators, Alleged Sponsor — Seyi-Makinde

Oyo State government has demolished a building belonging to Modupe Onitiri-Abiola, one of the alleged sponsors of Saturday’s attack on the government secretariat.

ABN TV reports that some people who claimed to be Yoruba nation agitators had on Saturday stormed the Secretariat in a bid to take over the House of Assembly.

The government has now taken action by demolishing the building where Onitiri-Abiola allegedly declared Yoruba nation.

The building, according to sources, was demolished on Wednesday.

Fatai Owoseni, Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Seyi Makinde, confirmed the development to journalists on Wednesday.

Owoseni in a brief telephone conversation said, “You can get more details from the Commissioner of Police”.

African Economy Can’t Industrialise In Darkness — AfDB President

By

-

April 18, 2024

President, African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, has said that no economy can industrialise in darkness, underscoring the importance of electricity in growing the fortunes of any nation.

In appreciation of the need to electrify Africa, Adesina said that the World Bank Group and the AfDB are collaborating to provide energy access to 300 million Africans by 20230.

Adesina and the World Bank President, Ajay Banga made the pledge at the Energising Africa session at the ongoing Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank in Washington DC.

The two corporate leaders said Africa was where the energy battle will be won or lost.

Adesina said electricity supply remained the most important factor in the quest to industrialise the continent.

According to him, “No economy can industrialised in the dark. No economy can be competitive without energy”, adding that many Africans have been forced to accept lack of electricity as normal development.

He said, “When Ajay came to see me in Abidjan, we agreed on two things. First, let us solve Africa’s problem of energy. Second, let Africa feed herself.

“We spend a lot of money trying to create jobs. You can’t create jobs without energy. Energy is like blood in the body of businesses. Economies thrive on energy.

“The amount of economic growth tourism have depends on the amount of energy you have to power the economy. ”

On his part, Banga said, “Over 600 million people in Africa have access to.any form.of power. For me that is absolutely an unacceptable situation.

“Power is a means through which people can have access to.good health!, access to manufacturing, access to agriculture and improve the quality of life.

“Without power, people won’t have good health, good education manufacturing . Power is the way means of eliminating poverty, ensure productivity and grow the economy.

“I grew up in India and I saw the impact that access or lack of access can have on the people.i saw in my own childhood how access to power can increase the quality of the people and all I can say is that we should look at it as a very important human right which helps people to harness their potential”, he explained

Police Enforce Ban On Ethnic Vigilante Groups, Other Organizations In Nasarawa

By

-

April 18, 2024

Police Enforce Ban On Ethnic Vigilante Groups, Other Organizations In Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Police Command has commenced enforcement of the Executive Order No. 1 of 2024 signed by the state governor, Abdullahi Sule, banning all ethnic vigilante groups in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shehu Umar Nadada, in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, ordered all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Heads of Department/Tactical teams in the Command to carry out full enforcement of the ban.

He also ordered members of the disbanded groups to hand over all uniforms and accoutrements in their possession to the Area Commanders or Divisional Police officers closest to their areas within two weeks.

The statement reads, the “Commissioner wishes to inform the good people of Nasarawa State, most especially the Kungiyar Zaman Lafia Nomad vigilante, Bassa vigilante, Eggon vigilante and other “similar organizations” which includes any association, movement or group of persons or society in whatever name called or form, with the aim and objectives of providing security amongst particular ethnic group within Nasarawa State through the use of force or arms that their activities or operations is hereby banned.

“To this end, the Commissioner of Police has ordered all Area Commanders, Divisional Police officers, Heads of Department/Tactical teams in the Command to carry out full enforcement of the Ban.

“He therefore warn all members of the groups to hand over all uniforms and accoutrements in their possession to the Area Commanders or Divisional Police officers closest to their areas within two weeks from the date of this pronouncement; as anyone caught operating or found to be in possession of prohibited firearms will be arrested and made to bear the full wrath of the law”.

How Ododo Whisked Yahaya Bello Away — EFCC

By

-

April 18, 2024

Former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has been whisked away from his Abuja residence by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

This aforesaid information was provided by a reliable source at the EFCC, as reported by Channels Television.

This is coming after operatives of the anti-graft agency laid siege to the Wuse Zone 4 residence of the former Kogi governor for most of Wednesday.

The EFCC had cordoned off the road and entrance to Bello’s residence in an attempt to have him arrested and arraigned for corruption charges on Thursday.

As the EFCC operatives surrounded the ex-governor’s residence, his successor Ododo arrived amid cheers from the supporters of Bello who had gathered to support their embattled principal.

The Kogi State governor after a while left the premises of his predecessor, with the anti-graft agency confirming that he took Bello along with him.

This development now puts in doubt the ex-governor’s expected arraignment on a 19-count charge before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja on Thursday.

Meanwhile, there was conflicting court order over the arrest of the Kogi former governor on Wednesday.

One of the rulings, which came from a Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja, restrained the EFCC from arresting, detaining or prosecuting Bello.

Justice I.A Jamil, who gave the order in a two-hour ruling on Wednesday, said that infringing on the fundamental human rights of the former Kogi is null and void except as authorised by the Court.

“By this order, the EFCC is hereby restrained from arresting, detaining and prosecuting the applicant except as authorised by the Court.

“This is a definite order following the earlier interim injunction given,” he said.

The EFCC, however, obtained permission from the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to arrest the ex-Kogi State governor in preparation to his arraignment on Thursday.

Yoruba Nation: Tinubu Talks Tough, Says Those Threatening Nigeria’s Sovereignty Will Pay Heavy Price

By

-

April 18, 2024