APC urges IGP to investigate invasion of Matawalle’s residence in Zamfara

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has tasked the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate the vandalisation of former Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara’s residence by individuals masquerading as security operatives.

Musa Mada, the North-West APC publicity secretary, said this at a news conference in Kaduna on Saturday.

“Our enquiry at both the Gusau and Maradu residences of Bello Matawalle confirmed that there was no warrant or anything for that matter presented to the people when the act was carried out by the invaders.

“Furthermore, residences of other government officials that worked with Matawalle during his four-year administration were also invaded, and some of their personal vehicles carted away by the same group,” said Mr Mada.

Mr Mada said the vandalisation violated sections 34, 35, 37, 41 and 42 of the federal republic of Nigeria 1999 Constitution as amended.

He added;

“As a party, we will not tolerate that, and we will watch closely how the authorities concerned will handle the situation to know whether the police and the DSS are working for the PDP or Nigeria.”

He warned,

“If an investigation is not taken, hoodlums may wear uniforms and attack perceived enemies in the name of such operations.”

Mr Muda urged party supporters and Matawalle’s loyalists to remain calm and not take laws into their hands, pending investigation by police authorities.

SSS denies arresting Godwin Emefiele as removal as CBN governor

The State Security Service on Saturday denied arresting former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele.

“Currently, Emefiele is not with the DSS,” the agency said on its Twitter handle Saturday morning.

Bayo Onanuga, the publisher of P.M. News and a media aide to President Bola Tinubu, shared a story of Mr Emefiele’s arrest reported by his newspaper on Friday night.

The domestic intelligence office had avoided directly answering Peoples Gazette about whether or not an arrest was made, which led this paper to publish the story citing P.M. News.

This comes after Mr Tinubu suspended Mr Emefiele, replacing him with Adebisi Sonubi, the deputy governor in charge of operations.

The statement announcing Mr Emefiele’s suspension said the CBN governor’s suspension was “sequel to ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy.”

Mr Emefiele, 61, assumed office on June 4, 2014, following the controversial dismissal of his predecessor Lamido Sanusi by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Mr Emefiele’s tenure saw an unprecedented depletion of Nigeria’s vast foreign reserves, as well as excruciating inflation via currency devaluation.

He repeatedly defended his action as necessary to mitigate the country’s challenges, which became intense after fuel prices fell at the international markets and Nigeria’s production output reduced following incessant hostilities in the oil-rich Niger Delta and a coordinated exodus of foreign oil majors.

President Tinubu Meets Traditional Rulers In Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, met with traditional rulers and their representatives from across the country at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

This is coming after the president met with members of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, an assembly of the 36 State Governors, at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday.

Present at the meeting are Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the State House Permanent Secretary, Tijjani Umar; Emir of Kano, Obi of Onitsha, Tor Tiv, Etsu Nupe, Deji of Akure, Shehu of Borno, Elegushi of Ikate, Jaja of Opobo, Lamido of Adamawa, Emir of Zazzau, Gbong Gwom Jos, Attah Igala, Alake of Egbaland, Shehu of Borno and a representative of the Oba of Benin.

Assembly approves 20 special advisers for Nasarawa governor

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has approved the request of Gov. Abdullahi Sule for the appointment of 20 special advisers.

The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi said this after an emergency sitting of the House on Thursday in Lafia.

Mr Abdullahi said that the approval was to enable Mr Sule to appoint the advisers that would assist in implementing his policies and programmes for the people.

“His Excellency has sent a request for the appointment of 20 special advisers that will assist him in the consolidation of his policies and programmes.

“After an extensive deliberation on His Excellency’s request, the request is hereby granted by the Honourable House,” he said.

Mr Abdullahi assured of the readiness of the house to partner with the Executive in order to ensure speedy development across the state.

Jacob Kudu (APC- Nassarawa Eggon East) and other lawmakers supported the approval.

The lawmakers said that the appointment of the special advisers would ensure speedy development of the state.

The Speaker announced that Mr Sule had approved the total renovation of the Assembly Complex.

He said that the action was in line with the government’s commitment to create an enabling environment for the lawmakers and other staff for effective service delivery.

He said that the ministry of works would soon commence work at the complex.

“We are proceeding on recess today, June 8, to resume on July 10, to enable the ministry of works renovate the House, as approved by His Excellency, Gov. Abdullahi Sule,” he said.

Mohammed Omadefu (APC- Keana), the majority leader moved for the House to proceed on recess, while Musa Ibrahim (NNPP- Doma South), the minority leader seconded.

Edo Assembly confirms 15 commissioners, holds valedictory session

The Edo House of Assembly on Thursday passed four bills and confirmed 15 civil commissioners at its valedictory session marking the end of the state’s seventh assembly in Benin.

The bills are a bill for a law to make provision for the emolument of elected political officers and public officers 2023, a bill for a law to provide for the pension rights of the governor and the deputy governor 2023.

Others are a bill for a law to provide for sanitation, pollution and waste management and a bill to establish a unified local government agency.

The house also amended and adopted new house rules which threw up some controversies before its adoption.

House Speaker Marcus Onobun had earlier called on the members representing Esan North East I and Esan South East, Assemblyman Francis Okiye and Assemblyman Sunny Ojiezele respectively to second the adoption of the motion.

But the two lawmakers declined, saying that they had no idea of the content of the new house rules.

Also at plenary, the house confirmed 15 commissioners as civil commissioners in the state.

They are Christopher Nehikhare, Monday Osaigbovo, Isoken Omo, Joan Oviawe, Ethan Uzamere, Stephen Idehenre, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi and Patrick Unaseru.Others are Samuel Alli, Adeze Aguele-Kalu, Kingsley Uwagbale, Uyi Oduwa Malaka, Joshua Omokhodion, Ojeifoh Enaholo and Christabel Omo Ekwu.

The house also approved the request of Governor Godwin Obaseki to obtain N3.5 billion contract and asset finance auto-loan facility.

According to the governor, N2 billion will be used for the procurement of hospital equipment for Stella Obasanjo hospital and N1.5 billion will be used to procure vehicles for the 24 incoming legislators and the state chief judge.

Thereafter, Mr Onobun opened the floor as he thanked his colleagues and staff of the assembly for their support over the years.

Mr Onobun, in his valedictory speech, stated that the seventh assembly passed 54 bills, 48 of the bills were assented to and also passed 118 resolutions.

“The turbulence that characterised the inauguration of the seventh assembly made us heroes of democracy having done the job of 24 members,” he said.

Mr Onobun, however, thanked his constituency, the governor and the people of Edo for the privilege to serve.

House deputy speaker Roland Asoro, member representing PDP Orhiomwon south, thanked his constituency and the governor for the enabling environment for the house to function.

Former House Speaker Francis Okiye, member representing PDP Esan North East I, reflected on the milestones the house recorded in the last four years.

Mr Okiye said “we have sojourned together in the last four years through challenges and I believe that each of us contributed his quota to the development of the state”.

Other lawmakers also took turns to appreciate God and their constituencies for the privilege to represent them in the house.

The seventh assembly came into being by a proclamation by Mr Obaseki On June 17, 2019.

All 24 seats were won by the then ruling party, APC.

However, before the proclamation, the politicking of who becomes the speaker tore the legislators-elect into two major factions.

At the inauguration on June 17, only 10 members out of 24 presented themselves for inauguration.

The house, thereafter, adjourned sine die (with no appointed date).

Former Senator Annie Okonkwo dies at 63

A former Senator who represented Anambra Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, Annie Okonkwo, is dead.

According to Vanguard, he died in US after a long battle with a terminal illness. He was 63 years old.

Okonkwo who was a foremost businessman in the 80s and 90s, hailed from Ojoto, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

He once represented Anambra Central in the Senate, and also contested more than once for the position of Anambra State governor.

He was also a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Okonkwo was last seen in public glare when his son, Uche Okonkwo, who won a seat in the house of Representatives paid him a visit to present to him his certificate of return.

National Assembly passes bill to punish sexual offenders in tertiary institutions

The National Assembly has passed a bill for the prohibition and punishment of sexual harassment by teachers/lecturers in tertiary institutions.

The Senate passed this bill in 2020 but the House of Representatives passed theirs but with different provisions.

On Wednesday, June 7, the Chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele stated that the conference committee of both chambers harmonised the different positions as he presented the report during plenary session.

The proposed bill seeks to criminalise sexual harassment by educators against students in tertiary institutions.

The National Assembly on Wednesday also passed a legislation to make compulsory, the inclusion of preventive measures against sexual and gender based violence in the curriculum of all levels of secondary education in Nigeria.

Senate grants Tinubu’s request to appoint 20 special advisers

The Senate has granted the request of President Bola Tinubu to appoint 20 special advisers.

The President had earlier sent a letter to the Senate asking for approval for the appointment of the Special Advisers.

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, read the letter on the floor of the upper legislative chamber during plenary today June 6.

The lawmakers approved the request. However, President Tinubu did not list the names of the 20 special advisers.

Obasa reelected Lagos Assembly speaker for third term

Mudashiru Obasa (Agege I) has been re-elected speaker of 10th Lagos assembly. The election followed the proclamation of the 10th Assembly by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

Monisola Lasbat (Apapa I), Chief Whip of the Ninth Assembly, was elected Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly after her nomination and general acceptance by the House.

This is Obasa’s third term as speaker of Lagos state assembly.

House of Representatives postpones valedictory session to Wednesday

The House of Representatives has postponed its valedictory session scheduled for today, June 6, to tomorrow, June 6.

This was announced in a statement released by the Clerk to the House, Yahaya Danzaria.

It read;

“This is to inform all Honourable Members that the Valedictory session for the 9th House of Representatives will hold on Wednesday, 7th June, 2023 by 10:00am at the HOR chambers.

“The event will have in attendance former Presiding Officers, Leadership and Clerks. It will equally be subject to live coverage by NTA and Channels TV stations”.

Court dismisses lawsuit seeking to stop Tinubu’s inauguration for not getting 25% of FCT votes

A lawsuit filed by five residents of the federal capital territory (FCT), seeking to stop the inauguration of Bola Tinubu as President has been struck out by a federal high court.

The plaintiffs; Anyaegbunam Okoye, David Adzer, Jeffrey Ucheh, Osang Paul and Chibuike Nwanchukwu, had asked the court to determine “whether or not the person who is to be elected president of the federal republic of Nigeria, and consequently administrator of the FCT through the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority, on the first ballot is required by section 134(2)(b) of the Constitution to obtain at least 25% of the votes cast in the FCT”.

They also sought for a declaration extending former President Buhari’s tenure, while also asking the court to set aside the certificate of return issued to Tinubu and restrain the CJN and any other judicial officer from swearing him in.

Ruling on the case today, June 6, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that the plaintiffs have no locus standi to file the suit.

He stated that the lawsuit can only be filed at the presidential election petition tribunal and not the federal high court.

The plaintiffs were also asked to pay the sum of N10 million each to the attorney-general of the federation and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Remi Tinubu resumes at Aso Villa First Lady’s office

The wife of President Bola Tinibu, Mrs Oluremi, on Monday in Abuja, assumed office as Nigeria’s First Lady.

Mrs Tinubu who arrived at the First Lady’s wing was accompanied by her security aides.

The First Lady on arrival, was received by the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Mr Tijjani Umar, and other Heads of Units in the First Lady’s Office.

Mrs Tinubu was therefore guided on a tour of offices within the First Lady’s wing, comprising the Administrative, ICT, Catering, Media and Protocol Units.

Mrs Tinubu was born on September 21, 1960, to an Itsekiri mother and a Yoruba father.

She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the University of Ife and has undertaken several courses in some higher institutions.

She was once the first lady of Lagos State Governor between 1999 and 2007 and thereafter elected senator representing Lagos Central in the Senate.

President Tinubu in closed-door meeting with Wike, Umahi, Akpabio

President Bola Tinubu had a closed-door meeting with former governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) and Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The former governors arrived the villa at about 2:33 pm and were delayed by security who wanted to get clearance from their superior before allowing them to proceed to the President’s office, as they were not briefed on the visit Wike and Umahi were at the state house last Friday, though they came separately to meet the President.

Wike came in the company of the former governor James Ibori of Delta State and the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, while Umahi came with the newly appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume.

Unconfirmed reports claim Wike may be considered for a ministerial position due to his immense contributions towards the emergence of Tinubu as President-elect.

At least 80 killed in violent attacks nationwide in Tinubu’s first week in office

At least 80 citizens were killed in different violent attacks across the country in the first week of President Bola Tinubu’s newly inaugurated government.

Mr Tinubu was sworn in as Nigeria’s 16th president on May 29 at the Eagles Sqaure Abuja, taking over from former President Muhammadu Buhari.

In his inaugural speech, the president listed security as top priority of his government, assuring Nigerians of a more secured country under his watch.

“Security shall be the top priority of our administration because neither prosperity nor justice can prevail amidst insecurity and violence.

To effectively tackle this menace, we shall reform both our security DOCTRINE and its ARCHITECTURE,” Mr Tinubu said.

However, in his first week in office as commander-in-chief of the armed forces, at least 80 citizens were killed.

On June 3, about 25 citizens were brutaly killed and scores injured in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state.

On the same day in Zamfara, 25 people were killed as bandits raided three villages for their refusal to pay “ransom or protection fees” before they’re allowed to farm.

In Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, 30 citizens were killed by armed gang, the police said on Sunday.

The continued killing spree under Mr Tinubu’s watch have been condemned by citizens.

Mr Tinubu is yet to officially appoint his spokesperson. So far no comment from Mr Tinubu on the latest killings under his watch.

Don’t go on strike – Sanwo-Olu begs NLC

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state has begged members of the Nigerian Labour Congress not to embark on a strike over removal of fuel subsidy as announced by President Bola Tinubu during his inaugural speech.

Recall that the NLC on Friday, June 2, issued a five-day ultimatum to the federal government to revert to the old price of petrol or face a nationwide protest.

Sanwo-Olu who addressed reporters on Sunday, June 4, after a post-inauguration church thanksgiving service, appealed to the labour leaders to join hands with the present administration in its commitment to turn the economy of the country around.

He said;

“We are thankful that Mr President is a product of Lagos. We will pray for him and everything that he stands for. We believe he will replicate all the good things he has done in Lagos in our country, Nigeria.

“I want to wish and plead with our citizens even as NLC has said to us that they want to go on strike. It is not the time for a strike. During the campaign trail, everyone of our presidential candidates did say that the first thing they are going to do is to remove the subsidy.

“So, what has changed? What has the current president said or what has he done that is different from what any of the other aspirants said they would do?

“We need to be very patient. He (President Tinubu) has not even done a week. So let us talk to ourselves and say that we shouldn’t turn it political. Let us wait and support this man. He has not done a week on the job. Let him go and reflect and at the sub-national level, we are willing to support him.

“The point is no industrial strike will solve anything at this point, it will certainly not bring an end to the issue. The point will be how are we going to ensure that there is a turnaround in our economy.

“He has mentioned something about a better wage. We have started that in Lagos. We started it in January; so other parts of the country can also do the same. We don’t need to wait for the national government. We just need to reflect on what the challenges are in our country and let us solve the problem.

“I want to plead with the Nigeria Labour Congress. It shouldn’t turn into a political thing because we have begun to see that. The leadership should know that they are leading a pack of people and they need to restrain themselves. Let us be patient. Let us work around it. NNPC has said that there is more than enough petrol.”

Taraba governor declares state of emergency on education

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba has declared a state of emergency on basic and post-basic education in the state.

He made the declaration at an interactive media session on Saturday in Jalingo, saying his administration would ensure compulsory and free quality education for all.

The governor said the deplorable state of education had given him concern, adding that the administration would boost training and retraining of teachers in the state.

Mr Kefas promised to introduce motivations to enhance the welfare of the teachers.

He assured the people of the protection of lives and property, adding that security would be his top most priority.

The governor also promised to adopt Peer Review Mechanism in allocation of projects to local government areas, stressing that people would be allowed to choose their areas of priority in developmental projects.

“We shall consult the people of various local government areas to decide on projects that are good for them.

“They are the ones who voted us and as such, we should engage them in project locations. This would make us serve them better,’ he said.

President Tinubu Meets APC Governors In Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, met with the members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum in the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In attendance are Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule; Jigawa Governor, Umar Namadi; Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya; among others

Zimbabwean president fixes August 23 for presidential, parliamentary elections

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has fixed August 23 for the country’s next elections, setting a campaign season among political parties and aspiring candidates in motion.

Local media reported on Wednesday that Mr Mnangagwa set June 21 as the date on which nomination courts would sit countrywide to accept applications by political parties and their candidates to participate in the polls.

The president was billed to announce the date on Monday but postponed doing so, with his spokesperson, George Charamba, saying he will do so in due course.

More than 5.8 million people have registered to vote in the presidential, legislative and local authority elections, according to the report.

The ruling ZANU PF party has already held primary elections to choose candidates for the polls, while the two major opposition parties, MDC-T and Citizens’ Coalition for Change, are yet to present theirs to the electorate.

Sly Ezeokenwa emerges new APGA national chairman

Mr Sly Ezeokenwa has emerged the new National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Ezeokenwa was elected the party’s national chairman at a National Convention held in Awka, the Anambra State capital on Wednesday, May 31.

Ezeokenwa who will be taking over from Victor Oye, was sworn in alongside the newly elected National Officers of APGA in the presence of Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo.

President Buhari was a disaster of unimaginable proportions – Former Minister Osita Chidoka

Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has described the Buhari administration as a ‘’disaster of unimaginable proportions.”

In a Tweet posted on his handle, Osita opined that the former President “destroyed every fibre of Nigeria’s consensus as well as the destroyed Nigeria’s pride in the comity of nations.”

He went on to say that compared to Nigeria, the gruesome Nigeria-Biafra Civil war period was a safer and more united period.

‘’President Buhari destroyed every fibre of our national consensus, destroyed our pride of place in the comity of nations, damaged our collective desire to live in peace within our diversity, and reversed the economic progress of the democratic era. President Buhari was simply a disaster of unimaginable proportions.”

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