Politics

President Buhari orders State House Clinic be converted to medical centre

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President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the redesignation of the State House Clinic to a medical centre.

The permanent secretary of the State House, Tijjani Umar, disclosed this after a pre-commissioning inspection of the new presidential wing (VIP) of the State House Medical Centre by secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

Mr Mustapha was accompanied by the finance minister, Zainab Ahmed and her deputy, Clem Agba.

“In March 2019, the President had given approval that the State House Medical Centre, Asokoro, which was facing challenges with funding, deterioration of infrastructure and equipment, be scaled down to a clinic until the challenges were addressed,” said Mr Umar.

“Now with improvement in the problem areas and the addition of the new VIP wing with state-of-the-art facilities, we can no longer operate as a clinic. It is now to operate as State House Medical Centre.”

According to him, all is set for the inauguration of the facility by the president, including the calibration, testing of equipment and training of medical personnel.

Mr Mustapha told State House correspondents that the new VIP wing is ”money well spent.”

The groundbreaking ceremony at the VIP wing was performed by the president’s chief of staff, Ibrahim Gambari, on November 1, 2021.

The VIP wing, a specialised and intensive care centre dedicated for the exclusive use of the president, vice-president and other VIPs, spans over 2,485m2 floor area on a suspended floor with a basement.

Politics

INEC violated margin of lead principle to declare Tinubu president-elect, Atiku tells court

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Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has urged the election petition tribunal to upturn the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mr Atiku is invoking the margin of lead principle to assert that INEC’s hasty announcement of President-elect Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential poll is unconstitutional and without due process.

Per the principle, when the margin of lead between the winner and the runner-up is less than the total number of voters affected by cancellations in their different polling units, the election is declared inconclusive and a re-run is organized.

“The Petitioners further contend that the votes ascribed to the 2nd Respondent by the 1st Respondent in the final declaration made is 8,794,726 while the votes credited to the Petitioners is 6,984,520 resulting in a margin of lead of 1,810,206 votes.

“The Petitioners state that the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) collected in the polling units where elections were cancelled and did not hold across the Country is over and above 1,810,206 which is the margin of lead between the 1st Petitioner and the 2nd Respondent, and in consequence, the return of the 2nd Respondent was hasty, premature and wrongful.”

The Petitioners hereby plead Form EC8B series, that is, the Ward Collated Results, and the records of the Permanent Voters Cards PVCS collected in the respective polling units where elections were not held or were cancelled,” court documents detailing Mr Atiku’s argument read.

Prominent lawyers have described the days ahead for the tribunal as interesting based on the petitions being filed by several discontented political parties.

It is unclear whether the public can expect an upturn of Mr Tinubu’s widely criticised win, however, the margin of lead argument poses a threat to his camp.

The principle was repeatedly invoked in the just-concluded gubernatorial election when elections for Kebbi and Adamawa states were declared inconclusive.

With publicly available facts, Mr Tinubu’s hope of running is four-year term will hang on the election tribunal’s interpretation of several sections of the constitution and electoral statutes.

Politics

Supporters trekking to Kano over my victory should stop – Kano Governor-Elect, Abba Kabir Yusuf

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Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano state Governor-Elect has told those trekking from other parts of the country to the North-West state over his victory to discontinue their journey.

In a statement released on Wednesday, March 22, by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Yusuf said those trekking should instead pray for ingenuity and guidance for his leadership towards delivering the dividends of democracy.

He stated that the prayers are enough show of solidarity and celebration of his victory at the polls, and not miles of trekking, especially given the state of insecurity in the country.

The statement read;

“While thanking the supporters within and outside Kano State, the Governor-elect urged the trekkers to discontinue the journey as that may not reasonably contribute to solving lots of economic and social challenges awaiting the incoming government after taking over on May 29, 2023.

“The incoming Kano State government will be committed to a greater future of the people with security, health, education, economic, infrastructure and good welfare for aged, civil servants and private sector being the anthem of Engr. Abba led government.

“As a Kano people-centered Governor, Engr. Abba tasked all hands to be on deck towards ensuring the actualisation of Kwankwasiyya and the NNPP vision for responsive leadership that works for all in the State.”

Politics

The only female member of Gombe State House of Assembly loses her re-election bid

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The only female member of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Asma’u Ignanus, of the All Progressives Congress, has lost her re-election bid.

Ignanus, who represents Shongom Constituency in the State House of Assembly, lost her seat to Ayala Pilate of the Peoples Democratic Party, who won the assembly poll conducted on Saturday, March 18.

According to a list made available by the Independent National Electoral Commission on Tuesday, the PDP won four out of the 24 seats in the Gombe State House of Assembly.

Ignanus, who is former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, was formerly in the PDP but defected to the APC after winning her election in 2019.

Politics

I’m happy Bola Tinubu’s drug dealing in Chicago will take centre stage before Nigeria’s Supreme Court- Festus Keyamo

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Festus Keyamo, a spokesperson for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, says he is happy President-elect Bola Tinubu’s drug-related case in the United States would be heard in Nigeria’s court.

In a tweet he posted on Monday via his verified account, Mr Keyamo stated that the hearing would set aside the difference between dispassionate adjudication of issues and stop the propaganda against Mr Tinubu’s shady past.

Mr Keyamo said he was confident that the court would favour Mr Tinubu.

“I am excited about the issues raised in those election petitions. All the deceit and lies and disinformation and misinformation about otherwise very simple and clear issues are about to be busted by our Law Lords. Whoever continues to argue after that should relocate to another planet,” stated Mr Keyamo.

The APC campaign spokesman added, “Nigerians will finally see the huge difference between calm, dispassionate adjudication of issues and all the hoopla caused by garrulous spokespersons shaking and falling on stage. Ignorant TV hosts turned debaters, misinformed documentaries, illiterate tweeps and some dancing Hijabi mamas.”

Last November, Mr Keyamo claimed that Mr Tinubu, the party’s flag bearer, only shared a “block of flats” with notorious cocaine dealers in Chicago, pushing back after the release of court documents that suggested Mr Tinubu’s ties to illicit drug business and money laundering in the United States.

“What happened was that Asiwaju (Bola Tinubu) went to open an account. The address which he used in opening the account was the address used by these people…(sic). I think some blocks of flats. Maybe, he happened to be in that block of flats too,” Mr Keyamo had said to defend his principal.

“So, they now link it that the other people they were investigating for narcotics are in the same address used by Asiwaju to open

Certified copies of the 1993 case recently released by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois was published.

The documents confirmed that the U.S. government had in July 1993 sought forfeiture of proceeds of narcotics Mr Tinubu was accused of laundering.

The matter was resolved in a compromise between the Tinubus and the U.S. authorities, with the Tinubus being asked to keep the money in the Heritage Bank account while the $460,000 in the Citibank account was forfeited.

Politics

I won’t victimise those who didn’t vote for me- Governor Makinde

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Governor Seyi Makinde says he has broken the glass ceiling preventing youngsters in the state from attaining whatever heights they desire with his reelection. He promised not to discriminate against his opponents during electioneering.

According to him, campaigns and elections are over. “The task ahead is to continue the good work and take our people from poverty to prosperity. We will not discriminate against those who did not support us,” the Oyo governor stated.

“This will be a government for the people of Oyo state and the progress of Oyo state.” Mr Makinde said this on Tuesday in his address during a reelection victory celebration at Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Akanran, in Ibadan.

Billionaire businessman Dotun Sanusi organised the celebration at the mini stadium of the resort.

The governor said certain circumstances and achievements aided his reelection.

Mr Makinde assured the people that his administration would not discriminate based on religion, ethnicity and political affiliations in distributing democratic dividends to them.

The governor thanked Sanusi for organising the mega party and appreciated other critical stakeholders that ensured his electoral victory in 31 of the 33 local government areas.

Mr Makinde said the electorate’s political education level was high, and the people did not allow godfathers to dictate to them.

The Oyo governor said they were building a state where everyone would have opportunities, irrespective of the son of whom they are. He said young ones could now attain whatever position they desired.

“I want our youngsters to take notice of this. There is no more glass ceiling in Oyo state. Seyi Makinde has broken all glass ceilings. I have broken the glass ceiling for the youngsters in the state. Our young ones can now attain whatever position they desire,” he said.

Politics

Return certificate INEC issued to Tinubu will soon bounce like dud cheque- Datti Baba-Ahmed

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Vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has described the victory of President-elect Bola Tinubu at the February 25 election as a mirage that will soon vanish as his party commenced legal actions against Mr Tinubu’s victory.

The Labour Party filed its petition, challenging the election results on four grounds, before the elections petitions tribunal on Tuesday.

Likening Mr Tinubu’s certificate of return to a dud cheque that lacked the required credit to be considered of any value, Mr Baba-Ahmed said the election did not produce any legitimate winner.

“We do not have a president-elect in Nigeria today. What Alhaji Tinubu is holding is a dud certificate. It’s a dud cheque. There are no funds in that account. It will bounce,” Mr Baba-Ahmed said on ARISE TV.

Although the Labour Party candidate cited the wrong section, he attempted to dissect what he described as the constitutionality of Mr Tinubu’s emergence.

He posited that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) misinterpreted a particular section of the Constitution (133(b)) which addresses the number of votes the president-elect must garner to be declared the winner.

Section 133 (1) (b) of the Nigerian Constitution states that a candidate can only be declared president if “he has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two-thirds of all the states in the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.”

According to Mr Baba-Ahmed, INEC did not comply with this section as Mr Tinubu lost the FCT to the Labour Party having had only 90,902 votes (19 per cent) against Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s 281,717 (61 per cent).

“There is the clear interpretation of 134, and there is the INEC interpretation of 134,” he said. Mr Baba-Ahmed’s claim came as legal arguments over how to interpret the clause are interrogated in the chambers of election counsels.

Femi Falana, a senior lawyer in Nigeria, has argued that other provisions of the Constitution define the Federal Capital Territory as Nigeria’s 37th state, making the 25 per cent requirement not mandatory in the FCT.

The Appeal Court will have busy weeks ahead as it examines the arguments brought by contending parties and candidates arguing that they were unfairly edged out in the election.

The Labour Party, the APC, and the PDP had asked the court for permission to examine sensitive election records to look for irregularities and gather sufficient proof to back up their claims of victory.

Politics

Matawalle loses his re-election to PDP

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Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has lost his re-election bid to Lawal Dare of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The returning officer for the election, Professor Kasimu Shehu said Dare polled 377,726 votes to defeat Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle who polled 311, 976 votes.

Politics

Bala Mohammed re-elected as Governor of Bauchi

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Incumbent governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has been declared as winner of last Saturday’s governorship election in the state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The returning officer, Professor Abdulkarim Sabo Muhammed, said the PDP candidate polled 525,280 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar (retd), who scored 433,272 votes.

The candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Halliru Jika, came third with 60,496 votes.

Politics

PDP’s Sheriff Oborevwori defeats deputy Senate President Omo-Agege, wins Delta state governorship election

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The Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the Delta state gubernatorial election, Sheriff Oborevwori, has been declared the winner of the statw governorship election.

According to the results announced by the INEC state Returning Officer, Prof Georgewill Owunari, Oborevwori polled a total of 360, 234 votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress APC Candidate Senator Ovie Omo-Agege who scored 240, 229, while the Labour Party candidate, Kennedy Pela came a distant third with 48047

Politics

PDP’s Caleb Mutfwang wins Plateau governorship election

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Caleb Mutfwang, has been declared the winner of the Plateau State governorship election.

The Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, Prof Idris Amali declared Mutfwang as the winner having scored 525,299 votes to defeat his closest rival, Nantawe Yilwatda of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with 481,370 votes while Patrick Dakum of the Labour Party (LP) came a distant third with 60,310 votes.

Politics

APC’s Francis Nwifuru wins Ebonyi governorship election

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The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Francis Nwifuru has been declared as the winner of the March 18 poll in Ebonyi State, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Nwifuru, who is the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly polled 199,131 votes to defeat his closest rival, Ifeanyi Odii of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 80,191 votes. Ben Odo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) polled 52,189 votes.

Politics

Governor Umahi sacks board members 48 hours after election

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Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state has sacked board members of the state owned agencies, commissions and 64 Development Centre Coordinators in the state. 

While the reason for the sack has not been disclosed, those affected have been directed to hand over all government property including official vehicles in their possession on or before the close of office on Monday, March 20.  

A statement signed by the Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, Dr.Ugbala Kenneth, read; 

“The governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, has approved immediate dissolution of Boards, Commissions, and Development Centre Coordinators, except Ebonyi State University Governing Council.

“In view of the foregoing, the Development Centre Coordinators are to hand over all government property in their possession including their official vehicles to the office of the Secretary to the State Government and Coordinating Commissioner, on or before the close of work on Tuesday 21st March, 2023.

“Similarly, the boards and commissions are to hand over government property in their possession to their parent ministries on or before the close of work on Tuesday, 21st March, 2023.”

Politics

SDP congratulates Gov Sanwo-Olu, urges inclusive governance

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The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Lagos has congratulated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (of APC) on his victory in Saturday’s governorship election.

INEC on Monday morning declared Mr Sanwo-Olu as the poll’s winner, defeating all his 15 opponents with 762,134 votes for a second term in office.

In a statement on Monday, the SDP chairman in Lagos, Femi Olaniyi (aka Ferrari), said Mr Sanwo-Olu’s victory showed his popularity.

Mr Olaniyi, who urged Mr Sanwo-Olu to be magnanimous in victory, however, called for inclusive governance.

“In the spirit of sportsmanship, we want to congratulate Sanwo-Olu on his deserved victory at Saturday’s governorship election. Sanwo-Olu’s re-election provides him with another opportunity to justify the hope reposed on him by the people,” said the SDP chairman.

Mr Olaniyi added;

“It is a time to reflect and chat (about) a way to get the dividends of democracy across to the masses. It is another opportunity to alleviate the suffering of the masses. It is another time to put smiles on the faces of our people at the grassroots. We believe Sanwo-Olu will do more for the people of Lagos state.”

He said the governor must be more inclusive in governance and bring the right and qualified people on board to deliver his campaign promises to the people.

“The SDP will want to use this medium to counsel the governor to prioritise inclusiveness and carry all relevant stakeholders along,” the party chair urged.

According to him, SDP will not hesitate to offer counsel and engage in constructive criticism where necessary.

Mr Olaniyi, who noted that the election was not without flaws, urged INEC, security agencies and other stakeholders to improve the electoral process in the country.

Mr Sanwo-Olu polled 762,134 votes to defeat his closest rival of the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who scored 312,329 votes. PDP candidate Abdul-Azeez Adediran came third with 62,449 votes.

Politics

Kano residents defy Ganduje’s curfew, troop out to celebrate NNPP Yusuf’s victory

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Despite the announcement of a dawn-to-dusk curfew in Kano, hundreds of residents have trooped out to jubilate with the winner of the state’s governorship election.

On Monday, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje imposed a curfew reportedly to avoid a breakdown of law and order following INEC’s declaration of NNPP’s candidate as the winner of the governorship election.

The information and internal affairs commissioner, Muhammad Garba, made the announcement in a statement on Monday.

He said the decision was to prevent hoodlums from causing chaos in the already tense situation.

The commissioner called on people in the state to remain indoors as security agents would not spare anyone, or a group bent on causing trouble.

INEC had declared Abba Yusuf of the NNPP as the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in Kano, beating Deputy Governor Nasir Gawuna at the poll.

The results have generated tension in Kano, prompting the government’s proactive measures to avert chaos.

Politics

Abdullahi Sule re-elected as Governor of Nasarawa state

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Abdullahi Sule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been declared as the winner of the governorship election in Nasarawa state by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Ishaya Tanko, the state collation and returning officer who made the announcement on Monday, March 20, said Sule polled a total of 347, 209 votes to defeat his closest opponent David Ombugadu, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got 283, 016 votes.

Tanko said;

“Abdullahi Sule of APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes in the election, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected.”

Politics

INEC declares Sanwo-Olu winner of Lagos governorship poll

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the winner of the Lagos governorship election held over the weekend.

According to the results released by INEC, Sanwo-Olu who is the incumbent governor, polled 762,134 votes to defeat Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party who secured 312,329 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate trailed in third place with 62,449 votes.

Recall that the declaration was delayed as the INEC officials awaited the results from the elections in Eti-Osa local government held on Sunday, March 19.

According to the results from the local government, APC polled 25, 063 votes, PDP 1468 while LP secured 19, 967

Politics

‘Lagosians have spoken loud and well’- Lagos state gov, Babajide Sanwo-Olu says in his acceptance speech

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The Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reacted to his electoral victory in the state governorship election held over the weekend.

INEC in the early hours of today declared him the winner of the election.

Speaking shortly after the declaration, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagosians have made their voices heard.

Part of his speech reads;

“To all of our fellow contestants, we want to salute you for participating in the democratic process, but Lagosians have spoken and have spoken well. They have spoken loud. Please remember that we’re extending a hand of fellowship to you, no victor, no vanquished. In the true spirit of sportsmanship, if you indeed believe that you want to serve this state, you have an opportunity with us and we will open our doors to listen and to give you a space in this government.”

He also spoke out against the identity politics that became commonplace in the lead-up to the polls last Saturday.

“During this campaign, unfortunately, we have seen very divisive rhetoric which is not a definition of who we are. So, Lagosians, we need to come together and further rebuild the capacity, the competence, and the experience that we have in this city. Religion should not divide us, ethnicity will not divide us. Lagos will come out bigger, stronger, and better.”

Politics

APC’s Ahmed Aliyu wins Sokoto state

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Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto of the APC has been declared the winner of the Sokoto State Governorship polls.

According to the results released, Aliyu secured a total of 453661 votes to beat his main rival, PDP’s Saidu Umar, who polled a total of 40, 4632 votes

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