Lifestyle, Politics

21,640 immigration officers to monitor Saturday’s presidential election

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The Nigeria Immigration Service has deployed 21,640 officers and men for the February 25 and March 11 elections across the 36 states and FCT.

NIS comptroller general, Isah Jere, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.Mr Jere said the service approved the deployment of the personnel to be part of the election monitoring security apparatus of the federal government.

He, however, charged all the state comptrollers to ensure strict elections monitoring.

He said this should be in their respective states, especially as it concerned the non-participation of foreigners in the exercise.

Politics

Group says it plans to reach 100 million Nigerians digitally to vote Tinubu

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Bola Tinubu Support Organisation in the United Kingdom (BTSO UK), says it will reach out to at least 100 million Nigerians digitally to vote enmass for APC presidential candidate Bola Tinubu on the February 25 election.

The group, led by one of its Executive members, Anthony Aboaba, stated this while meeting with the Deputy Director-General, APC Campaign Council in Ogun, Abiodun Sanyaolu, in Abeokuta on Monday.

Mr Aboaba noted that the gesture would be achieved between now and the election, saying that It would ensure landslide victory for APC at the polls.

Mr Aboaba stated that BTSO UK came into being in 2019 under the leadership of Ade Adeshina and coordinated by Sunday Soyinka, with professionals from all walks of life who believed in Nigeria’s emancipation.

The executive member stated that the belief and trust in Mr Tinubu was based on his track records and leadership prowess, vision, action, identification and his ability to always put round pegs in round holes.

He added that the group was self-funded by committed members of its executive and had embarked on different projects to support Mr Tinubu.

“Bulk SMS campaign to promote BTSO UK in Nigeria. Anthem to promote the candidature of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The anthem is entitled;

“He will make you leaders of men. if you follow him.”

“Sponsorship of grassroots movement. We provided electronic equipment, laptop, mobile phones for officers to aid their daily operational activities. We also fund logistics to propagate our support Tinubu in the Southwest of Nigeria.

“We produced merchandise t-shirts, baseball caps to campaign for Asiwaju. The regalia has the inscription: Bola Tinubu In-It To Win It.

“We hope that this gesture will solidify the recognition of BTSO UK as a strong support group for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Campaign Committee (PCC) Headquarters,” he said.

Mr Aboaba added that BTSO UK had established structure of governance in the United Kingdom, with men and women saddled with responsibilities of offices to actualise its objectives to support Mr Tinubu to become president.

“BTSO UK has presence in the cyberspace and social media,” he said.

In his response, Mr Sanyaolu, who commended the organisation for their unflinching support to the APC presidential candidate, stated that Mr Tinubu remained the best man for the job, considering his wealth of experience.

The deputy director-general claimed that it was only Mr Tinubu that had visited all 36 states of the country for campaign, saying it was a sign that he was never tribalistic.

“Tinubu is not tribalistic. He is blessed with knowledge and experience. His own style of governance is to improve the socioeconomic development of the country.

“Tinubu is not unknown to the people, he has done it before in Lagos state and he will do it again and again. He has the ability to identify good heads and he will surely succeed as Nigeria’s president,” he said.

The high point of the event was the presentation of Tinubu souvenir to the deputy director-general by the group.

Business, Politics

CBN confiscated and never swapped currency – El-Rufai

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Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Sunday, February 19, claimed that the Central Bank of Nigeria embarked on currency confiscation rather than a currency swap policy as announced earlier.  

In tweets he shared on Sunday evening, El-Rufai alleged that during the implementation of the cash swap, the CBN withdrew over N2 trillion from circulation and printed only N400 billion. 

The Kaduna state Governor also claimed that trade and exchange have collapsed as a result of the policy.

He added that it has also led to human suffering, impoverishment and economic contraction.  

He tweeted;  

“Currency redesign was approved by the President and announced. Currency recoloring resulted.

“Currency swap was envisaged by s.20(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act as approved by PMB. Swap means I take N100,000 to the bank in old notes & I receive N100,000 immediately in new notes. No more, no less.

“During implementation of the cash swap, the CBN withdrew over N2 trillion from circulation but printed only N400 billion, so in effect, currency confiscation was then unilaterally and unlawfully implemented by the CBN.

Trade and exchange have collapsed. Human suffering, impoverishment and economic contraction resulted.

“The policy objective was derailed into a deliberate national fiasco to sabotage the elections in the name of preventing vote-buying. All efforts to get CBN to implement what was lawfully approved failed.

“Some State Governments had no choice but to approach the Supreme Court for adjudication.

The APC as a party and the Progressive Governors Forum are unanimous that policy implementation must be reviewed, and full compliance of the subsisting ruling of the Supreme Court be observed until final judgment on the suit instituted by the State Governments.”

Politics

APC Rally-Commuters to experience traffic disruption, Lagos announces alternative routes

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The Lagos government has announced a travel advisory for the All Progressives Congress mega rally on Tuesday at Teslim Balogun Stadium.

The general manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Bolaji Oreagba, gave the details in a statement on Sunday.Mr Oreagba said there would be a procession of APC presidential candidate, party stalwarts, party faithful and supporters from the local airport to Teslim Balogun Stadium through Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Maryland, Ikorodu road.

He said the procession would pass through Idi-Iroko, Anthony, Obanikoro, Onipanu, Fadeyi, Jibowu (Empire), Moshalashi, Ojuelegba, Barracks and Stadium.Mr Oreagba advised motorists on alternative routes during the procession, stating that from the local airport to Maryland, they should use Kodesoh, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Kudirat Abiola Way, Old Oregun Road, Ojota, Maryland and connect destinations.From the local airport to Ketu-Mile 12, he advised motorists to take Kodesoh, Obafemi Awolowo, Way Secretariat Road to Mobolaji Johnson Avenue (7-Up), Ojota Interchange(Ketu and connect destinations.According to him, while the procession will hold on the main carriageway on Ikorodu road, the service lane will be open to motorists without any hassle.He added that to reduce inconvenience and travel time before and during the procession, motorists could make use of the following: Ikorodu to Lagos, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to Lagos/Oshodi use: old tollgate, Alapere (Ogudu, Iyana Oworo, Third Mainland Bridge and connect destination.Mr Oreagba said from Apapa-Oshodi Expressway to Lagos, motorists should use Oshodi Bridge, Anthony Bridge, Gbagada, and Iyana Oworo-Third Mainland bridge to get to their destinations.He said from Ojuelegba to Surulere, motorists should use Lawanson -Itire Road, Ogunlana Drive, Akerele, Shitta Roundabout; Adeniran Ogunsaya, Bode Thomas; Masha, Adelabu, Census, Babs Animashaun, Bode Thomas or Doyin, Eric Moore, Abebe Village, Nigerian Breweries, Costain to connect to their connect destinations.The LASTMA boss explained that they could also go from Masha to Kilo, from Costain to Surulere, using Costain, Iponri Estate, Bode Thomas and connect destination or from Costain to Abebe Village, Eric Moore, Doyin, Bode Thomas or Babs Animashaun, Census around Adelabu in Masha and connect destination.“In order to reduce inconvenience, travel time and ensure the safety and security of all road users, adequate security and law enforcement personnel will be deployed along the entire dedicated routes to the stadium and alternative roads,” stated Mr Oreagba. “So, we humbly seek the support and cooperation of all road users and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Politics

Buhari attends last AU Summit as President

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday attended his last African Union (AU) Summit as Nigeria’s leader.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the President graced the event at the AU’s Secretariat in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The Nigerian leader departed Abuja on Thursday for Addis Ababa to participate in the 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the AU.

The theme of the AU Summit is “Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation.”

Buhari is participating in three high-level meetings on peace and security, climate change and the political situation in some West African countries.

He will deliver remarks at these events as well as present his National Statement at the opening session of the Summit, which brings together leaders from the AU member countries as well as a number of non-AU countries and international institutions accredited to the AU in Addis Ababa.

Politics

Reps warn naira scarcity could jeopardise general election

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The House of Representatives ad hoc committee on naira redesign has warned that the ripple effects of the policy could jeopardise the 2023 general election.

In a statement in Abuja, Ado Doguwa, the committee chairman, called for an intervention to mitigate the hardship Nigerians face due to the policy.

Mr Doguwa said President Muhammadu Buhari had good intentions in wanting to use the policy to tackle insecurity, reduce corruption and engender the global best practice in fiscal policy management.

He however, said Nigerians were subjected to unwarranted and avoidable hardship due to wrong timing of the implementation coupled with the actions of suspected criminal elements in the banking system.

“We also urge Nigerians to continue to be calm and pursue their lawful businesses within the ambit of the law.

“We will continue to explore available opportunities to make sure that the government does only what is right and in the overall interest of our people,” he said.

Lifestyle, Politics

Governor Adeleke approves farm inputs subsidy for Osun farmers

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Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun has approved the implementation of the Farmers’ Intervention Programme (FIP), focusing on subsidies of farm inputs for farmers in the state.

Spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, said this via a statement on Saturday in Osogbo.

The statement said the new intervention programme would cover subsidies on fertilisers and chemical inputs for farmers.

It said the government would subsidise the fertilisers and chemicals by more than 40 per cent of the price through direct purchases from the producers.

The statement said to safeguard the credibility of the programme, the farm inputs were to be branded with a project manager within the state’s agric sector, who would coordinate the marketing and distribution process.

According to the statement, the intervention is to develop into a revolving fund process such that the project’s sustainability is guaranteed.

The statement quoted the governor as saying: “this is the first of our interventions ahead of the new rainy season.

“My government will ensure that the subsidised inputs get to the farmers. This programme will positively touch the lives of our farming population.

“I will soon publicly flag off the programme statewide. We are an agrarian state.

“Easy availability of farm inputs is a major step forward. We are also working to drive investment into the sector through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.”

Business, Politics

We will destroy commercial banks in Kano that refuse to accept old notes – Governor Ganduje warns

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Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, warned commercial banks operating in the state that he would destroy any bank that refuses to accept the old N500 and N1,000 notes.

He made this known Friday, Feb. 17, during his inspection of palliatives meant for distribution to the citizens to cushion the effects of the hardship caused by the cashless policy, Channels TV reports.

“Any bank that refuses to accept old five hundred and one thousand Naira notes will be destroyed. We will not tolerate such disobedience from any financial institution operating within our jurisdiction,” he stated.

Governor Ganduje further disclosed that the space of the destroyed banks would be used for building schools.

“We will convert the space of the destroyed banks into schools that will provide quality education for our children,” he said according to the publication.

Governor Ganduje’s spokesperson, Abba Anwar, defended the governor’s statement, stating that the state government has the power to take such measures to protect the interests of the citizens.

Anwar said;

“The governor is not making an empty threat. The government has the power to take such measures if it is in the best interest of the people. OThe governor is determined to ensure that the people of Kano State do not suffer any undue hardship as a result of the cashless policy.”

Lifestyle, Politics

Buhari disobedient to Supreme Court, Jigawa will keep spending old naira notes- Governor Badaru

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Jigawa Gov dares Buhari, insists old naira notes remain legal tender.

Press Release

The Jigawa State Government wishes to inform members of the public that, it has come to its notice some individuals and corporate bodies are rejecting the now-old N200, N500 and N1000 notes.

The Jigawa State Government is concerned about the conduct of such individuals and corporate bodies.

As a law-abiding Government, there are suits by various State Governments of which Jigawa State is among before the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The court has issued an order restraining the Federal Government of Nigeria, either by itself or acting through the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN and/or commercial banks, ministries, parastatals, organisations or through any person or persons (natural and artificial) howsoever, from suspending or determining or ending on 10 February, 2023 the time frame within which the now older versions of the 200, 500 and 1000 denominations of the naira may no longer be legal tender pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

Jigawa State Government respects the rights of its people and those rejecting the now-old currencies are enjoined to desist from disobeying the law and causing hardship to the people of Jigawa State.

Jigawa State Government will not hesitate to use section 287(1) of the Constitution (as amended) and other extant laws to enforce the order of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

For clarity, the section provides, “The decisions of the Supreme Court shall be enforced in any part of the Federation by all authorities and persons, and by courts with subordinate jurisdiction to that of the Supreme Court”.

People are advised to report any traders or business organisation that refuses to accept the now-old N200, N500 and N1000 notes as legal tender in Jigawa State to the nearest appropriate authorities.

Alhaji Bala Ibrahim

Hon. Commissioner Ministry of Information, Youths, Sports and Culture,

Jigawa State

Politics

Governor Adeleke dissolves Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme

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Governor Ademola Adeleke has dissolved the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O-YES) and replaced it with ‘Imole Youth Corps’.

This is contained in a circular issued by the secretary to the state government, Teslim Igbalaye, on Thursday in Osogbo.

It said the decision was taken to reposition the youth empowerment programme inherited from the previous government for effective functionality, sustainability and dignity of labour.

The circular noted that the replacement was in fulfilment of one of the governor’s electoral promises to ensure meaningful and proper youth engagement in Osun.

“A new scheme code-named Imole Youth Corps is hereby put in place to engage our teeming youths in the state.

Application forms will be available for prospective youths in all the 30 local governments, including Ife East area office of the state free of charge beginning from Friday, 17th February, 2023,” the circular added.

O-YES was established by former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and sustained by his successor, Gboyega Oyetola, for youth empowerment.

Politics

Police deploy 3,000 personnel for election duty nationwide

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The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba-Alkali, says over 300,000 police officers and men have been mobilised for deployment nationwide to ensure successful conduct of the upcoming general elections in the country.

Mr Baba-Alkali disclosed this at the weekly briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday.

He said;

From INEC records, there exists 176,846 polling units in 8,809 wards of the 36 States of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory where the elections will be conducted.

“The Nigeria Police with the support of other security agencies have perfected plans to deploy in a coordinated and collaborative manner to cover all these locations.

“In view of the above, the Nigeria Police will deploy 310,973 personnel for the election security operations.

“This will comprise conventional policemen, the mobile policemen, the special counter terrorism unit, the Special Forces, intelligence response team and other sections of the police.

“The manpower requirements for this exercise will be complemented by the military and other security agencies.”

According to him, the NPF has fully mobilised to provide adequate security for the smooth conduct of the 2023 general election.

“As you are all aware, we are counting days for the 2023 general election to commence, particularly the Presidential and National Assembly elections on Feb. 25.”

Mr Baba-Alkali stressed that the NPF is galvanising the entire defence and security sector to ensure that they provide adequate security before, during and after the election to enable Nigerians exercise their franchise.

“In other words, we are looking at the issue of political campaigns, rallies and processions that are going on now; the actual Election Day and also our level of preparedness could anything happen after the announcement of results,” he added.

Politics

I am aware that this new monetary policy has also contributed immensely to the minimization of the influence of money in politics- President Buhari

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President Buhari says he approved the new monetary policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria and that he is aware that the policy which includes the redesigning of the N200, N500 and N1000 notes, has contributed immensely to the minimization of the influence of money in politics.

Speaking during the Nationwide broadcast he had this morning, the President stated that as the 2023 general elections draw nearer, he said this is a bold legacy by his administration and that Nigerians should ensure they come out to vote as security will be provided and that their votes will count.

In his words ‘’2023 the nation would be electing a new President and National Assembly members.

I am aware that this new monetary policy has also contributed immensely to the minimization of the influence of money in politics.

This is a positive departure from the past and represents a bold legacy step by this administration, towards laying a strong foundation for free and fair elections.

I urge every citizen therefore, to go out to vote for their candidates of choice without fear, because security shall be provided and your vote shall count.

I however admonish you to eschew violence and avoid actions capable of disrupting the electoral processes. I wish us all a successful General Elections.

”Going by the President’s speech, the old N500 and N1000 notes cease to be legal tenders.

Politics

Northerners should vote for presidential candidate sensitive to North’s needs-NEF

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The Northern Elders Forum has called on northerners across Nigeria to vote for a presidential candidate and other individuals vying for elective national offices sensitive to the “needs” of the North.

NEF expressed its commitment to patriotism and mobilisation of the region to participate in national and economic development effectively.

The forum made the declaration during the General Assembly and Commemoration of its 10th anniversary on Wednesday in Abuja.

The convener of the forum, Ango Abdullahi, said despite minor differences which have unavoidably existed among northern groups, their common commitment to the core interests of the North had never been in doubt.

“We, the General Assembly of the NEF, are patriotic citizens of Nigeria bound by history, geography, shared experience and common circumstances of existence in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

We are aware of our common values, diversity in faith, demography, cultures, political interests and conscious of the roles our region plays in the history of Nigeria,” said Mr Abdullahi.

“We are committed to reversing the decline in the fortunes of our region and improving its standing in relationships with the rest of the country.”

Mr Abdullahi added,

“We, therefore, pledge to organise fellow Northerners to work in search of committed leadership with integrity, competence and compassion to find solutions to our multiple problems.”

The NEF chieftain noted that the group would “collaborate with other Nigerians to create a united country of people characterised by diversity and sensitivity to values of justice and respect for the rights of all citizens.

“We shall also encourage Northerners to participate fully in the 2023 elections and elect people who are sensitive to our needs,” Mr Abdullahi added.

According to him, NEF has resolved to support credible elections and a peaceful transition to the next elected administration and resist any attempt to subvert Nigeria’s democratic system by any unconstitutional means.

He added that the forum would also respect the popular will expressed by credible elections, irrespective of the origin and identity of the winner.

“We shall also support the next administration to address major challenges that inhibit the growth, development, peace and security of the North and Nigeria in general.

We shall engage the rest of Nigeria as respected equals and continue to demand that the rights of Northerners will not be abused, sacrificed or neglected by any government or group,” Mr Abdullahi noted.

Mr Abdullahi expressed NEF’s high regard for leaders of other groups from the North, Christian and Muslim clergy, and the elite who have also been tireless in ensuring that the northerners are not shortchanged.

“Our response to threats that certain parts of the country will be locked down and out of the elections is that this is a threat to all Nigerians.

We demand that the government of President Buhari and all other leaders and elders must call out this dangerousness bluff,” the NEF chieftain stressed.

“Those who say they will not accept credible results from the elections unless their candidates win represent threats to national security and should be treated as such.”

Politics

Nigerians can elect sick man as leader like some U.S. presidents, says Tinubu loyalist Iyin Aboyeji

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Less than two weeks to the 2023 presidential election, tech expert, Iyin Aboyeji, says he sees no wrong in the election of a sick candidate into the nation’s highest office, citing ill former U.S. presidents like Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, to support his claim.

“I have always found it quite amusing how much of Nigeria’s political discourse revolves around the physical fitness and health of the candidates,” Mr Aboyeji wrote in a social media post.

“However I wonder sometimes how Nigerians would feel if they knew some of America’s greatest presidents served with debilitating health conditions,”

Mr Aboyeji said before listing ex-presidents diagnosed with illness.

Mr Aboyeji, a staunch supporter of the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Tinubu, claims that while serving as president, Ronald Reagan had Alzheimer’s disease; John F. Kennedy had Addison’s disease, and Dwight Eisenhower had Crohn’s disease.

The tech expert believes the physical and mental health of any presidential candidate is of no consequence to the position he seeks.

Mr Aboyeji explained that his assertions should not be perceived as a “political commentary or an endorsement of any candidate” and should only be seen as an “amusing observation of the things” Nigerians considered important.

Speculations have been rife over the mental and physical wellbeing of Bola Tinubu, who has made several gaffes in his public speeches.

On Wednesday, Mr Tinubu added to his long list of gaffes when he raised his hands during the recitation of the national anthem at his presidential rally in Rivers.

Politics

I’ll ensure Igbos produce next president if I’m elected- Presidential candidate Atiku promises

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Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar says he will ensure that an Igbo from either the South-East or South-South succeeds him if elected president.

“When I came to Enugu a few months ago for a town hall meeting, I told you that I am going to be the stepping stone to an Igbo president. And I mean that statement,” stated Mr Abubakar.

The former vice-president added, “Whether, from the South-East or South-South, I am going to make sure that an Igbo becomes president after me as president because the Igbo is a universal race. That’s why I chose an Igbo man from Delta as my running mate.”

Mr Abubakar disclosed this in his Enugu rally on Tuesday while urging Enugu residents to remain in the PDP to be in his government.

“As you can see, Nigeria is geared towards a PDP government. So, the next Federal Government is going to be formed by the PDP,” the APC presidential flag bearer added.

“I appeal to Enugu people to make sure that you remain in the PDP so that you be in the mainstream and be part of that government.”

Business, Lifestyle, Politics

Emefiele will frustrate Tinubu’s presidential ambition with naira scarcity, unfit as CBN governor- Governor Akeredolu

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Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has slammed Godwin Emefiele, the Central Bank of Nigeria governor, as unfit to remain in office for attempting to be the next president.

He will also frustrate the chances of the All Progressives Congress to win the February 25 presidential election with the persisting naira scarcity.

“We have said that this man (Mr Emefiele) should be removed when he contested to be president. The man (Mr Emefile) is not fit for that position (CBN governor),” Mr Akeredolu was quoted in a statement issued by his spokesman, Richard Olatunde, on Wednesday. “A man who attempted to be president will frustrate us at this time.”

Last week, the Ondo governor filed a suit at the Supreme Court challenging the CBN February 10 deadline for the N200, N500 and N1,000 banknotes to be legal tender, citing the untold hardship scarcity of the new notes have brought on people.

The governor, who spoke while playing host to Seyi Tinubu, Bola Tinubu’s son, who led members of the youth directorate of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, explained, “We have a problem we are facing in this country today.

Our rating as a party is not that favourable. Let’s not deceive ourselves. Must it be now that we will have this financial policy?”Mr Akeredolu added, “How, Fuel and everything? Things are not easy. This policy is not right at this time. It should be reversed. Reserve it and tell CBN that we are reversing it. Let old, and new notes co-exist.”

He lamented that Okada, taxis, and banks “are not taking old notes again. There is an injunction, and everyone is behaving like there is no injunction.”

According to the governor, the choice of Mr Tinubu as APC’s flag bearer for the February 25 poll was based on his competence and track records.

“We didn’t waver when we said that the presidency must come to the South, and when it got to the South, we didn’t waver. We said competence and track record are important,” stated Mr Akeredolu.

“Our choice of Asiwaju was premised on the informed decision, not because we are from the same tribe.”

Politics

Masari withdraws N11 billion fraud case against Katsina’s ex-Governor Shema

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Governor Aminu Masari’s government has withdrawn a misappropriation of N11 billion Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) fund case against Katsina’s ex-Governor Ibrahim Shema.

In 2016, the Katsina government and the EFCC sued Mr Shema and others over alleged misappropriation of N11 billion ALGON funds.

Malam Abdulrahman Umar, Katsina’s director of public prosecution, disclosed this to journalists on Monday in Katsina.

“The state government filed a nolle prosecute. This is the power of a state attorney-general under Section 211 of the 1999 constitution as (amended), to either institute an action on a criminal case against any person before any court of law,” he explained.

“The attorney general can take over any criminal proceedings against any person, as well as power to discontinue with any case at any stage of the proceeding before judgment is entered.”

Mr Umar added;

“The attorney-general exercised that power and we went with it and the court gladly accepted that position of the attorney general to discontinue with the case.

To that effect, the former governor and Lawal Dankaba were discharged from all charges against them. That is the position of the state government at the moment. But the EFCC’s case is still ongoing.”

Mr Shema had pleaded not guilty to 24-count charge filed against him by the EFCC. The anti-graft agency had instituted the charge against him, which bordered on criminal beach of trust, fraud, conspiracy, forgery, etc.

Mr Shema stood trial with three others (Lawal Safana, Ibrahim Dankaba and Sani Makana) who were members of his defunct administration.

Politics

Election will not hold in 240 polling units – INEC

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Monday, Feb. 13, that elections will not hold in about 240 polling units across 28 States of the federation.

INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this when he addressed members of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) at the INEC headquarters in Abuja ahead of the elections.

He explained that the affected polling units have no registered voter. He said with the exclusion of the 240 polling units, election will take place in about 176,606 polling units across the country.

Yakubu said;

“There are 240 polling units without registered voters spread across 28 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

They range from one polling unit to 12 polling units in each State and the FCT, except Taraba and Imo States with 34 and 38 polling units respectively.

No new registrants chose the polling units and no voters indicated interest to transfer to them during the last Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), mainly for security reasons. This means that no elections will hold in these polling units.”

The Commission also warned that it will not accept a situation where two or more party agents report to the polling units and caused confusion.

INEC added that any agent found to be engaged in such act will be arrested and prosecuted.

Politics

Mass defection hits Lagos PDP as 500 members join APC

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At least 500 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos ahead of the national and state elections coming up on February 12 and March 11.

Receiving the defectors at Alausa, Lagos, on Monday, the director-general of the Independent Campaign Council of the APC, Tayo Ayinde, said their defection would enhance the ruling party’s electoral victory.

The defectors were led by the PDP women leader, Aolat Olatunde, and others at Ward C comprising Alausa, Olusosun and Oregun.Mr Ayinde, also the Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, congratulated the new members of APC for their decision and assured them of fairness and equal treatment with old members.

He promised to work with all party members to ensure victory for the party’s presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, and for other party candidates in the state.

He urged other political party members to come to the ruling party because of the massive development embarked upon by the current administration.

He said it was obvious that there had been massive development across the nooks and crannies of the state.In her remarks, Ms Olatunde said the personality of Mr Tinubu attracted her and others to the APC.

“Tinubu is an enigma who has assisted a lot of people irrespective of their tribal, political or religious affiliations, and I also benefitted from him when he was the governor of Lagos.

“We can also see the good works of Sanwo-Olu. These and many other reasons prompted our decision to join the APC,’’ she said.

Politics

INEC tells voters to check their polling units online

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has advised eligible voters in the February 25 and March 11 elections to visit its online portal to know their polling units.

The commission announced this in a short message, ‘Information for all eligible voters’, issued on Sunday in Abuja.

INEC said this was important as it moved some voters from overcrowded polling units to less congested polling units within the same location for a stress-free voting.

“INEC in exercise of its powers under Section 40(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022, has allotted voters from overcrowded polling units to less congested polling units within the same location to promote a more pleasant and stress free voting experience on election day,” INEC explained.

The electoral body added, “Please visit the INEC’s Voter Verification System on: www.cvr.inecnigeria.org/vvs or voters.inecnigeria.org to check your name on the register of voters and confirm the location of your polling unit where you will vote on election day.”

The commission noted that the list of registered voters in the 176,846 polling units nationwide would be on display at each polling unit prior to elections.

“Eligible voters are encouraged to visit their polling units to check for their name on the register and confirm location of their polling unit where they will vote on election day,” said INEC.

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