Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has appealed to Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the administration continues to roll out programs to improve living standards.

Speaking in Ijagbo, Oyun local government area of the state, at the first coronation anniversary of the Onijagbo of Ijagbo land, Oba Sarafadeen Adeniyi Babalola, and the launch of the Ijagbo Palace Development Fund, AbdulRazaq acknowledged that President Tinubu assumed office amid a challenging economic downturn that required systemic reforms and public understanding.

“President Tinubu is gradually fixing things. So he needs our patience and support to get things done,” the governor said.

“For those who are planning protests, let them have patience with Mr President to fix things. It is an appeal. He has just spent one year in office. It is also too early for those who have political ambitions to start measuring his performance.”

He congratulated the monarch on his first anniversary on the throne, commending him for promoting peace and unity and supporting the government to succeed.

“We need the continued support of the people of the Ijagbo community and the entire state to succeed. Our success is your success. Both the Onijagbo of Ijagbo and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice have spoken well. All that they have said is already being worked out. We are committed to improving access to basic infrastructure in Ijagbo land and across the state,” he said.

The anniversary was attended by various dignitaries, including Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara South); AGF/Justice Minister Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN; Chairman of KAM Holdings Alhaji Kamoru Yusuf; Ijagbo high chiefs; and President of Ijagbo Descendants’ Union (IDU) Chief Tunde Agboola Oyawoye.

It was also attended by the Olupo of Ajase Ipo, Oba Ismaila Yahaya Alebiosu; the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II; the Olomu of Omu Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Olaoti; and the Olusin of Ijara Isin, Oba Solomon Olugbenga Oloyede, among others.

Fagbemi said the federal government is doing its best to salvage the present economic situation and called on people to shelve the planned protests.

He assured that Nigerians would soon begin to feel the ease of the transformative agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

Oba Sarafadeen, in his remarks, thanked the governor for his support for the community and solicited more assistance, especially in the area of road infrastructure and schoolteachers.

Chinese leader President Xi Jinping has invited President Bola Tinubu to pay a state visit to China in September.

China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chen Xiaodong delivered the invitation to Tinubu at the Aso Villa on Thursday.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made this known in a statement issued via his official X handle on Friday.

According to the statement, Tinubu has accepted the invitation and hoped that it would strengthen Nigeria-China bilateral relations and the proposed currency swap agreement.

The statement added, “Chen, who came with a large entourage, said President Xi would also welcome First Lady Remi Tinubu during the visit.“

President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) at the State House, Abuja.

Though the agenda of the meeting could not be confirmed officially, it may not be unconnected to the planned nationwide protest kicking off from 1st of August.

The Chairman of the PGF and the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, led the team of governors to the President’s office, along with the Chairman of the Nigeria’s Governors Forum, Governor Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman of Kwara State.

Also sighted was the reinstated Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu; Bassey Otu of Cross River; Benue State Governor, Fr Hycinth Alia; Uba Sani of Kaduna State and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, amongst others.

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the ministers of Finance and Budget & Economic Planning, Wale Edun and Abubakar Bagudu, respectively, were also seen arriving at the President’s office.

The ongoing meeting is coming after an earlier meeting of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), which held on Wednesday evening, and follows the cancellation of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, earlier scheduled for noon Thursday

The All Progressives Congress, APC, has suspended the party chairman in Emure Local Government, Mr. Bola Oluwole over alleged stealing, misconduct, rudeness and mis-appropriations of party funds.

In statement in Ikere Ekiti, the Chairman of APC in Ekiti North Senatorial District, High Chief Akindele Akinbobola and the Secretary, Mr. Afuye Oluwaseun noted that the suspension followed the recommendation of a seven-man disciplinary committee constituted to look into the matter.

The leadership of APC in the senatorial district therefore ordered Mr. Oluwole to hand over all properties belonging to the party to the Vice Chairman of the APC in Emure local government, Mr Gabriel Monday Omoniyi with immediate effect, who will henceforth act in acting capacity based on the constitution of APC.

The statement reads “You may wish to recall that on 1 July, 2024, the acting State Chairman met with the senatorial working committee of the party and has among other matters deliberated on the allegations of stealing, high-handedness, misconduct, rudeness and mis-appropriations of party fund labeled against you as the Local Government Party Chairman of APC. A seven man disciplinary committee was constituted to look into your matter and report to The State Acting Chairman and the senatorial excos.”

“Consequently, the committee has submitted its reports to the state acting Chairman and to the senatorial level with its recommendations in accordance with the party’s constitution.

“Therefore, be informed that all materials, documents and properties belonging to the APC should be handed over to the Vice Chairman of APC Emure local government with immediate effect, who will henceforth act in acting capacity based on article 9.5 of the APC constitution.”

Some members of the party had on Monday staged a peaceful protest to the party’s secretariat in Ado Ekiti calling for the suspension of Mr Bola Oluwole over alleged diversion of palliative, high-handedness and other offences.

When contacted on telephone, Mr Bola Oluwole said he has not been served any suspension letter.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Prof John Obafunwa as the new Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR.

According to a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesman, on Monday, Obafunwa will succeed Prof. Babatunde Salako, whose tenure expires on July 23.

The appointment takes effect from July 24.

“President Tinubu extends his gratitude to Professor Salako for his service to the nation,” said the statement.

The President expects the new Director-General to bring his immense wealth of experience and qualifications to bear in this role and to further drive the NIMR’s objective of leading research into diseases of public health importance in Nigeria.

He also expects him to develop structures for the dissemination of research findings while providing the enabling environment and facilities for health research and training in cooperation with the federal and state ministries of health.

Obafunwa qualified in medicine from the University of Lagos in 1980, following which he specialised in Anatomic Pathology (morphological study of diseases), graduating in May 1987.

He later sub-specialised in Forensic Pathology in Scotland in 1991 and obtained a law degree from England, in 2004.

He has several other academic qualifications and holds membership in various professional bodies in the UK, USA, and Nigeria.

He had worked in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the UK before returning to Nigeria in November 2004 to take up an appointment as Professor of Forensic Pathology at the Lagos State University College of Medicine, LASUCOM.

President Joe Biden’s decision to pull out of the United States presidential race as Democratic nominee has sent shock waves through the political world.

In a Sunday statement on his X handle, Biden said, “I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

Shortly after, the president declared his support for Vice President Kamala Harris to take on the bid.

“My fellow Democrats, I have decided not to accept the nomination and to focus all my energies on my duties as President for the remainder of my term. My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made.

“Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year. Democrats — it’s time to come together and beat Trump. Let’s do this,” Biden wrote on X.

The developments followed a stumbling debate performance that widely alarmed Democrats about the 81-year-old president’s fitness for office and ability to defeat former president Donald Trump who recently escaped an assassination plot.

Biden’s withdrawal leaves the Democrats in an unprecedented position with months until the November election.

Apart from the new twist likely to shape political strategy in the Republican party where Trump is the face, it also creates a new battleground for Democrats eying the presidential ticket.

AFP reports that for years, Harris faced criticism that she was not up to the job of being a heartbeat away from the presidency. Now, she finds herself feted by Democrats as their best hope to stop Trump’s comeback.

Despite blazing a trail as the first woman, Black and South Asian vice president in US history, the 59-year-old Democrat long struggled with approval ratings as bad or worse than Biden’s.

The last 12 months, however, have revealed a transformed Harris. And with Biden’s endorsement of Harris after stunning the world by dropping his reelection bid, she’s suddenly on the cusp of history.

The two-term governor of Michigan, Gretchen Whitmer, is also an increasingly popular Midwest Democrat who many pundits speculate will run for president in 2028, a BBC report said.

She has campaigned for Biden in the past and has not been shy about her political aspirations. She told the New York Times she wants to see a Generation X president in 2028, but stopped short of suggesting that she might fill that role.

In 2022, she led a campaign that left Michigan Democrats in control of the state’s legislature and the governor’s mansion.

That political control allowed her to enact a number of progressive policies including protecting Michigan abortion access and the passage of gun safety measures.

Also, California Governor Gavin Newsom is one of the Biden administration’s fiercest surrogates. He frequently appears on cable news networks praising Biden.

But Newsom has political ambitions of his own. According to BBC, Newson is often listed as a possible 2028 candidate, but many Democratic pundits now say he could be a stand-in for Biden.

The report also states that it is no secret that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has presidential aspirations. He ran for president in 2020 and is often touted as one of the Biden administration’s best communicators.

Other top shots that may be gunning for the Democrat’s ticket include Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro who has seen high approval ratings since he was elected in 2022 in a swing state Trump narrowly carried in 2016, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker who has raised his profile in recent years by going after Trump and defending Biden.

The list of potential nominees stretches beyond the Democrats listed above, as the party has developed a deep bench of possible future presidential candidates.

According to BBC, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, a two-term Democratic governor in a very conservative state, has earned growing national attention since his re-election last year.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore found himself in the spotlight in recent months following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

Senators Amy Klobuchar and Cory Booker have run for president in the past and have some name recognition among Democrats.

The leadership of the House of Representatives, led by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, has visited the $ 20 billion Dangote Petroleum refinery in Lagos State.

The lawmakers arrived at the refinery located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos around 11 am on Saturday and were received by the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and top executives of the company.

The lawmakers are expected to take a tour of the 650,000 barrels per day refinery during the visit and have a conversation about the plan to start the supply of petrol next month.

The visit marks the second time federal lawmakers will visit the refinery this year following the visit of the Senate leadership, led by Senate President Godswill Akpaio, to the facility in June.

The lawmaker’s visit comes days after the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority, Farouk Ahmed, claimed that the diesel produced by Dangote refinery contains a high sulphur content of about 1,000 parts per million.

Ahmed also stated that the Federal Government would not stop the importation of petroleum products, saying Nigeria cannot depend on one refinery to feed the nation.

He revealed that the refinery, which has been selling diesel and aviation fuel in Nigeria for months, has not been licensed, stating that it is still at the pre-commissioning stage.

“The claim by some media houses that there were steps to scuttle the Dangote refinery is not so. The Dangote refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage. It has not been licensed yet; we haven’t licensed them yet. They are still in the pre-commissioning. I think they have about 45 per cent completion,” he declared.

The NMDPRA boss warned that Nigeria cannot rely heavily on the Dangote refinery for its fuel supply.

According to him, the refinery had requested the regulator to stop giving import licences to other marketers so as to be the only fuel supplier in Nigeria.

“We cannot rely heavily on one refinery to feed the nation, because Dangote is requesting that we should suspend or stop importation of all petroleum products, especially AGO and direct all marketers to the refinery; that is not good for the nation in terms of energy security. And that is not good for the market, because of monopoly,” he stressed.

Speaking about quality, he said, “So, in terms of quality, currently, the AGO quality in terms of sulphur is the lowest as far as the West African requirement of 50 ppm is concerned.

“Dangote refinery and some modular refineries, like Waltersmith refinery and Aradel refinery, are producing between 650 to 1,200ppm. So, in terms of quality, their product is much more inferior to the imported quality,” he alleged.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hosted a dinner at the State House on Tuesday to honour Noble Laurette, Prof Wole Soyinka, on his 90th birthday.

During the birthday dinner, Sanwo-Olu also unveiled a “special portrait” of the renowned playwright and novelist.

Sharing photos from the event on X.com, Sanwo-Olu wrote, “This evening, we had the honour of celebrating the 90th birthday of our esteemed Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka.

“It was a night of joy, memories, and inspiration as we celebrated his many contributions to literature and touched on how his humanity continues to inspire us all.

“The highlight of the evening was unveiling a special portrait of Prof., a true reflection of his enduring legacy.”

Sanwo-Olu further thanked Soyinka, saying, “We celebrate not just his 90 years of life but the countless lives he has inspired and continues to inspire.”

He added, “His Nobel Prize win many years ago opened the door for many to dream and believe that greatness is achievable. His works transcend time, touching hearts and minds across the globe.

“Thank you, Professor Wole Soyinka, for showing us that through resilience, creativity, and dedication, we can achieve greatness.”

The Nobel Laureate, who turned 90 years old on Saturday, July 13, was described as a shining light and national treasure by President Bola Tinubu.

The Presidency has announced the appointment of Dr. Mainasara Umar Kogo as the Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal.

According to the presidency, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of the seasoned lawyer.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, stated this in a statement on Sunday.

The presidency described Kogo as a seasoned lawyer and analyst in the fields of law, security, economy, politics, and international diplomacy.

Tinubu, according to the statement, expects professionalism, integrity, and fidelity to Nigeria from Kogo as he discharges his duty.

Yesterday the President appointed Silas Agara as the new Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, NDE.

Ahead of the November 5 presidential election in the United States, Republican candidate Donald Trump has issued a challenge to incumbent President Joe Biden, calling for both men to undergo a cognitive test to demonstrate their fitness for office.

“Joe should immediately take a Cognitive Test, and I will go with him, and take one also,” Mr Trump declared in a post on Truth Social on Friday. “For the first time we’ll be a team, and do it for the good of the Country.”

Mr Trump, 78, is three years younger than Mr Biden, 81. The duo are currently the leading contenders in the race for the White House.

Mr Trump’s challenge emerges amid mounting scrutiny over Mr Biden’s mental and cognitive faculties, spurred by recent debate performances and public gaffes.

On Thursday, at the NATO summit, Mr Biden confused Mr Trump with his Vice President Kamala Harris and mistakenly identified Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Before this latest incident, Mr Biden’s performance in a debate against Mr Trump had already sparked concerns about his cognitive health, with critics suggesting that age might be taking its toll on him.

Since the debate, Democrats have pressured Mr Biden to consider stepping down in favour of a viable candidate.

The New York Times, in an editorial, also suggested Mr Biden withdrawing from the race to make way for a stronger contender.

Despite the growing calls for him to resign, Mr Biden has remained resolute, stating that only God could persuade him to abandon his campaign.

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, on Friday, admitted former power minister Saleh Mamman to a N10 billion bail with two sureties.

Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling on Mr Mamman’s bail application moved by his counsel, Femi Ate, held that alternatively, the former minister should enter into a bond or agreement of N10 billion with a bank.

The judge held that the sureties must have landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.

Justice Omotosho also held that the sureties’ property, which must have title registers, must be worth N750 million.

Moreover, the judge said the sureties must present an affidavit of means and three years of tax evidence, which the court registrar would verify. He ordered sureties to produce a passport photograph each while Mr Mamman submitted his international passport to the court registry.

Justice Omotosho, who ordered Mr Mamman to remain in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail, adjourned the matter until September 25 for trial.

Justice Omotosho had, on Thursday, ordered the remand of the ex-minister in the correctional centre pending the hearing of his bail application.

The judge gave the order after Mamman pleaded not guilty to a 12-count amended charge bordering on money laundering offences.

Upon hearing the bail application on Friday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s lawyer, A.O. Mohammed, did not oppose Mr Mamman’s bail plea.

Delivering the ruling, the judge said granting bail is the defendant’s constitutional right, which must be exercised judicially and judiciously.

He said the defendant is innocent until proven guilty by law.

EFCC had filed a 12-count money laundering charge against Mr Mamman.

He was alleged to have committed money laundering offences to N33 billion.

The former minister served under then-President Buhari from 2019 to 2021.

On May 10, 2021, he was arrested and detained at the headquarters of the anti-graft agency in Abuja.

Mr Buhari had, on September 1, 2021, sacked Mr Mamman and then-agric minister Sabo Nanono in what was called a cabinet restructuring.

Mr Mamman was accused of conspiring with the ministry staff in charge of the accounts of the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects to divert billions of naira.

The investigations uncovered property in Nigeria and overseas allegedly linked to the suspects, while millions of naira and dollars had reportedly been recovered.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, as co-chairman of the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms.

Tinubu disclosed Jega’s appointment during the inauguration of the committee on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The committee will address the obstacles to agricultural productivity and open up new opportunities which benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain.

He noted that the implementation of the reforms would require the collective efforts of members, drawn from the public and private sectors, state governors, and all Nigerians.

According to Tinubu: “When we have great opportunities in our states, why should Nigerians continue to experience conflicts?

“With the calibre of people that are here, this presents a unique opportunity to also delineate and establish a centric ministry called the Ministry of Livestock Development.

“It will give us the opportunity so that our veterinary doctors can have the necessary access to research and cross-breed. We can stop the wanton killings.”

The President noted that the traditional method of livestock farming would need to be reviewed and repositioned with the support of stakeholders, which include state governments, to open up new opportunities for growth and prosperity.

He also thanked the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje for his efforts in “assembling experienced and reputable experts to ensure the activation of opportunities in the livestock sector.”

Tinubu said the “Ministry of Livestock Development will be created to further explore the potential in the area.”

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has appointed seven persons into different positions.

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoho Njoku Ukoha, named the appointees as Mr. Gerald Ilukwe- Chief Information Officer, Greene Amankwe- Special Adviser on Investment Promotion and Ebere Uzoukwa- SSA, Public Affairs.

Others are Onyebuchi Chukwu- Special Assistant, Youth Development, Mr Peter Ekekwe- Deputy General Manager, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) for Ohafia Zone and Dr. (Mrs) Betty Emeka-Obasi- Administrator, Eye Health Management Bureau.

Otti also appointed Mr. Chinedu Micheal Nwosu as his Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs.

The statement said the appointments took immediate effect.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began more than two years ago.

The Indian foreign ministry spokesman in New Delhi said ahead of the trip that Mr Modi would likely discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict during his visit.

“We will always strive for a peaceful resolution of this issue as quickly as possible, which will be beneficial for everyone,” he said.

The spokesman said the return of Indians from the war in Ukraine is likely to be discussed as well.

He added that they had been coerced under false pretences to work for the Russian army.

Estimates suggest that this involves around 30 to 45 Indian citizens.

Mr Modi plans to travel to Austria after his trip to Russia.

On Monday, Mr Modi wrote on X, “These visits will be a wonderful opportunity to deepen ties with these nations, with whom India has time-tested friendship.”

A banquet with Mr Putin is planned for Monday evening.

Russia is an important energy supplier for India.

Revenue from the sale of Russian oil, which India receives at a discount due to the Western embargo against Moscow, allows Mr Putin to continue financing the war in Ukraine.

India has taken a neutral stance towards Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

It maintains good relations with the West and Russia, where Mr Modi last visited in 2019.

The Kogi State House of Assembly has extended the tenure of Transition Committee Chairmen by another Six months.

This was the resolution of the hallow chamber during the house plenary on Friday.

The extension of the tenure of the Transition Committee Chairmen is sequel to a letter sent to the house by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Governor Ododo in the letter posited that the paucity of funds and the state’s high wage bill are some of the reasons why Local Government elections cannot be conducted in the state.

Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Umar Yusuf, who read the letter, charged the Transition Committee Chairmen to be good ambassadors of their respective Local Governments.

“In the next six months, it will be interesting at the Local Government level as there will be mostly submission of reports to the Assembly. The Chairmen henceforth should take note of this” he stated.

The tenure of the 21 Transition Committee Chairmen in Kogi State is expected to expire on the 8th of July, 2024.

Following the approval by the house, the Transition Committee Chairmen are now expected to vacate their offices on 8th January 2025 when the local government election will be duly conducted.

Governor Uba Sani reiterated his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law on Thursday by reinstating Jonathan Zamuna as the chief of Piriga in Lere LGA.

Mr Sani announced this during a meeting with the Kaduna State Council of Chiefs.

He emphasised that the traditional rulers were the backbone of any government due to their closeness to the people.

“Traditional institutions remain a stabilising force in our communities and our state as a whole,” Mr Sani stated.

According to him, the pillar of any government is nurturing citizens’ engagement and involving them in decision-making, which must be accorded all respect.

He highlighted the critical role of traditional institutions as stakeholders deserving of their position.

Mr Sani underscored his administration’s respect for the law, saying that he would abide by the court’s judgment on June 10, 2024, which ordered the reinstatement of the traditional ruler.

He said that his administration holds traditional institutions in high esteem and would continue to engage them in essential decision-making processes in the state.

Mr Sani also assured continuous commitment to addressing insecurity in the state by creating military formations across the border areas.

“We will continue to partner with all the security agencies in the state to address security challenges,” he said.

Mr Sani pledged that the government’s doors were always open to discuss state progress issues.

“I know that the issue of security has affected us in our various chiefdoms. I assure you that I am not relenting in my efforts, and we are as focused as ever on improving the security situation across the state,” he added.

The governor explained that significant progress has been made in setting up a brigade in Kaduna South while working on increasing military presence in border areas such as Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Igabi, Kajuru, Kachia, and Kagarko LGAs.

Mr Sani also expressed condolences to the council over the demise of the chief of Moroa and the kidnapping of the chief of Ninzo’s wife, adding that the government would continue to provide support.

The council’s chairman, Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamali, appreciated the state government for its support. He acknowledged the government’s efforts in addressing the prevailing security challenges, especially banditry.

The emir assured the council’s continued support to ensure the administration’s success and security in the state.

He highlighted the government’s efforts as clearly visible to the council, especially regarding the timely payment of salaries.

Mr Bamali also extended condolences to the government over the demise of the Chief of Moroa, describing him as a detribalised man, praying for God to grant him eternal rest.

The National Industrial Court recently nullified the dethronement of Mr Zamuna.

The court ordered his reinstatement, the payment of all his salaries and privileges, and N10 million in damages for the breach of his fundamental rights, with an order to comply with the judgment within 30 days.

The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Abdullahi Usman Bello as the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB.

The confirmation followed a satisfactory report submitted by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Bernards Imasuen to the Committee of the whole of the Senate on Thursday.

Abdullahi who hails from Gombe State was nominated for the CCB Chairmanship in line with Section 154 of the 1999 Constitution as amended by President Bola Tinubu.

Senate Committee Chairman submitted that Abdullahi possesses the requisite qualifications and experience and having not been petitioned by any Nigerian, his nomination should be approved by the upper legislative Chamber.

“That the Senate do receive and consider the report of the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions on the confirmation of Abdullahi Usman Bello for appointment as Chairman of Code of Conduct Bureau in accordance with Section 154 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.”

Reacting to the debate, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo lauded the sterling qualities of the nominee, who he said, is a trained accountant from Gombe.

He urged Senators to confirm him, assuring that he would discharge the task in accordance with the laws that govern CCB.

After contributions, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau who presided over plenary confirmed him through a voice vote.

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja has ruled that the Edo state Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship primary election held on February 22, 2024, which produced Asue Ighodalo as its governorship candidate is invalid.

The court gave the ruling while delivering judgment in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/165/2024, brought by aggrieved delegates, notably Kelvin Mohammed, in a representative capacity today July 4.

The judge voided the primaries on the grounds that 378 delegates, who were supposed to vote, were unlawfully excluded by the PDP, contrary to the provisions of the law. The court also held that there were acts of gross violations of the Electoral Act 2022, PDP guidelines and the party’s constitution during the conduct of the primary election held at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

According to the judge, the evidence presented by the PDP (Exhibit 1) was insufficient and lacked proof, indicating that the returning officers manipulated the result sheets.

Justice Ekwo emphasised that the plaintiffs successfully established their case against the defendants through the exhibits tendered.

Regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission, the first defendant in the suit, the judge noted that while INEC filed a memorandum of appearance, it did not submit any further processes in the case. He stated that INEC’s counsel declared they would abide by the court’s decision and upheld the plaintiffs’ arguments.

“I find that the plaintiffs’ case succeeds on its merits,” Justice Ekwo ruled.

378 ad-hoc delegates, loyal to the impeached Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, had dragged INEC, PDP, its National Secretary, and the Vice Chairman South-South before the court over the outcome of the primary.

In the suit dated February 7 but filed February 8, the plaintiffs sought two orders,

“An order for the defendants or their agents not to act but to show cause why the reliefs of the plaintiffs in their originating summons should not be granted about the plan of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants to exclude them and 378 other delegates, whose names and election results are contained in “Exhibits BID 8A to 8L,” from participating in the primaries of Feb. 22 in Edo.”

The plaintiffs, which include Kelvin Mohammed, Mr Gabriel Okoduwa, and Mr Ederaho Osagie, on behalf of others in 12 local government areas and 127 wards, averred that it would be in the interest of justice for their reliefs to be granted.

A multi-purpose hospital built by the Federal Government under the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, has been commissioned at Obeaja, Ugwunagbo LGA of Abia State, by Governor Alex Otti.

The hospital, which has 100 beds, was started by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and completed by the present administration of President Bola Tinubu.

While commissioning the project, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti thanked President Bola Tinubu for completing the hospital and for converting the hospital into a multi-purpose hospital to accommodate the health needs of other members of society.

He promised that the Abia State government would assume the management of the new hospital, saying that 24-hour security, additional lands for the building of doctors’ quarters and a facility management team would be needed to maintain high standards.

Otti, who expressed joy that the maternal mortality rate has drastically reduced in Abia State to 136 presently, from its previous rate of 1047 in 2020 and 531 in 2022, as disclosed by the Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, assured that maternal mortality would further be reduced in the state.

He lamented that Nigerians spend between $1.6 billion and $2 billion on medical tourism annually, but said that his administration will build a medical village to checkmate the trend.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Odochi Azubuike, said that the facility is fully equipped to provide healthcare for mothers and children in the state.

Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Minister, Nyesom Wike has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has given approval for the construction of 40 houses for the Justices of the Court of Appeal, the Federal High Court and the FCT High Courts.

The Minister stated this during the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the court complex Abuja division of the Court of Appeal held at the site of the proposed building in Dakibiyu, Jabi District, Abuja, on Wednesday

He said the President has also approved that the heads of courts, including the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, the Chief Judge of the FCT, the President of the National Industrial Court and the President of the Court of Appeal must have their retirement homes.

“I want to assure you, by the grace of God, the foundation of these homes will be laid this August and before September next year, you will all have your keys to your houses,” Wike said.

On Tuesday the Minister flagged off the first Taxi and Bus terminal in Kugbo, Karu District of Abuja.

The FCT Minister while also noting the discomfort experienced by commuters in the FCT, especially during the rainy season and the attendant loss of man hours, due to the absence of public transportation infrastructure, said the provision of the bus terminal will make commuting in the FCT a more pleasurable experience and will also improve security.