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.

On Tuesday, the Kano High Court adjourned hearing applications in the ongoing Kano Emirship Tussle case until July 4.

The attorney general of Kano, speaker of the Kano House of Assembly and Kano State House of Assembly, through their counsel Ibrahim Isah-Wangida Esq, filed a motion ex parte dated May 27.

The applicants are seeking an order restraining the 15th emir, Aminu Ado-Bayero, and four other dethroned emirs of Bichi, Rano, Gaya, and Karaye from parading themselves as traditional rulers.

The respondents are Ado-Bayero, Alhaji Nasiru Ado-Bayero, Bichi emir; Dr Ibrahim Abubakar ll, emir of Karaye; Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad-Inuwa, emir of Rano and Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim-Gaya, emir of Gaya.

Others are the inspector general of police, State Security Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Nigeria Army.

When the case came up for hearing on all pending applications, counsel to the applicants, Eyitayo Fatogun, informed the court that the first respondent served him with five processes on July 1 at about 6:30 p.m.

“My lord, we received the respondent five processes yesterday evening, and we have filed all our responses,” Mr Fatogun said. “We urge the court to give us 30 minutes to stand down to enable us to serve the respondent with our responses.”

Abdul Muhammed, counsel to Ado-Bayero, opposed the 30-minute standdown and sought an adjournment to enable him to reply and file all their applications.

Justice Amina Adamu-Aliyu adjourned the matter until July 4 for a hearing of all pending applications and originating motions.

On May 27, the court granted an order of interim injunction restraining the first, second, third, fourth and fifth respondents by themselves, servants, and privies, from parading themselves as Emirs in the interest of peace in Kano.

On May 23, the parliament dissolved all the newly created Emirate councils in the state, and Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf reappointed Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano.

Voting for Iran’s 14th presidential election started at 8:00 a.m. (0430 GMT) on Friday after President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in May.

“We start the elections” for the country’s 14th presidential elections, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi said in a televised address.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei cast the first ballot at a polling station, and made a brief speech calling for the unity of the Iranian people during the election.

Authorities estimate that over 61 million people are eligible to vote in the election, which will be held at close to 59,000 polling stations in more than 95 states.

Iran’s 14th presidential election, initially set for 2025, was rescheduled following Raisi’s unexpected death.

Six candidates were initially qualified to enter the race: Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh Hashemi, the current vice-president; Alireza Zakani, the mayor of Tehran; and Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the parliamentary speaker.

Others were Saeed Jalili, the former top negotiator for nuclear talks; Mostafa Pourmohammadi, a former interior minister and justice minister; and Masoud Pezeshkian, a former health minister.

Later on, Hashemi and Zakani, two principlist candidates, withdrew from the race in favor of Qalibaf and Jalili, who are also in the principlists’ camp.

President Bola Tinubu has ratcheted up the economic growth of Africa’s most populous nation using his expertise as a politician and technocrat, Vice-President Kashim Shettima claims.

Mr Shettima stated this at the 142nd National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, presided over by its chairman, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, in Abuja.

The vice president linked the boost in Nigeria’s economic outlook to the financial prudence and transparency framework adopted by President Bola Tinubu.

The vice-president said, “At the helm of the nation’s affairs is a leader who always reminds us of the necessity of making the right calls to deliver on our promises to the nation.”

Mr Shettima also explained why Mr Tinubu earned and deserved the title ‘Jagaban’, which the Emir of Borgu conferred on him.

“The president is Jagaban (the front-row commander). He has a rare political virtue that has made him the unifying nub of the zeal to serve the country.

“We highlighted Nigeria’s improved credit outlook by Fitch Ratings, owing to Mr President’s transparency and effective financial management to further the nation’s economic progress.

“Today, as we prepare for the agenda of the day, I am excited by the presence of His Excellency, President Tinubu, a reservoir of ideas, a visionary extraordinaire, as he guides us towards finding a common ground.”

Mr Shettima added, “Nobody can do so better than he does, and it is this rare political virtue that has made him the unifying nucleus of our aspirations to serve the nation. He is the Jagaban, the front-row commander, for a reason.”

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday evening returned to Abuja from Johannesburg, South Africa, after attending the inauguration ceremony of South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, for a second term of office.

Tinubu arrived in Abuja at about 5:30 pm.

PUNCH Online reported that Tinubu, on Tuesday, departed Lagos for Pretoria to attend the inauguration of the South African President, Ramaphosa.

Tinubu had departed Lagos, where he had been since last Friday for the Eid-el-Kabir festival, on Wednesday for President Ramaphosa’s inauguration ceremony.

The Nigerian leader departed the Presidential wing of the Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on a Dassault Falcon 8X aircraft around 11:06 am.

The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, had said in a statement that Tinubu would attend Ramaphosa’s inauguration following his re-election as President for a second term.

While in South Africa, besides witnessing the inauguration ceremony, President Tinubu also held a closed-door meeting with Ramaphosa when he (Ramaphosa) visited the Nigerian leader at his hotel.

The statement noted that both leaders identified the similarities in the challenges being faced by African countries and agreed on the need to work together to tackle those challenges.

The statement partly read, “I really enjoyed your speech at the ceremony. I was delighted listening to you. We have lots of issues in common, and we need to work more closely together. It was a good celebration.”

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has nominated caretaker chairmen for the 23 local government areas in the state.

The governor transmitted the list to the three-member Rivers State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Victor Jumbo.

This is coming amid the renewed political crisis in the state owing to the refusal of the former council chairmen to vacate their offices after the expiration of their tenure.

In a statement issued on Tuesday night by the Clerk of the House, G.M. Gillis-West, the Assembly invited the nominees for screening on Wednesday by 8:00 am.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has advised Nigerians to keep growing their own foods and control population growth.

The former President expressed satisfaction that a considerable number of Nigerians have embraced farming once again.

Buhari, however, expressed deep concern over the unchecked rise in population within the nation, saying the situation now calls for immediate attention.

He spoke to journalists after participating in the Kofor Arewa Eid prayer in Katsina on Sunday, in light of the current conditions in the nation.

“The need for greater discussion and awareness about this problem, (uncontrolled population growth) as well as a need to invest more in education and health.

“Let us grow our own food. We have shown that we can do it. This is not the time to relent when we see prices going up. Let us buy what is produced in the country.

“The foundation of a prosperous and stable country has been laid by successive governments, and I encourage our youth, in particular, to continue to play an active role in various nation-building efforts,” he said.

Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole has vowed to ensure the victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the September 21 governorship election.

Oshiomhole said he was ready to take up the role of a sweeper to ensure the APC won the governorship election.

He spoke while inaugurating the party’s Campaign Council for the election over the weekend.

The former governor urged residents suffering from flood, whose children sit on bare floors in schools to join in ensuring APC won the governorship election.

According to Oshiomhole: “If it requires me to take the role of a sweeper, I am ready to sweep Senator Monday Okpebholo into office as governor.

“Every member and supporter of the APC is a member of our campaign for genuine change under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo.

“Titles do not matter, every member is a canvasser, every member of our party must work hard to win their units and wards, local government and state.”

Also speaking, the Director General of the APC Campaign Council, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, urged aggrieved members to unite and work for the party’s victory.

He urged aggrieved members to de-emphasize the role of money.

On September 21, people of Edo State will file out and vote for the next governor of the state.

While the APC has Senator Monday Okpebholo as its candidate, PDP has Asue Ighodalo, while Olumide Akpata is the Labour Party’s candidate.

Cyril Ramaphosa of the African National Congress (ANC) has been re-elected as South African president.

Mr Ramaphosa was elected at the first sitting of the parliament on Friday, presided upon by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.

He polled 283 votes to defeat the opposition candidate, radical Economic Freedom Fighter party leader Julius Malema, who polled only 44 votes.

Unlike before, this time, the ANC, having failed to win majority seats in the National Assembly, had to enter a coalition with the Democratic Alliance party to form a government of national unity.

Earlier on Friday, the ANC reached an agreement with the Democratic Alliance (DA) to form a government of national government.

DA Leader John Steenhuisen said, “It is my privilege to report to you that after two weeks of thorough negotiations that only concluded after today’s sitting of parliament had already started, the DA has reached an agreement on the statement of intent for the formation of a Government of National Unity.”

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday approved the appointment of Mr Tanimu Yakubu as the new Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation.

The appointment followed the expiration of the tenure of Mr. Ben Akabueze.

Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said in a statement that Yabuku is an accomplished economist, stating that he served as the Chief Economic Adviser to late President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua from 2007 to 2010.

Yakubu was also the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria between 2003 and 2007.

According to the statement, Tinubu also thanked the outgoing director-general for his services, wishing him success in his future endeavours.

The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on Thursday adjourned former Governor Yahaya Bello’s arraignment until June 27.

Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the date after counsel for the ex-governor, Adeola Adedipe, informed the court that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s lead counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, earlier informed the defence team that today’s proceeding would not be convenient.

When the matter was called, Mr Adedipe, who was in court for another matter, expressed surprise that an EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, was actually in court after the two parties agreed that junior lawyers would be sent to pick a new date at Mr Pinheiro’s instance.

He said it seemed there was a misalignment between Messrs Pinheiro and Oyedepo.

He said Mr Pinheiro approached the defence lead lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed, in his office through a junior lawyer who also appeared in court alongside Mr Oyedepo, saying that today’s hearing would not be convenient for them to proceed.

He said, “And as senior counsel, it was best agreed by way of convenience for another date. It was agreed administratively that junior lawyers be sent to court today to formally take a date as agreed by parties for June 27. I personally also approached the registry to confirm this information and it was confirmed to me.

“That was why I told the court that my appearance today is for another matter. What the prosecution has done this morning is an ambush to bring the defendant once again to the realms of social media.”

He insisted that it was at Pehinro’s behest that the matter be adjourned until June 27 for arraignment.

He said that, but for the EFCC’s decision to seek an adjournment to a future date for his arraignment, the ex-Kogi governor would have been ready to appear in court today.

“Under 266 of ACJA, there are instances when defendants don’t need to come and this is one of them. We came here to pick a date. Of what use will the defendant coming here be? It is the prosecuting counsel that approached us, we did not approach them. We have nothing to hide,” Mr Adedipe said.

Responding, Mr Oyedepo disagreed with Mr Adedipe.

He said he was unaware of any meeting between their lead counsel and the defence. However, a senior lawyer, Simon Lough, who came for another matter, stood up to intervene.

He said it was unnecessary for senior counsel to attack each other in court on a simple matter. Mr Lough said since Mr Adedipe had explained why the defendant was not in court, a new date should be agreed upon.

Mr Lough said that at the new date, the court could inquire about what transpired from the prosecution’s lead counsel. He advised the lawyers to stop the argument to save time.

The judge adjourned the case until June 27 on the agreement of counsel after an undertaking that the defendant would appear on the next adjourned day.

Diplomats said on Thursday, the first day of the G7 summit in Italy, that G7 states have agreed to lend Ukraine $50 billion using money generated from frozen Russian state assets.

War-ravaged Ukraine will use the loan package to strengthen its military defence against Russia, pay for the reconstruction of infrastructure, and fund Ukraine’s state budget.

The U.S. government says around $280 billion of Russian central bank money has been immobilised in Western countries due to sanctions imposed since the full-scale Russian attack on Ukraine more than two years ago.

The bulk of the money is within the European Union.

The bloc’s member states recently approved using interest income generated from Russian state assets to finance aid for Ukraine.

The Brussels-based financial institution Euroclear, by far the largest holder of frozen Russian central bank assets in the EU, recently said that it had collected around $4.7 billion in interest in 2023.

Planning for the structure of the loan package has been underway for months.

The United States had originally campaigned in favour of collecting not only the interest income but also the frozen assets themselves and using them to provide financial support to Kyiv.

Some European capitals, however, had major reservations about this.

G7 leaders are meeting for a summit in southern Italy from Thursday to Saturday.