Politics

Zamfara court nullifies primary election that produced Alhaji Dauda Lawal Dare as the state’s PDP governorship candidate

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A Federal High Court in Zamfara State has nullified the primary election that produced Alhaji Dauda Lawal Dare as the state’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the forthcoming general elections.

Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Gusau, a former federal lawmaker who also contested for the election, had approached the court seeking the nullification of the PDP primary election won by Dare, citing gross irregularities.

Delivering the judgment on Friday, September 16, Justice Aminu Baffa Aliyu said all the prayers of the plaintiff had been granted by the court.

The judgment was contained in a 109-page document. Justice Aminu ordered that fresh primary election must be conducted to ensure justice and fairness to all parties. Speaking shortly after the judgment, counsel for the plaintiff, Barrister Ibrahim Ali, said,

“The court looked at the merit of the matter and decided the case in favour of the plaintiffs.”

He added: “Our prayers were that the primary elections conducted by a committee led by Adamu Maina Waziri be nullified by the court and order be given by the court for the conduct of a fresh election in line with the PDP’s constitution and guidelines. All our prayers have been granted.

“The judgment was well evaluated because we proved our case beyond reasonable doubts and we are happy with the decision of the court.”

The state legal adviser of the PDP in the state, Barrister Bashir Abubakar Masama, said the party would study the judgment and take the next line of action, adding that the ruling would be appealed.

Politics

Abiodun pledges to address LG workers’ challenges

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The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has assured local government employees across the state of speedy consideration of their request for the recruitment of new staff members into the local government system.

Abiodun said he would do that to address the lacuna that had been in place for many years following the retirement of some local government staff members.

The governor made the promise during an interaction with members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Thursday.

He said despite the challenges facing his administration due to the paucity of funds, he would continue to do his best to ensure that every section of the state and every local government had real development.

He said,

“We will look into the issue of consolidation and parity advocated for by some heads of local government agencies who want parity between them and permanent secretaries in state ministries.

“I promise to address the issue of leave bonuses, beginning from January 2023, and increase the allocations meant for the payment of pensions to local government workers.”

Politics

Peter Obi visits ex-president Goodluck Jonathan

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The presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, visited former president, Goodluck Jonathan, today September 15.

Obi who shared photos from the visit on his official page, said he had a meeting with Jonathan on ”serious national interest questions.”

“I recently visited my senior brother, H.E. @GEJonathan to exchange views on an array of serious national interest questions,” he wrote

Politics

Court orders INEC to accept Akpabio as APC senatorial

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Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to accept and publish the name of Godswill Akpabio as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Akwa Ibom North/West senatorial district in 2023.

Delivering judgment in a suit filed in the court, the presiding judge held that INEC acted illegally for refusing to accept and publish Akpabio’s name even when it was sent to it by the APC as its candidate.

In August, INEC refused to acknowledge Akpabio and Senate President Ahmad Lawan as APC Senatorial candidates.

Both Lawan and Akpabio had contested the APC Presidential primaries. However, after losing, both of them were listed as senatorial candidates by the APC, but INEC refused to recognize them.

Akpabio approached the court to compel INEC to recognize him as the legitimate Senatorial candidate.

Politics

Governor Makinde demands PDP Chairman’s resignation

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Governor Seyi Makinde has demanded the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu, national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Punch reported that he made the demand on Wednesday September 14, during PDP south-west stakeholders meeting in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state.

Makinde said;

“Our party wants to rescue Nigeria and our candidate is a unifier. He wants to restructure Nigeria.

“Eight years of the All Progressives Congress have left us sharply divided. The issue is we must practice what we preach. If we want to unify Nigeria, we must unify the PDP first.

“If we want to restructure Nigeria, we must have the willingness to bring inclusivity to the PDP. Do we have the capacity? The answer is a resounding yes.

“The message from the south-west PDP is that the south-west is asking that the national working committee (NWC) of the PDP should be restructured.

“We are asking the national chairman to step down so that the south will be fully included. That is the message.”

Lifestyle, Politics

Governor Ayade Locks Out Civil Servants Over Lateness

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The Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, on Wednesday, locked out some civil servants working in the governor’s office for coming late to the office.

The action of the governor followed his return from a long trip out of the state and on resumption of work on Wednesday, workers who were not on duty at that time were barred from entering their offices.

Lifestyle, Politics

Elumelu Meets Ex-US Secretary Of State, John Kerry

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Businessman, Tony Elumelu, has met the former United States of America Secretary of State and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, Senator John Kerry.

He shared pictures from the meeting on his Instagram page on Wednesday.

Elumelu captioned the photos,

“Late night catchup with my good friend, Senator John Kerry, former Secretary of the State and Current US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.”

Politics

I’m expecting further detail on response to the worrisome situation by the police, the military and other security agencies – Buhari speaks on attack on Ubah

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President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the attack on the convoy of the Senator representing Anambra South District, Ifeanyi Ubah.

In a statement released by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari said he’s “closely monitoring the situation and waiting for further detail on the response to the situation by the police, the military and other security agencies.”

The President stated that he is deeply concerned about the activities of armed groups in the region and in other parts of the country.

Buhari who prayed for the quick recovery of the senator and all those that were injured, also prayed for the early return of peace and security in Anambra State and all other areas.

The statement added;

“We are closely monitoring the situation and waiting for further detail on the response to the worrisome situation by the police, the military and other security agencies.

“The nation has lost four brave policemen and other aides of the senator. On behalf of the government and the people, I pay homage to these security men and the aides who were brutally murdered.

Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this difficult time.”

Politics

Nigeria to phase out kerosene usage by 2030 – Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari has announced the federal government’s plan to jettison kerosene consumption by 2030 when gas supply would have been total.

Buhari made the pronouncement in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the 15th Annual Banking and Finance Conference organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

Represented by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning Mrs Zainab Ahmed, President Buhari emphasised that long-term greenhouse emissions have resulted in hotter temperatures, more severe rainstorms, increased drought and food security issues.

“To tackle this issue, the government has set plans in motion to significantly reduce greenhouse emissions from Nigeria. More specifically, by 2030, we aim to eliminate kerosene lighting as well as short-lived pollutants in the oil and gas sector,” he said.

On the raging inflation across the globe, he attributed the scary inflation figures across the world to fast-rising consumer demand in a world that was yet to fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and is now facing the Russia-Ukraine war.

Politics

Sowore In Court For Nnamdi Kanu’s Appeal

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The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday, showed up at the Court of Appeal to witness the case of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu in Abuja.

Sowore shared pictures from the court via his Twitter handle.

He wrote,

“At the Court of Appeal in Abuja today with #FreeNnamdiKanuNow lawyers #EjioforBar as they argue to have all charges against #MaziNnamdiKanu dropped.

There can’t be peace in a society where there is no justice! #WeCantContinueLikeThis.”

Politics

President Buhari visits Imo state amid IPOB sit-at-home order

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President Buhari is currently on a state visit to Imo state.

The President was received by the state governor, Hope Uzodinma, and other members of his cabinet at the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport.

The President is in the state to commission some projects. His visit is coming amid a sit-at-home order in the south-east issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Politics

William Ruto sworn in as Kenya’s President

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William Ruto was on Tuesday September 13, sworn in as Kenya’s fifth president following his narrow victory over Raila Odinga in a bitterly fought but largely peaceful election.

Tens of thousands of spectators turned up at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi to witness the event which Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is representing President Muhammadu Buhari at.

The Vice President was accompanied on the trip by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, and the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Senator Babafemi Ojudu. With his hand on a Bible, the 55-year-old swore to preserve and protect the country’s constitution.

Defeated candidate Raila Odinga did not attend, saying as he had “serious concerns” about his opponent’s victory.

Mr Ruto won the election with 50.5% of the vote, to Mr Odinga’s 48.8%. Mr Odinga has alleged that the result was rigged, but the Supreme Court has ruled the election was free and fair. Ruto’s campaign had portrayed him as a “hustler” with a humble background of going barefoot and selling chickens by the roadside, a counterpoint to the political dynasties represented by Kenyatta and Odinga.

But Ruto received powerful political mentoring as a young man from former President Daniel arap Moi, who oversaw a one-party state for years before Kenyans successfully pushed for multiparty elections.

Ruto now speaks of democracy and has vowed there will be no retaliation against dissenting voices.

Politics

NSCDC arrests suspected oil thieves in Rivers state

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Three suspected oil thieves have been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Rivers State Command, after being nabbed with large wooden boat and two vehicles laden with illegally refined petroleum products.

Parading the suspects at the Ogbogoro Exhibit Jetty in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, the State Commandant, Michael Ogar said the command impounded a large wooden boat laden with about 24,000 litres of illegally refined petroleum products- Dual Purpose Kerosene, (DPK).

The suspects loaded the illegally refined petroleum products in cellophane and concealed them in sack bags.

The products were carefully arranged in the wooden boat such that a layman would assume it to be a passenger boat.

The suspects who were arrested by the Corps’ Marine Team along Isaka creek off the new Calabar River axis in Rivers State, have been identified as William Chen (29) male and Emmanuel Uriah (27) male.

In a related development, the Land Patrol Team arrested one Anayo Obasi, aged 38, male with a yellow and lemon-coloured minibus laden with about 1,500 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO) concealed in cellophane.

Commandant Ogar added that another Toyota Camry Car laden with about 1,500 litres of illegally refined automotive gas Oil (AGO) was impounded at Abonnema Wharf by UTC junction in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

He added that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations have been concluded.

Politics, World News

Protesters heard booing King Charles as they call for monarchy to be abolished

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Anti-monarchists booed King Charles and one held up a sign saying “f*** imperialism, abolish the monarchy” in Edinburgh.

On Sunday, September 11, crowds had gathered in the capital city to hear the Lord Lyon King of Arms, who is responsible for overseeing state ceremonial in Scotland, formally announce King Charles as the Queen’s successor.

His Majesty’s State Trumpeters sounded a fanfare at the famous Edinburgh Castle and the Lord Lyon King of Arms read a proclamation for the King, prompting jeers and boos from other members of the crowd.

As the Lord Lyon King of Arms Joseph Morrow ended his proclamation by saying “God Save the King”, there were audible boos from people in the crowd while others called for a republic at King Charles’ proclamation in Edinburgh.

One protester was at Mercat Cross in the Scottish capital when police arrived and they took her away.

One man shouted: “Let her go! It’s free speech!” Other said: “Have some respect.” Police have confirmed that a 22-year-old woman was arrested “in connection with a breach of the peace”.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “A 22-year-old woman was arrested outside St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh, on Sunday 11 September, 2022 in connection with a breach of the peace.”

Politics

FG directs flags to fly at half-mast in honour of Queen Elizabeth II

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The federal government has ordered that all flags in the country and missions abroad be flown at half-mast in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.

The directive was given on Friday September 9 by Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola.

The flags will fly at half-mast on September 11 and September 12 to honour the late queen.

The statement reads;

“We commiserate with the government and the people of UK and all the affected people of the Commonwealth and the global community.“The Queen is dead, long live the King.”

Politics

I began to wonder if Buhari was as smart as he was said to be after we met in 1984 – Chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, Dotun Oyelade

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Chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, Dotun Oyelade has shared his experience from meeting President Muhammadu Buhari in 1984.

Oyelade who clocked 70 on Friday September 9, told Punch that he started doubting Buhari’s smartness after their 1984 encounter.

He also stated that he always tells people that Buhari does not possess a quarter of the attributes that people falsely and conveniently attributed to him.

He said;Cast you mind back to 1984/85 when Muhammadu Buhari and Tunde Idiagbon came to power with all their garbage, they showed us an idea of toughness and people were apprehended and punished for little offences.

This made people to sit up and you could see Nigerians in queues at bus stops and there was orderliness during their short stay in power. That is not to say they were angels, they were not.

I have always told people that General Buhari does not possess a quarter of the attributes that people falsely and conveniently attributed to him.

No, he doesn’t.I was one of the few journalists, who, in January 1984, immediately after they came to power, asked him questions at what they called a ‘World Press Conference’ at the Dodan Barracks in Lagos.

That was a week after they sacked the administration of President Shehu Shagari from power. Shagari’s government was sacked via a coup on December 31, 1983. We had the privilege of asking him the first set of questions.

I remember Tunde Thompson was there, Chris Okolie, Nduka Irabor and some other journalists were there. I asked him: ‘Now that you have taken over from a democratically elected civil administration, do you feel any sense of remorse?’

General Buhari could not utter a word. It was Tunde Idiagbon, who was by his side, that brushed aside my question.

That day, I began to wonder if Buhari was as smart as he was said to be. Here we are today; I don’t want to dabble in politics, I want to continue my life as an author and a biographer.

Politics

Tinubu hails PFN President at 66

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The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, has described the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Wale Oke, as a selfless leader and promoter of peace.

Tinubu, in a goodwill message by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, to the cleric on the occasion of his 66th birthday on Friday, said the presiding bishop of Sword of the Spirit Ministries International, also promoted national unity and harmony among people of different faiths and beliefs.

The former Lagos State governor said Nigerians would continue to benefit from the wisdom and foresight of Oke, as the leader of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria.

The APC presidential candidate was quoted as saying, “Bishop Wale Oke is one who has profoundly worked to advance the kingdom of God through his outreach programmes and leadership of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

I rejoice with Bishop Wale Oke on his birthday. Bishop Oke at 66 is gradually moving up the ladder and will soon join the club of septuagenarians.

“I wish him good health and more grace in the service of God and humanity. On this anniversary of his birth, I most especially celebrate the man of God for his commitment to national unity, progress, peace, and social cohesion.

As the leader of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Oke remains a shining example of honour, grace, selflessness, patriotism, and hard work, which are necessary ingredients for building a wholesome society.”

Politics

Kano police arrest 331 suspects in one month

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The Kano State Police Command has arrested 331 suspected criminals in one month.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Abubakar Lawal, disclosed this on Friday at a press briefing on the achievements recorded by the command.

The suspects, he said, were arrested for alleged robbery, kidnapping, car theft, thuggery and drug abuse, among others.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Lawal stated that 51 suspects were arrested for robbery, 69 for kidnapping, 12 for fraud, 18 vehicle and tricycle thieves, seven human traffickers, six drug dealers and 168 suspected thugs.

Lawal said that most of the suspects were already being charged to courts for prosecution.

He added that the police were able to rescue 11 kidnapped victims and 17 victims of human trafficking.

I never regretted joining police— Outgoing Kano CP Kano police nab notorious mobile phone thieves Police arrest five over murder of Kano housewife.

According to him, the police recovered 27 rifles, two locally made revolver pistols, 24 cars, 12 tricycles, two motorcycles, 94 knives, 306 parcels of Indian hemp, two cartons of suspected tramadol and 1,213 pieces of exol tablets.

He identified others to include 48 pieces of rubber solutions, 40 motor vehicles batteries, nine ceiling fans, one plasma TV, one grinding machine, and 75 cell phones, among others.

Lawal said that the achievements were recorded through synergy with sister security agencies, visibility policing, use of technology in tackling crimes and community policing with stakeholders.

The CP commended stakeholders for their continuous support and cooperation toward ensuring peaceful coexistence in the state.

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