Politics, World News

Court orders immediate review of judges, others’ salaries

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A National Industrial Court, Abuja on Friday ordered the Federal Government to put machinery in place for the immediate review of the salaries and allowances of the judicial officers in Nigeria.

Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae who issued the order held that the current salaries and allowances of judicial officers in the country are not only abysmally low but embarrassing.

Justice Obaseki-Osaghae gave the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed against the Federal Government by Chief Sebastine Hon (SAN).

He ordered the Federal Government to commence a monthly payment of N10 million to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, N9 million to other Justices of the Supreme Court, N9 million to President of Court of Appeal.

Also, other Justices of the Appellate Court would get N8 million; Chief Judges of both Federal and States High Courts (N8 million), while Judges of the Federal and States High Courts would receive N7 million.

The Judge held that the refusal of the government to review the judicial officers’ salaries and allowances for 14 years was unconstitutional, unlawful and should be compelled to do the needful.

Justice Obaseki-Osaghae lamented that it was unfortunate that justices and judges who are ministers in the temple of justice have become victims of injustice in the country.

Politics

PDP sues INEC, APC, seeks Obi, Tinubu’s disqualification

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The Peoples Democratic Party has instituted a lawsuit compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission to prevent All Progressives Congress Presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu; and Labour Party standard bearer, Peter Obi, from replacing their running mates with Senator Kashim Shettima and Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed respectively.

The PDP is also asking the court to declare that Tinubu and Obi be disqualified unless they contest alongside their previous running mates – Kabiru Masari and Doyin Okupe respectively.

In the originating summons with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1016/2022, the PDP is seeking an order barring the Independent National Electoral Commission from replacing the running mates of Tinubu and Obi.

Those listed as first to seventh respondents in the case are INEC, APC, Tinubu, Masari, Labour Party, Obi and Okupe.

Recall that Tinubu had nominated Masari as a surrogate running mate or placeholder in order to beat the June 17 INEC deadline. Obi had also nominated his campaign manager, Okupe, as an interim running mate. However, INEC gave a grace period of about one month to substitute their names.

After weeks of consultations, Tinubu and Obi nominated Shettima and Baba-Ahmed respectively while Masari and Okupe resigned.

However, the PDP asked the court to determine if by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the constitution, Section 29(1), 31 and 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC’s timetable, Tinubu and Obi are bound by the submission of Masari and Okupe respectively as their running mates.

The party also asked the court to determine if “by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sections 29(1), 31, 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, the first defendant (INEC) can validly accept any change or substitution of the 4th (Masari) and 7th (Okupe) defendants as running mates of the 3rd (APC) and 6th (Labour Party) defendants.”

The PDP is also seeking five reliefs including a declaration that by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the constitution, Section 29(1), 31 and 33 of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC’s timetable, both Tinubu and Obi must be bound by their submission.

The party asked the court to rule that both Tinubu and Obi will be disqualified the moment they substitute the names of their running mates.

One of the reliefs reads, “A declaration that by the combined interpretation of Section 142(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Sections 29(1), 31, 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, the 1st defendant’s (INEC’s) election timetable, the 3rd (Tinubu) and 6th (Obi) cannot validly contest  the 2023 Presidential election without the 4th (Masari) and 7th (Obi) respondents as their respective running mates.”

The PDP also based its argument on the fact that the term ‘placeholder’ is unknown to Nigerian law.

“The Electoral Act makes no provisions whatsoever for placeholder or temporary running mates. The acts of the 2nd (APC), 3rd (Tinubu), 5th (Labour Party ) and 6th (Obi) defendants in nominating and forwarding the names of the 4th (Masari) and 7th (Okupe) defendants as running mates for the 2023 Presidential elections is valid and subsisting,” the party added.

In a supporting affidavit sworn to by Evelyn Oroh, a litigation secretary in the law firm of Gordy Uche (SAN), it was stated that some of the defendants had stated openly that they were mere placeholders.

“I know that the 3rd (Tinubu) and 6th (Obi) defendants have stated in media interviews and publications that the 4th (Masari) and 7th (Okupe) defendants are not their real running mates but merely holding the place as placeholders for the real running mates,” it stated.

When contacted on the telephone, the Labour Party’s lawyer, Alex Ejesieme, said he had received the court processes.

“I have received the processes and we are filing a response already,” he simply stated.

We’re aware of the suit – Tinubu’s legal team

The Head, Legal Directorate, Tinubu Campaign Organisation, Babatunde Ogala (SAN), said he was aware of the suit when contacted by one of our correspondents on Thursday.

Ogala, a former Legal Adviser of the APC, however, said Tinubu’s legal team had not been served a notice by the court. “Yes, I’m aware (of the matter). But they have not served us.” When asked to confirm the service, he restated, “They have not.”

Earlier, INEC National Commissioner, Festus Okoye, had in an interview with Arise TV, described the issue of placeholder as a unique invention that had no place in the constitutional and legal framework of the country.

He had said,  “Political parties’ candidates have submitted names of associates to run with them, and that is the position of the law as of today and nothing has changed.

“For there to be a substitution of a candidate, the vice-presidential candidate must write to the INEC, with an affidavit stating that he is withdrawing from the race within the time frame provided by the law, as that is the only way there can be a substitution of candidates.”

Also, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, Prof Abdulganniy Raji, had said, “Being a part of the umpire, I will not say I see danger or I didn’t see danger (in party submitting place holders instead of running mate).

“I will rather abide by the constitutional provisions, the extant laws. The Electoral Act makes provisions for the procedure of how to nominate and there are also provisions for the substitution of the names, either in case of death or withdrawal by any candidate, whether the substantive candidate or the running mate.”

Senior lawyers, in separate interviews with The PUNCH on June 20 had said the only risk involved in the place holding arrangement would be the refusal of the running mate to step down.

A senior advocate, Adegoke Rasheed, said a placeholder could only be withdrawn if he died or voluntarily withdrew as neither INEC nor the court could make him relinquish the position.

Another SAN, Rotimi Jacobs, said political parties had taken advantage of the silence of the Electoral Act on the issue.

He said, “The political parties are just taking advantage of the provision of the Electoral Act: Section 33 permits the candidates to withdraw or an account of death or may be substituted. The political party will conduct another primary election. Or if he voluntarily withdraws, the political party that is affected must within 14 days conduct fresh primary elections to produce another candidate.”

Politics

APC postpones official unveiling of Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has postponed the official unveiling of former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shetima, as the running mate to its presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu.

Shetima was scheduled to have been presented to party members at the APC national Secretariat on Thursday.

However, the Chairman of the APC Press Corp has informed reporters the event has been moved forward.

He said a new date will be announced in due time and that the date would probably be sometime next week.

The Press Corp chairman said the directive for the postponement was given by the party’s Deputy National Secretary.

No reason has been given for the decision which comes amid controversy over the choice of a Muslim-Muslim ticket by the party.

Politics

We won’t support Muslim-Muslim ticket – Northern APC group

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A coalition of Christians of Northern Extraction in the All Progressive Congress has warned that the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket of the party for the 2023 general election will have serious and grave consequences.

The organisation, which comprised Christian politicians in the 19 northern states within the APC, said they would not go against their conscience and faith, and go to their various constituencies to campaign for a Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The organisation made its position known in a communique issued on Tuesday in Abuja after its meeting, which discussed the issues of the APC Muslim-Muslim ticket and the implications to the nation, signed by its Chairman, Prof. Doknan Sheni, and Secretary-General, Ishaya Bauka.
The presidential candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, had on Sunday announced Kashim Shettima as his running mate.

While describing the development as unacceptable, the coalition said Nigeria remained a multi-religious and constitutional democracy and not a theocracy, adding that the current political atmosphere of the nation was different from what occurred in 1993.

The communique read, “The selection of a Muslim vice presidential candidate portrayed insensitivity to the Christians in the nation.

“The fear of the Christians in the North and the nation, in general, is that the APC will be viewed as an Islamic party and the Muslim -Muslim ticket was not possible in 2015, why should it be possible in 2023?

“More so, that we are apprehensive that the person picked might have had a hand in the Chibok girls Saga and other terror activities, Muslim-Muslim ticket would undermine the election chances of Christian candidates in the APC in the various states in the North. The Christians in the North and the whole nation are highly aggravated.

“Considering that the Chairman of the party is a Muslim, Deputy Chairman – North, is a Muslim, the President of the Senate is a Muslim, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are Muslims, and now both the presidential and vice-presidential candidates are Muslims and apart from this violating the constitution, section 14 subsection 3, if this was to be reversed that all these were Christians, can any Muslim in the North be able to sell the APC presidential ticket to any Muslim ummah?”

They warned of serious and grave consequences if the selection of a Muslim vice-presidential candidate was not changed, maintaining that “at this moment of national peril, what should be paramount in Nigeria is unity and not infrastructure or economy.”

“For without unity, we cannot build. Any party or candidate that elevates the greed of a few above the needs of the many has no business running the affairs of Nigeria,” the coalition said.

Politics

What Peter Obi won’t do to Nigeria if elected president – Northern elders

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The Northern Elders Forum, NEF, has assured Nigerians that the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Peter Obi won’t divide the country if elected.

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the spokesman of NEF, also noted that Nigeria will not be divided if Obi fails in the 2023 presidential election.

He pointed out that no presidential candidate would divide the country if elected in 2023.

Baba-Ahmed was reacting to a Twitter user who said he was scared the LP presidential candidate will divide the country if elected president.

The Twitter user @AnthonyAnya33, wrote: “I understand why you’re scared… he will divide the country but ask yourself what if he fails to win do you think the country will remain one?”

Reacting, Baba-Ahmed wrote: “I am afraid you are wrong on both counts. Not Obi, no candidate will divide the country when he becomes President, unless he deliberately chooses to govern in a manner that infinitely dwarfs the current administration’s record.

“The country will not divide if Obi does not win either.”

Politics

Osun Guber Poll: Police deploy 21,000 personnel

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The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has revealed that 21,000 police personnel would be deployed to the Osun State for the gubernatorial election slated for this weekend.

He stated that the Police personnel would take charge of security and protect electoral materials.

The IGP disclosed this during the INEC stakeholder’s meeting held in Osogbo.

The deployment of the police he maintained will also serve as a strong warning that the government was ready to make democracy work and assured the residents of the state that government will provide a conducive electoral environment for a peaceful election.

He warned trouble makers that irrespective of their status they would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“Nobody will be allowed to derail the electoral process and no stone will be left unturned in prosecuting those who would be found wanting,” Baba warned.

Politics

President Muhammadu has woefully failed Nigerians – Catholic priests

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Some Catholic Priests in Edo State have said President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership failed woefully in its primary duty of protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians.

The Priests said President Buhari ought to proffer solutions to the increasing rate of killings and kidnappings in parts of the country or step down from being the President.

The priests made the assertion at the weekend when the acting Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu led other government functionaries to pay last respects to a Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, who was murdered by suspected kidnappers.

The deceased Catholic priest was murdered by his abductors in Ikabigbo, Etsako West LGA of Edo State.

Very Rev. Fr. Johnbosco Ezehi, National President of the Nigeria Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), at the funeral mass and interment held for the priest at the Priests’ Cemetery, Immaculate Conception Seminary, Ivianokpodi-Agenebode in Etsako East LGA, appealed to President Buhari to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians.

He said, “We condemn the increasing attacks by suspected herdsmen, who have turned the country into a massive graveyard. If the president cannot keep our country safe, then he automatically loses the trust of the citizens. He should no longer continue to preside over the killing field and mass graveyard that our country has become.”

The Priests called on the president to take drastic and urgent steps to reverse the ugly tragedy, which he said is threatening the peace and foundation of the collective existence and unity of the nation.

He said it is clear to the nation that the president has failed in his primary duty of protecting the lives of Nigerians.

Politics

Kuje prison break: Buhari reluctant to hold his appointees responsible – Arewa youths

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The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) on Monday said that President Muhammadu Buhari is reluctant to hold his appointees responsible for the recent Kuje Prison attack by suspected Boko Haram members.

The ACF, in a statement by its Secretary-General, Murtala Aliyu, wants Buhari to rise up to the occasion and ensure that his appointees are held responsible for any deterioration of the security situation under their watch.

DAILY POST reports that scores of terrorists suspected to be Boko Haram members had last week attacked Kuje prison with explosives and other weapons and freed all their members and other criminal elements.

The incident has continued to create reactions from stakeholders who expressed shock at the level of the security crisis in Nigeria.

“We noted that the response of President Muhammadu Buhari to the Kuje Prison tragedy, in particular, was to offer the familiar cocktail of platitudes of sermons, condemnations and yet more sermons,” ACF’s statement partly read.

“In other countries, the Kuje jail attack and similar ones that have happened in parts of Nigeria would’ve led to massive reshuffle, resignations and possibly prosecutions of officials that are negligent, incompetent or plainly untrustworthy.

“Probably because President Buhari is unable or unwilling to hold his appointees responsible for any deterioration of the security situation and some other socioeconomic sectors under their watch, the vast amount of money and other resources being pumped into the security agencies have largely been ineffective.

“We demand that President Buhari braces up without further delay and rises to today’s occasion,” the group said.

Politics

What will happen under Tinubu presidency – Adegboruwa

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Legal practitioner Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa believes a Bola Tinubu presidency will be controlled by the North.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said this in a statement on Tuesday.

Adegboruwa reiterated his rejection of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muslim-Muslim ticket.

The lawyer said it was a sign that others don’t matter and shows absence of consideration for unity and plurality.

“Desperation and over-ambition. We just want power at all costs and we don’t care what others think or do.

“We can win the elections without you, especially by other means other than by open ballot,” he said.

Adegboruwa noted that APC’s action was a cruel affirmation of supposed superiority complex.

“It is an indication of a hidden agenda. The spirit of Hope 93 died with MKO and those who betrayed him and his mandate.

“May Boko Haram, terrorists and insurgents, their sponsors and sympathizers not win the 2023 elections,” he noted.

He said the same-religion ticket suggests only one region determines electoral victory and that Tinubu is not acceptable to Northern Muslims.

Adegboruwa accused the APC of acting like Nigeria is not a secular state but rather being ruled to satisfy certain religious tendencies.

“That the APC has absolute control of the electoral system and thus electoral victory may not be determined through free, fair and credible elections.

“That certain political tendencies and interests do not trust others to accommodate them if they are entrusted with power whereas they have been in power and accommodated by others.”

Adegboruwa added that the North has proven that Tinubu has no mind of his own “and will be unable to defend the unity of Nigeria in crucial moments of decision making”.

The statement added the the APC is incompetent to manage a complex nation like Nigeria with diverse interests, different tongues and tribes and consisting of different faiths.

Politics

Accept returnees, A’Ibom deputy gov urges PDP officials

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The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Moses Ekpo, has pleaded with all ward officials of the Peoples Democratic Party across the state not to reject or discriminate against ex-decampees who are returning to the party.

His plea was contained in a statement on Tuesday by his Press Secretary, Ekikere Umoh, titled, “Accommodate All Returnees, Akwa Ibom Deputy Governor Tells PDP.”

According to the statement, Ekpo made the appeal while visiting 11 PDP wards in Abak Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that since the state had become the stronghold of the PDP, party officials must appreciate the need to accommodate persons who were either cajoled or manipulated to leave the party.

The statement read in part, “Don’t ever forget that our symbol is the umbrella, and of what use would be a large umbrella which cannot shelter people from the rains and harsh weather.” 

He explained that the essence of his visit was to “feel the pulse of the party at the grassroots and to sensitise them to the fact that the party primaries were over with the emergence of candidates, and to further urge all members to close ranks and work as a family in order to sustain the party’s success at the forthcoming 2023 polls.”

He further charged the membership of the party at the grassroots to continue to support the party in order to reap the benefits of democracy and good governance, assuring them that it was only by so doing that the grassroots could experience steady development and rural transformation. 

Ekpo also used the occasion to urge the party members to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards while presenting the candidates who would fly the party’s flag for the state and the National Assembly in the 2023 elections.

He, therefore, solicited their support for the candidates during the forthcoming elections. 

Politics

Shettima: Actor Kenneth Okonkwo dumps APC

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Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, has dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress over the party’s decision to fly a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket for the 2023 election.

The PUNCH reports that the APC presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, on Sunday, announced former Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, as his running mate despite opposition from some quarters to a same-faith ticket.

The thespian announced his decision in a letter shared on his Instagram page on Monday.

He said his decision became imperative following Tinubu’s choice of Shettima as running mate despite clamour from stakeholders and other Nigerians that a Christain northerner should complement the party’s ticket.

Part of the letter read, “Recall that joined APC because of its Constitutional vow, as true Progressives and Patriots, to eliminate all forms of discrimination and social injustice in Nigeria, thereby building the nation a nation which will guarantee equal opportunity for all and ensure mutual and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

“Those ideals are now alien to the APC, with their unfortunate decision to paint our Muslim brothers in had light, by insinuating that the Muslims in Nigeria will not accept or vote for a Northern Christian as Vice-President to pair with a Southern Muslim.

“If Muslims could vote voluntarily for Southern Christian Presidents, it is then a fallacy to insinuate that they cannot accept a Northern Christian Vice-President. This will permanently destroy the political viability of Northern Christians in Nigeria, if allowed to stand.

“Being the convener of the Campaign for Equity and Justice in Nigeria, and as a former member of APC Presidential Campaign Council, which resisted same religion presidential ticket in the past, I can no longer continue to lend my name to these abnormalities in the interest of our peaceful co-existence, integration and progress of our beloved country.”

Politics, World News

ISWAP Terrorists Planning To Attack Christians, Targets In Nigerian Capital, Abuja, Released Kuje Jihadists To Pursue Goal—Civil Defence, NSCDC

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It also said that the Islamic terrorists had declared war against Christians in Nigeria, saying that was why they attacked the Kuje Correctional Centre and released some of their fighters to sustain the attack.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has raised the alarm over planned attacks by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on selected targets in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
It also said that the Islamic terrorists had declared war against Christians in Nigeria, saying that was why they attacked the Kuje Correctional Centre and released some of their fighters to sustain the attack.


NSCDC disclosed this in letter with Ref: No; NSCDC/CMDT/FCT/INT/VOL.X/188 addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration and was by FCT Commandant, Peter Maigari.
 
The letter obtained by Leadership which SaharaReporters sighted on Sunday, was dated July 8, 2022, and titled: “Security Alert: Renewed Threat Of Attack By ISWAP Terrorist On Targets within The FCT”.
The letter reads, “Certified intelligence reveals that members of the decimated terrorist group Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) have concluded plans to launch more coordinated and spontaneous attacks on selected targets within the federal Capital Territory (FCT) and had declared war against Christians in Nigeria.
“Intelligence abounds that ISWAP terrorist group has claimed responsibilities of the Tuesday 5th of July, 2022 attack on Kuje medium security custodial centre, releasing their adherent members.


“The foregoing is to enable them hibernate in targeted communities (FCT) and re-strategize for further terrorist activities, especially on soft targets to keep the agenda of the group alive to the public.
 
“Comment: Taking into consideration the recent terrorist attack on Kuje medium security custodial centre for good two hours without any security resistance indicated their readiness to carry out more coordinated attacks in selected cities/towns, security formations, schools, and worship centres in FCT, hence the released of their members for more formidable squad to achieved their dastardly act.

“Recommendation: Against this backdrop, it is advised that counter measures be emplaced, and
there is need to review existing security measures around such targets and other sensitive facilities with security formations, in FCT to frustrate the planned attack.
“This report is submitted for your information and necessary action sir.”


Last Tuesday, ISWAP terrorists attacked Mike Correctional Centre, freeing hundreds of inmates, including Jihadists held at the prison facility. 

Politics

APC exploits PDP crisis, Atiku’s absence, woos Wike

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As preparations for the 2023 general elections hot up, the ruling All Progressives Congress is making frantic moves to win more influential politicians into its fold. Three governors on the platform of the party on Friday visited the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, to woo him to join the party.

Wike is said to be dissatisfied with the outcome of the presidential primary of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, which produced Atiku Abubakar as the candidate, while he emerged as the first runner-up. The governor is also said to be aggrieved by the choice of Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, as Atiku’s running mate despite the recommendations of a committee that favoured him.

The aftermath of the primary led to a deep crack in the party with some members, believed to be loyal to Wike, calling for the resignation of the national chairman, Iyorchia Ayu and substitution of Okowa’s name with Wike as the running mate.

The absence of Atiku, who has been on vacation abroad, is also said to be exacerbating the crisis, as many believe he should have met Wike in person and play a critical role in uniting the party before the crisis escalates.

The APC is therefore believed to be taking advantage of the festering crisis in the opposition party and Atiku’s absence to woo the governor, who is seen by many as influential and a mobiliser.

On Friday, three APC governors: Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum; Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State; and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; and a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose, who is a PDP member, visited Wike in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

As soon as they alighted from their vehicle, they exchanged banters, hugs and handshakes with Wike. However, a top government official in the state who did not want his name mentioned noted that as soon as they arrived, they went into a closed-door meeting with Wike and that the meeting lasted for about an hour and thirty minutes.

Though it could not be ascertained what their discussion was about, it is believed that the visit was about the 2023 elections and attempt by the ruling party to woo the governor to join the APC.

When asked by reporters what their visit was about, Fayemi reportedly said “it was a Sallah visit”.

While trading banters before the meeting, Fayemi who was the first to speak while in a handshake with Wike said, “Why did you come here with a camera?” Wike replied, “Am I hiding?”

Then, Akeredolu while shaking the governor, said, “Wike, Wike,” which elicited another response from him, saying, “They said I went to London. Which day did I go to London? Is this place (his residence) London?” But Fayemi interjected, “London via Turkey.”

Teasing their host, Akeredolu kept hailing Wike and told him that the cap he (Wike) wore was now in vogue but Wike replied, saying “I don’t want to wear it”, as they all burst into laughter and walked towards the governor’s residence.

They continued their banter as they walked towards Wike’s residence.

‘Come join us’

Meanwhile, a source at the meeting, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the APC governors told Wike to join them in their quest to win the 2023 presidential election.

The source said, “The plan is to woo him to our side since his party seems to be ignoring him. We asked him to work with us.”

Asked what Wike’s response was, the source said “Well, you don’t expect him to jump at the offer. This is because his party already had a candidate for all the elective positions, especially in his state. But we want him to work with our presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. But he gave us no commitment.”

Their visit came a few weeks after Governor Dave Umahi, also of the APC, visited the governor and held a closed-door meeting with him. The details of the meeting were not known but it is believed it’s also about the 2023 elections. Umahi and Wike had previously had open disagreements prior to the party primaries.

Apart from Peter Obi of the Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party who also visited the governor, some PDP leaders, including Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, the Senate Minority Leader, Phillip Aduda; his deputy, Shuaibu Lau; and deputy Minority Whip, Danjuma La’ah, had paid similar visits to Wike recently. The visits also included closed-door meetings.

There has been widespread speculation that Wike may be contemplating dumping the PDP, but the governor who had always said he remained in the PDP, had yet to make any statement to that effect.

Governor Samuel Ortom had in a recent interview expressed displeasure over the way the party handled the aftermath of the primary, especially as it concerned Wike. Fayose, who contested the presidential primary, said about a week ago that it was either southern presidency or nothing.

PDP kicks

Meanwhile, the PDP has said it is not threatened by the visit of the APC governors to Wike. It also said the visit was expected since the 36 governors would have common issues to deliberate upon.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, told one of our correspondents in an interview that the visit by the three APC governors was normal.

He added, “The (APC) governors are free to visit any of their colleagues. Wike, who is our performing governor, couldn’t have rejected the offer by his colleagues to visit him. Also, the visit is not meant to threaten us. We are not threatened at all because the APC were probably in Rivers State to learn from Wike.

“Let me also add that the governors have a club known as the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and its members are free to socialise and visit one another. There is nothing wrong with that. It is good for governance because beyond politics, the governors need to come together for the good of the country.”

Asked when Atiku would return to the country, Ologunagba said, “Anytime from now.”

However, sources within the party said its leadership was worried about Atiku’s trips.

Atiku was said to have travelled to the United States some days ago, from where he moved to Dubai. However, a source close to him told one of our correspondents that the former vice president is now in France.

Rivers APC speaks

The spokesperson for the APC in Rivers State, Chris Finebone, has said he wouldn’t be the one to decide whether or not Wike would be welcomed to the APC if he decides to defect.

He said in an interview with one of our correspondents, “I won’t be the one to decide whether the door will be open or closed but if you ask me for my personal opinion, Wike will not go to the APC.

“Wike may work out something with those who are visiting him and might not necessarily go to the APC. There are a thousand and-one things he can arrange with those visiting him without pronouncing his movement to APC; that is my personal view.

“I think it is taking speculations too far that those three governors came with an ex-governor Fayose, it may be a sign of working together but it may also not mean out rightly decamping to join the party.”

Ex-VP in France

Meanwhile, Atiku is said to be in France after his trips to the United States and Dubai. A top source in the party told one of our correspondents that the former vice-president was on vacation, adding that he needed to rest given that once he returned he would be busy with campaigns that would last till the February 25, 2023 presidential election.

When reminded that Atiku’s absence was not good for the party, the source said, “Atiku Abubakar is on vacation. The man is taking a break. This race will be a marathon by the time he gets back, so he deserves the vacation now.

“Genuine stakeholders, members of the party and leaders recognise that everything needs to be done to resolve all the issues and the reconciliation process has started and is ongoing. It’s not only about Atiku Abubakar; the party has taken ownership of it. He’s the candidate of the party and the party is trying to find a solution to these issues, and I think people should give them the opportunity.”

When asked if Atiku’s camp had fears about the APC governors to Wike, the source said, “People need to have some respect for Governor Nyesom Wike. He is a governor and those who visited him are also governors, and they have a right to interact and if they do, why should people interpret it wrongly. That amounts to a disservice and they are not being fair to him.

“In all of these, we must take cognisance of what Governor Wike has said; that PDP is in his DNA and that whatever was the outcome of that primary, he would work for the PDP in 2023. That was his last say on that matter and I think we should respect that.

Tinubu returns

The presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, returned to the country on Friday, 11 days after he travelled to France.

Tinubu’s Spokesperson, Tunde Rahman, confirmed this in an interview with one of our correspondents on Friday.

Also, Tinubu, via his official Twitter handle, Friday evening, shared a tweet, “Heading home,” with a link to his Instagram page showing him inside an aircraft.

Tinubu had travelled to France on June 27 for “important meetings.”

Tinubu departed Nigeria shortly after he held a closed-door meeting with the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on June 27.

While announcing his trip to France via a statement, Rahman said, “He is off to Paris, France to hold some important meetings. The APC standard-bearer is expected back in the country shortly.”

Some of his supporters expressed hope that the matter of his running mate would now be settled in a matter of days.

Although his media team averred that the candidate travelled to the French country ‘to hold important meetings,’ his critics believed that it was a mission to perfect his plans ahead of the 2023 general elections while some believed he travelled for medical attention.

Ayu back home

On Friday, Ayu also returned to the country from the United Kingdom after a brief vacation. He arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Ayu travelled to the UK on June 21 for a brief vacation after the party’s primaries and nomination processes.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Communication and Strategy to the Chairman, Simon Imobo-Tswam, stated that before the vacation, Ayu the Deputy National Chairman (North), Ambassador Umar Damagum, to act for him.

Politics

BREAKING: Peter Obi unveils running mate 

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The Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has unveiled his running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed.

Senator Datti Baba-Ahmed, the founder of Baze University, Abuja, was announced as the LP vice-presidential candidate in Abuja on Friday.

The 46-year-old was a former lawmaker who represented Kaduna North  Senatorial district.

Baba-Ahmed’s announcement was coming barely 24 hours after the Director-General, Peter Obi Campaign Organisation, Doyin Okupe, announced his withdrawal as the vice-presidential candidate of the party.

Okupe who announced his withdrawal via his verified Twitter handle @doyinokupe noted that his party would announce the new running mate to the presidential candidate.

“This afternoon I submitted my withdrawal letter from the position of the Vice Presidential candidate of the Labour Party to INEC. A replacement will be announced by d national chairman of d party shortly. I feel greatly blessed to have been part of the foundation of success 4 the LP,” Okupe tweeted.

The PUNCH reports that like the ruling All Progressives Congress, the Labour party had named Okupe as the interim vice presidential candidate of the LP in order to beat the deadline by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Details later…

Politics

Oyetola releases N1.6bn for pension payment

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Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State has released the sum of N1.6 billion for the payment of pension to retirees in the State.

The money, according to a statement credited to the office of the Head of Service, is for the payment of pension from the month of June 2022, to retired workers under the old Pension Scheme, retired Primary School teachers and Local Government staff on Contributory Pensions Scheme, and retired civil servants in Ministries and Agencies of government.

N516,186,000 is meant for the payment of pension bonds to retired Primary School teachers and Local Government staff on Contributory Pensions Scheme, and a sum of N300 million to retired civil servants in Ministries and Agencies of Government.

The State government spends N752 million as monthly pension to all retired workers under the old Pensions Scheme.

The payment according to the statements would start on Thursday July, 14.

“The list of beneficiaries are posted on the Notice Boards of the Local Government Pensions Bureau, Civil Service Bureau Office of the Head of Service, and the Ministry of Information and Civic Orientation.

“All workers of the State, both serving and retired, are assured by Governor Gboyega Oyetola of continuous priority of their welfare in the scheme of things in the State”, the statement read.

Politics

Terrorist attacks: We’ll hold Buhari accountable, I’m pained – Ndume

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Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South Senatorial District has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to start taking responsibilities and act like Commander-in-Chief over the terrorist attacks happening on a daily basis in almost every part of the country.

According to him, it is the responsibility of the President to address Nigerians and not his advisers releasing statements after every attack.

Featuring on Channels Television on Thursday evening, Ndume said he was totally disappointed with the response coming from political leaders who should be ordinarily responsible for the lives and well-being of Nigerians.

Ndume said he feels pained to be called a Senator because most of them were almost helpless in the current situation and were like mere observers.

Asked whose responsibility it is to brief Nigerians after such fatal attacks on citizens, Ndume said, “the service chiefs are there, the NSA is there and the President is there.

“This is not a State matter but if it was in the State, the State Governors should be doing that. You see it happening everywhere. You see it happening everywhere.

“Honestly, we’re in trouble. Don’t take these things lightly. I’m worried…we should be talking about how to address this matter and what citizens need to do…I’m really disappointed with the response of so many leaders.

“And it’s our responsibility. The responsibility of the government is security and welfare of its citizens and then you have leaders responding as if it is a casual thing and not their responsibility.

“It is our responsibility. I feel pained to be called a Senator and almost like helpless- most of us are like that- sitting down as observers.”

On how he’ll fix the current security situations, Ndume added, “I’ll call the security Chiefs to brief me properly, then I’ll brief the nation on what is going on, sharing with them what needs to be shared without compromising the security situation.

“The President or whoever is in charge is supposed to sit some people down and get results, not just making statements. I’ve said it before, when it comes to issues like this, it is the President who is supposed to be addressing Nigerians, not some advisers.

“The President should be taking responsibility. He is the President! You see, religiously, by the time you ask people to elect you as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, anything that happens to any Nigerian, we’ll hold you accountable for it “

Politics

Tinubu, Atiku, Obi: Rough is the road ahead

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Tuesday, a band of terrorists laid an ambush for President Muhammadu Buhari on his way to Daura for holiday. The President’s advanced convoy was corralled. Before the smokes from that gunbattle simmered, another terrorist attack was reported Wednesday morning. Hoodlums raided a huge prison hold in Kuje, freeing hundreds of criminals serving time. The mean men had a field day reuniting with their killer-partners slammed in the calaboose. That is the terrorised life Nigerians live today. When bandits strike on a nation’s presidential convoy anywhere around the world; it’s proof that terrorists hold sway in the country. With all of Buhari’s mouthing about keeping Nigerians safe, and his rambling rhetoric and empty threats hauled at those making Nigeria unlivable, it is certain that this retired Army General has lost grip of Nigeria’s security. Horror stories of terrorism have engulfed our nation. Nigerians are living in misery without food, money, and hopes for tomorrow. Many think the country can implode any minute. God forbid.

Political permutations about who becomes the next carrier of Nigeria’s nagging migraine headaches are running feverishly rackety. Who will that be? I leave the brawls and battles to the frenetic adherents of major candidates who have already turned the social media space into an Armageddon of brutal brabble and quibbles. Except God pulls a shocking one from His breath of the miraculous, one of these men-Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Abubakar Atiku, or Peter Obi, will become President. I begin with the ruling party’s standard bearer.

APC remaining in power at the centre in this election cycle may be a tall order. How does Tinubu pull it off without distancing himself from Buhari and his tales of woes? How does he disabuse the minds of Nigerians who believe that he is wealth-amassing, money-mongering, and uncannily-controlling of human beings in states his appointed men reign as governors? How does Jagaban shake off the health debate that his limbs are too weak, his heart too fluttering, and his grips are unsteady even when drinking a pint-size bottled water? These are concerns for Nigerians. As of today, however, Tinubu is the front-runner in this marathon dash for power. He has the money, the men, the mind, and strategies to get what he wants. Don’t joke with a man who believes that he is ordained by God to strap on the presidential crown this time.  Tinubu told Nigerians that this is his time and turn. “E gbe kinni yi wa; EMI LO KAN”. Unfortunately, in a democracy, victory is not turn-by-turn. It is an all-out, tough-and-rough fight convincing people you are their help in times of trouble. Who dares say Tinubu has not paid his dues in political fight arenas? He has fought many power bases, over many issues, and over many decades on Nigeria’s tough political terrain. Tinubu can fight. The battle line is now drawn between him and human machineries set in dark places trying to ensure that he does not become President.  But in this cycle, Tinubu is one of the favorites to become President. But how does he pull it off with his party’s dismal and terrible rule where Nigerians aren’t safe in their own home and Nigerians dying of hunger?

I also don’t know how PDP can return to the centre with its horrible testimonies that have not faded in Nigerians memories. Many believe that the foundation of the agony Nigerians suffer today was laid by the corrupt hands of PDP men and women. In 2013, Nigeria’s external reserves dipped from $47 billion to $29 billion in 2015 straight through the conduits of corruption. Savings depleted from $21 billion in 2010 to $2 billion in 2015. PDP’s Federal Government borrowed $2 billion to pay salaries in that season of Nigeria’s life.  In May 2011, Nigeria’s debt was N2.5trn and oil price was $110 per barrel; and by May 2015 debt had risen to N12trn even with more revenue. Under the PDP watch, the American Government found out that about $9bn was stolen by fifty people. Abubakar Atiku, the party’s chaperon in next year’s election has a baggage load of malfeasances and infractions that I don’t have the writing privilege to rerun in a thirteen-hundred-word treatise. Like Tinubu, the Waziri of Adamawa is one of the favourites to win next year’s election. But how does he pull it off?

Peter Obi once sat in Anambra State  Governor’s office. He too wants to be President. Surprisingly to many, Obi’s profile is rising in charms and chimes. His followership is increasing. New converts drawn to his gospel are swelling in size. His tub-thumpers are from everywhere. They are Yorubas, Igbos, and all. And they are young. Obi is making forays into unexpected cohorts. A lot of adherents of VP Yemi Osinbajo who lost in the APC primaries seem to have found a home in Obi’s tent. He is younger than all the major candidates. He talks populist economic sense. What he talks about appeals to ordinary Nigerians. He, too, is a favourite in this run. But if Obi will shock the system, he needs to rejigger in a few areas.

One, he must not listen to those who tell him he doesn’t need a structure. He does.  Structure is a requisite process to success in business and life. It is like a drawn plan before you build a house. Obi will need a structure made of steel to war against an Atiku or Tinubu. Both men can boast of octopuses of long-standing structures.

Two, Obi must also quit hyperboles. He is preaching to a hungry and angry choir of Nigerians. Just like Tinubu and Atiku, Obi is an accomplished fella. He doesn’t need to exaggerate his testaments.

Three, Obi should also find a way not to allow his loyalists brand his run an Igbo project, but a Nigerian business. He has to win in other regions to become President. Between now and February 2023, he’s got to convince a lot more educated young and middle-aged Nigerians. He must make inroads into Gombe, Sokoto, Kano, Kogi, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Borno, Kebbi, Jigawa, and at least two-thirds of the Northern voting space. He must figure out how to do this in seven months.

Four, Obi should educate his supporters that verbal abuses and diatribes on opposing voices don’t make good friends. They turn people off. You may hear some of those vile voices after reading this article. There are very many people who are open to listening to Obi. Millions of Nigerians are sick-and-tired of status quo politics and politicians. Millions don’t care where their pPesident comes from or what God he worships. Irate and rabid supporters many times shut the valves of support and friendship. It may be a long shot, but Obi has a chance. I’m watching how he will pull it off.

We all know that nothing else is presently in Nigerian politicians’ fervid focus but 2023. Nine months away, the regime of the President, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, will end. Candidates are butting heads to succeed him. A roiling jostle for the control of Aso-Rock is ongoing. The unrelenting hankering for power among political groupies is loud. Movements have morphed into coalition of political assemblages. Talks to seize power and control of the central government continue behind closed doors as Nigeria treads a rough road ahead into the future. Who wins? Prognosticators may not be accurate. Political prophets will lie as usual. Consult your Ouija board. Consult your oracle. Let them speak in their tenebrific voices. What becomes of Nigeria is uncertain. Are you already dreaming that your man will be sworn-in as President? Quit dreaming! The road ahead will be rough. Who becomes President no one knows except God in heaven who alone rules in the affairs of men and nations.

Politics

Sack Aregbesola now over repeated jailbreaks, HURIWA urges Buhari

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Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, has said the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, must be sacked with immediate effect over his failure to put an end to the incessant attacks on prisons in the country.

HURIWA’s position was contained in a statement on Thursday signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, where it condemned the jailbreaks under Aregbesola’s watch.

The group stated that, in the last five years, there have been over 15 jailbreaks under the former Osun State governor while over 3,000 inmates have escaped from custody.

The PUNCH had reported that terrorists attacked the Kuje Correctional Centre on Tuesday night, heavily armed with explosives, which led to the loss of lives.

During the attack, the terrorists reportedly freed over 600 inmates, including 64 suspected Boko Haram members who were held in custody.

HURIWA also urged the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to quit asking rhetorical questions on how the intelligence system of the country failed to detect Tuesday’s attack at Kuje prison in Abuja on social media.

The group demanded the President immediately set up a judicial panel of inquiry on prison attacks in the country and ensure that such assaults on the entire security apparatus of Nigeria do not recur.

The statement reads in part, “The spate of jailbreaks under President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, is alarming and condemnable. Even under then-President Goodluck Jonathan, who had no military experience or background, jailbreaks weren’t as rampant as what Nigerians see these days.

“The frequent and recurring jailbreaks show the inefficiency of all those President Buhari appointed into office and his unwillingness to sack them show also that the President tacitly want the situation to continue to fester.

“HURIWA demands the sacking of the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; and his Defence counterpart, Bashir Magashi; for perpetual incompetence. We also call for a broad-based judicial panel of inquiry on prison breaks in Nigeria to be constituted.”

Politics, World News

Why insecurity continues to fester in Nigeria – Atiku

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The Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday, shed light on the lingering insecurity issues bedeviling the country.

He said the festering insecurity challenges, particularly incessant attacks on helpless Nigerians were the resultant effect of the Federal Government’s inability to enthrone a regime of law and order.

Atiku’s position was coming on the heels of the terrorist attack on the Kuje custodial center in Abuja. The PUNCH reports that the terrorists attacked the center and freed inmates including 64 of their members held in the custody on Tuesday night.

But reacting to the attack in a series of tweets on his Twitter handle on Wednesday, the former Vice President noted the missing regime of law and order in the country was emboldening the terrorists.

He wrote, “I am concerned and saddened by reports of the attack on Kuje Prison by suspected terrorists. My concern arises not only from the prospects of the escape of detained terrorists and hardened criminals but of its implications for the security of lives and property to residents of Abuja and its environs.

“I wish to restate what I said to @THISDAYLIVE on Monday that our inability to enthrone a regime of law & order in which the arrest and prosecution of criminals will be made a priority as a deterrent to copycats is the reason why insecurity continues to fester in our country.-AA.”

Politics, World News

Tight security in Plateau prison after Kuje attack

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Following the attacks by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members at Kuje Correctional Centre, which led to the escape of over 600 inmates, Tuesday night, there is tight security in and around the Correctional Centre in Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Wednesday.

The road leading to the correctional centre situated opposite the Police Command Headquarters was barricaded with an iron bar when our correspondent visited the facility, Wednesday afternoon. 

It was observed that vehicles plying the road were only allowed to pass after a thorough search by security operatives manning the checkpoint.

Some armed operatives from the Department of the State Security Service and other security agents were seen patrolling the premises of the prison whose roofs were yet to be replaced after they were removed some months ago for repairs.

Efforts to get across to the spokesman for the Plateau State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service were unsuccessful.

However, a senior official of the service, who spoke to The PUNCH in Jos on Wednesday on condition of anonymity, said they were not taking the security breach at the Kuje for granted.

The source said, “What do you expect us to do if not to step up security in this place?

You know that the attack on Kuje prison is a daring one by those who perpetrated it. Nigerians are talking about it and we are not taking it for granted because we don’t want what happened in Kuje to happen here again at the Jos Correctional Centre. 

“I’m sure other prison facilities across the country may have taken extra measures to safeguard their facilities too. Moreover, you are aware that a similar attack happened here at the Jos Correctional Centre recently in November last year where over 200 inmates also escaped while others died during the attack by gunmen.

“I know that after the attack, a search team was put in place to recapture the fleeing inmates but I’m not sure if all of them have been recaptured up till now. So, if you see an unusual security presence around Jos Correctional Centre, especially given the security challenge we are facing at the moment, you can understand why we are doing what we are doing.”

The Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, also said that the command was leaving no stone unturned to ensure adequate security in the state.

“The Commissioner of Police does that (deployment of personnel) every time to protect the headquarters and other facilities from coming under attack. If you see additional deployment of police personnel to the command headquarters or elsewhere, maybe the attack on Kuje prison is just a pointer to what we have been doing because it is a normal routine for the CP to ensure the security of lives and property in the state,” The PPRO added.

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