Politics, World News

Court Restrains INEC, Lawan, Gbajabiamila On Participation Of Statutory Delegates.

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The Court of Appeal in Abuja has granted an order of interim injunction restraining the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Reps, INEC and three others from executing, enforcing or relying on the judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Liman of a Federal High Court, Kano, on the 3rd of June, 2022.
The Appeal Court restrained them following an exparte application filed by the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Adamu Abdullahi.
The three others are Senator Mas’ud Doguwa, Hon. Habibu Sani, Hon Bilyamimu Shinkafi. All six are jointly listed as respondents to the suit.
On the 3rd of June, Justice Liman sitting in the Kano division of the court had held that statutory delegates can participate in primaries of political parties in accordance with the Nigerian constitution.
Justice Liman reached this decision while giving judgement in a suit filed by Doguwa, a legislative aide to Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives; Habibu Sani and Bilyaminu Shinkafi.
But the Court of Appeal on Monday restrained all the respondents and in particular, Doguwa, Sani and Shinkafi from relying on that judgment or doing anything inconsistent with the rights of the applicant with respect to organizing/conducting the convention of the APC in any manner the party may deem fit to so doing in accordance with its extant laws pending the determination of the suit seeking a stay of execution of the judgment of the 3rd of June.
The three-member panel of the Court of Appeal made up of Justice Simon Tsamani, Justice Stephen Adah and Justice Elfreda Williams-Dawodu, also granted leave to the applicant to serve the notice of appeal, the record of appeal, and all other processes on the 6 respondents. It adjourned to June the 9th for the hearing of the application.

Lifestyle

Senate will bring Nigerian govt, ASUU back to negotiation table – Lawan

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The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, said on Tuesday the Senate would intervene in the lingering dispute between the Federal government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) by bringing them back to the negotiation table.

Lawan stated this when concerned Methodist Bishop, Dr. Sunday Onuoha, led officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to his office in Abuja.

The NANS President, Mr. Sunday Asefon, who spoke on behalf of the students, decried their continued stay at home and disruption of the students’ academic programme.

He urged the Senate President to intervene in the dispute between the Federal government and the university teachers.

In his remark, the Senate President expressed unhappiness about the turn of events and recalled that the Senate had intervened in the matter in the past.

He, however, promised that the Senate would wade into the matter again and expressed optimism that the issues would be resolved soon.

Lawan said: “You are in the right place. We are going to intervene. We will make concerted and sustained efforts to bring back ASUU and the Federal government to the negotiating table.

“So that we are able to resolve as quickly as possible those issues that are now very knotty and have stopped our universities from reopening.

That is now making our students walk the streets all over the country.

But I want to appeal to you, too, since we are going to make an effort to bring everybody back to the negotiating table, you should give us a chance to do that believing that we are going to find a solution.

“Because it is not only enough to bring them back to the negotiating table, but we will participate and I want to make sure that we find the solution when we start the negotiation again.

“Now that you have come here, we are going to make sure that everybody in this sector, especially those in the public sector who have responsibility and mandate perform their functions.

“We will make sure they do that.

“Because you have come, I think we also have some tonic in us. Time is of essence and we must do whatever is necessary to get this issue resolved.”

He also appealed to the students to continue in the path of consultation and avoid confrontation.

“I also want to advise, I don’t think it will be necessary to disrupt political activities. We shouldn’t do that and we don’t need to do that.

“What we need to do is to continue to follow the path of consultation, consolidation, and avoid confrontation.

“It is when you emphasize consultation, it is much easier for us to find something that you can consolidate.

“Your prayer is that you want the Federal government and ASUU back to negotiate and resolve the issues.

“We have taken this prayer. We have endorsed it and we will work for it as quickly as possible.

“It is an opportunity for me also to appeal to ASUU to suspend this strike period because there is no way ASUU can negotiate with the Federal government when it is on strike.”

Politics

Lawan begs Borno residents to embrace repentant Boko Haram insurgents

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In a bid to ensure the eradication of insurgency, the Senate President Ahmad Lawan has implored residents of communities in Borno State to embrace repentant Boko Haram insurgents whilst ensuring their reintegration into the society.

Lawan made this call on Monday when he paid a courtesy visit to the palace of Shehu of Borno, Abubakar El-Kanemi.

He noted that this is important for the entrenchment of peace in the state and across the country, while also saying that the surrender of the terrorists “is a good development for the security of this country.”

The Senate President said, “I want to take this opportunity to mention that the federal government of Nigeria will continue to work with the Borno state government to ensure that there is a restoration of peace and stability.

The recent surrender by Boko Haram elements is a good development for the security of this country.

Those that have no issues to answer are sanitised and taken back to their communities. Those that may have issues to answer should be taken through the legal processes.

“But we must ensure that we encourage Boko Haram elements and those they have taken by force to come out to surrender so that this unnecessary insurgency placed on us comes to an end.”

He further stated that the government should do everything possible to encourage the terrorists to surrender.

“I believe there is no need for any controversy over what we need to do with people who surrendered. In any war, in every war, surrender is the ultimate. If we can achieve it, we should do everything and anything possible to encourage more and more to come out so that we are able to come to the end of this unnecessary insurgency that has taken our States back for so many years in terms of development,” Lawan said.

Entertainment, Lifestyle, World News

Son’s Wedding: Buhari, Osinbajo, Lawan, Others Attend Luncheon At Villa.

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President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan and some governors among other prominent Nigerians attended a luncheon to honour Yusuf and Zahra Buhari in conclusion of their wedding ceremony in Abuja.

As of press time, there was no official statement but pictures from the State House media department showed the dignitaries that attended the luncheon.

The occasion witnessed by popular Islamic cleric, Mufti Ismail Menk was attended by the bride’s father and Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayero; groom’s mother and wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha; wife of Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; and Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

Also in attendance were Mamman Daura; Ministers of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Musa Bello; Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen; Governors Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi; Simon Lalong, Plateau; Yahaya Bello, Kogi; Dave Umahi, Ebonyi; Hope Uzodimma, Imo; and Nuhu Ribadu.

The event, which was held at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, also had the Group Managing-Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, former First Ladies; Dame Patience Jonathan; Hajiya Turai Yar’Adua; Hajiya Maryam Abacha; First Lady of Niger Republic, Hadiza Ben Mabrouk; First Lady of Guinea Bissau, Dinisia Reis Embalo; wives of state governors; and many more dignitaries in attendance.

Lifestyle, Politics, World News

Son’s Wedding: Buhari, Osinbajo, Lawan, Others Attend Luncheon At Villa.

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President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmed Lawan and some governors among other prominent Nigerians attended a luncheon to honour Yusuf and Zahra Buhari in conclusion of their wedding ceremony in Abuja.

As of press time, there was no official statement but pictures from the State House media department showed the dignitaries that attended the luncheon.

The occasion witnessed by popular Islamic cleric, Mufti Ismail Menk was attended by the bride’s father and Emir of Bichi, Nasiru Ado Bayero; groom’s mother and wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha; wife of Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; and Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari.

Also in attendance were Mamman Daura; Ministers of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed Musa Bello; Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen; Governors Atiku Bagudu, Kebbi; Simon Lalong, Plateau; Yahaya Bello, Kogi; Dave Umahi, Ebonyi; Hope Uzodimma, Imo; and Nuhu Ribadu.

The event, which was held at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, also had the Group Managing-Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kyari, former First Ladies; Dame Patience Jonathan; Hajiya Turai Yar’Adua; Hajiya Maryam Abacha; First Lady of Niger Republic, Hadiza Ben Mabrouk; First Lady of Guinea Bissau, Dinisia Reis Embalo; wives of state governors; and many more dignitaries in attendance.

Politics

Lawan tells Nigerians to channel grievances on Electoral Act to their representatives

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The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has urged any Nigerian who is not happy with amendments of sections of the Electoral Act, to channel their grievances to their representatives in the National Assembly.

Lawan who spoke in Abuja on Monday at the inauguration of the reconstituted Public Complaints Commission by the National Assembly, said Nigerians “who feel strongly about some sections in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill currently before by the National Assembly, should stop attacking the presiding officers,” but rather reach out to the representatives to register their displeasure.

The Senate President noted that presiding officers of the National Assembly have come under heavy criticisms over reports that the panel, against the popular demands of stakeholders during the public hearings, had introduced a section prohibiting electronic transmission of election results.

He said the presiding officers were not responsible for the amendments being proposed in the Electoral Act.

“The National Assembly is embarking on the amendment of the Electoral Act. Probably by next week or within the next two weeks.

“It’s very important that those who feel very strongly about any amendment that they think should be effected in the electoral act, should contact or talk to their members of House of Representatives as well as distinguished Senators.

“I want to state categorically clear here that presiding officers are not the ones to determine what is coming or what is not.”

Politics

Lawan slams Buhari’s ministers, advisers for mis-advising President to reject NASS bills

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Ahmad Lawan, the Senate President, on Wednesday, March 31, criticised the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari over the rejection of some National Assembly bills.

Lawan made this disclosure at a public hearing organised in Abuja by the Senate Committee on Health to deliberate on three bills.

The proposed bills are:

• The National University of Health and Medical Sciences, Suleja, Niger State (Establishment) Bill 2021, sponsored by Senator Sani Musa.

• The Federal University of Medical Sciences Abeokuta, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill 2021, sponsored by Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

The bill for an Act to amend the Orthopedic Hospital Management Board Act No. 21 of 1979 to provide for the establishment of the Federal Orthopedic Hospital, Kuta (Niger State), Bill 2021, also sponsored by Senator Musa.

During the session, Lawan bemoaned the absence of the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunmibe Mamora, or any representatives.

Lawan explained that the development was responsible for situations where bills passed by the National Assembly were denied assent by Buhari, adding that the President sometimes acted on wrong advice from ministry officials.

The Senate President said, “I have a written speech for this event, but before then, where is the Minister of Health or Minister of State Health? Or is there anyone representing the Ministry of Health?

This is an anomaly and we don’t take it kindly because sometimes, the National Assembly will process a bill and the bill will be taken to Mr. President for assent and somebody will just go round and mis-advise that the bill should not be assented to.

“This is done mostly by ministry officials. So, it is always in the interest of government and good governance that when there is a public hearing – the ministry, government officials, the technical people – should be around to hear the views of the people.

“If they have any objection, they should say so in the presence of everyone, so that they listen to arguments.

Therefore, it is sad that neither the minister, nor the minister of state, or anyone from the Federal Ministry of Health is here to attend this particular public hearing and I think it is sad. And nothing should happen to our bills.”

Politics

Lawan dispels reports of tenure elongation for Buhari

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Senate President Ahmed Lawan has refuted allegations that he is in support of a tenure elongation for President Muhammadu Buhari.

Lawan issued this disclaimer on Tuesday, March 30, via a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Ola Awoniyi, in Abuja.

According to the Senate President, he firmly stands by the constitutional provision for term limit for elected public officers and would not support any move to amend the section.

The statement reads: “The Office of the President of the Senate has noted a tweet by one Cmr Mayor attributing a fabricated statement to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

In the mischievous tweet, the Senate President was quoted as saying he “won’t mind a constitutional amendment to allow unlimited term of office for President if President Buhari wishes to remain in office beyond 2023.”

Our initial reaction was to ignore the ignoble mischief especially since it is not new, having been posted two years ago on 27 March 2019.

“But because the tweet has been trending again on social media, it becomes necessary to issue a formal rebuttal of its purport.

“We therefore say categorically that the Senate President has never made any such statement, before or after 2019.

“The old tweet which was entirely the handiwork of mischief makers is now being circulated again on social media by purveyors of fake news

The 1999 Constitution has a firm position on the tenure of the President that reflects the popular stand of Nigerians”

Politics

Senate won’t fight Buhari over insecurity – Lawan

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The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, said on Tuesday the upper legislative chamber would not fight President Muhammadu Buhari over the worsening insecurity in Nigeria to please critics of the administration.

Lawan, who stated this when he received a delegation from Adamawa State in Abuja, said President Buhari is doing everything possible to address the problem of insecurity in the country.

He commended the military for restoring peace in parts of Nigeria, saying the spate of insecurity across states was gradually being reversed.

Lawan said: “Those of us in positions of leadership today are probably more challenged than any set of leaders. We need to pray, but we also need to act, work hard and apply ourselves fully and work committedly to ensure that we serve Nigerians.

“Nothing is impossible; this situation of insecurity gradually is being reversed. I am particularly happy with recent developments about our armed forces. They are doing better than they were doing before.

“I’m sure the economy will also start to improve, and we will get out of the recession that we entered last month. With the implementation of 2020 budget up till the end of March, and of course, the start of the implementation of 2021 budget, the economy will receive a boost.”

Lifestyle

Buhari decision on SARS a demonstration of good leadership —Lawan

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Senate President Ahmad Lawan has said that President Muhammadu Buhari yielding to the demand of Nigeria on Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), was a demonstration of good leadership.

Following widespread protests against the activities of SARS, Nigerian government on Sunday, October 11, disbanded the police unit.

Responding to the development in a statement released in Abuja on Sunday by his Special Adviser (Media), Ola Awoniyi, Lawan commended President Buhari and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu for disbanding SARS.

“I am applauding the president because it is a demonstration of good leadership to yield to the demand of the populace in difficult situations like this,” he said.

Also applauding Adamu, he said that the police boss should beyond the disbursement of SARS come up with measures for the transformation of the Nigeria Police into an effective law enforcement and crime fighting agency that would be a true and respected friend of the Nigerian people.

Further noting that all the measures should completely address all the concerns that led to the fate that befell SARS, Lawan added:

“The expectation is that this situation offers us another opportunity to reform the operations of the entire Force.

“I also reiterate my call for the prosecution of all security personnel whose extra judicial killings and other acts of misconduct brought us to this sorry state.

“I hope that the steps taken by the Inspector-General of Police will be followed with more comprehensive reform of the police.”

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