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Category: Governance

  • Ondo Guber; Court orders APC, Aiyedatiwa, INEC to open defence

    Ondo Guber; Court orders APC, Aiyedatiwa, INEC to open defence

    The Federal High Court, Abuja has ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to file their defense in a suit seeking removal of Aiyedatiwa as APC gubernatorial candidate for November election.

    This is following a claim by the APC that it had written a letter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, seeking for transfer of the case from Abuja to Ondo State.

    In the ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered that the three defendants must file their respective defence within days allowed by law since the suit is a time bound one.

    The plaintiff, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, is before the court questioning the conduct of the primary election that produced Aiyedatiwa as APC gubernatorial candidate.

    When the matter came up, Tuesday, Counsel to the APC, Tayo Oyetibo informed the Court that his client had forwarded a letter to the Chief Judge praying for movement of the case from the Abuja division to Akure division.

    He however admitted that APC had not received any response to the letter.

    In response, Justice Ekwo held that there was no letter before him and as such, cannot act on anything not before the court.

    However, the court held that with or without the letter before him, the defendants must respond to the issues raised by the plaintiff.

    APC in its letter by Matthew Bukkar SAN, dated May 12, but received in Chief Judge’s Office on May 13, 2024, claimed that the primary election being challenged was conducted in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    It explained that it has a functional office in Akure with State Working Committee on ground and that the electoral body also has office in Akure.

    Besides, APC said that governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa whose candidacy is being challenged is resident in Akure.

    The party therefore said that Akure division of the Federal High Court is the approximate convenient place for the case to be determined.

    However, counsel to the plaintiff, Chief Chris Uche SAN was prevented from reacting to the letter on the ground that the said letter was not before the court.

    After issuing the order, Justice Ekwo fixed May 29 for hearing of the suit with a warning that all processes in respect of the suit must be filed and exchanged by parties.

    Ibrahim who is representing Ondo South in the Senate, is praying the court to cancel the nomination of Aiyedatiwa as APC candidate on the ground that the April 20 primary election that produced him was unlawful.

    In the suit instituted on his behalf by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chris Uche, Ibrahim, a governorship aspirant who participated in the primary election alleged that the poll was marred with a lot of irregularities.

    Among others, the Senator claimed that sections 221, 228 of the 1999 Constitution and that of 84 of the Electoral Act 2022 were grossly violated in the conduct of the disputed primary election by the APC.

    He alleged that some delegates who could have voted for him at the primary election were not accredited to vote thereby making the primary election liable to be set aside and nullified.

    He is therefore praying the Court to bar INEC from accepting governor Aiyedatiwa as the APC governorship candidate in the coming November 16 gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

    The Senator also sought an order of perpetual injunction prohibiting governor Aiyedatiwa from holding himself out or parading himself as the APC governorship candidate.

    Similarly, Ibrahim wants the court to set aside the purported primary election and compel the APC to conduct a fresh one in compliance with sections 221, 228 of the 1999 Constitution and that of 84 of the Electoral Act 2022.

    The aggrieved governorship aspirant prayed the Federal High Court to delist the names of the APC and Aiyedatiwa from the political parties and candidates that would participate in the gubernatorial poll .

    Plaintiff further requested that APC and governor Aiyedatiwa be stripped of all rights except a fresh primary election is lawfully conducted for the purpose of nominating candidate for the governorship election.

  • Tinubu presides over FEC meeting, swears in NPC Commissioners

    Tinubu presides over FEC meeting, swears in NPC Commissioners

    President Bola Tinubu has sworn in two more commissioners of the National Population Commission.

    Mr. Fasuwa Johnson and Dr. Amid Tadese Raheem from Ogun and Osun States respectively took the oath of office at 12:15 pm at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, after their abridged citations were read.

    Monday’s ceremony comes three months after Tinubu, on February 13, asked the senate to confirm Raheem as a commissioner of the NPC. The Senate also confirmed Johnson on March 6.

    On November 8, 2023, Tinubu had appointed 20 federal commissioners in the NPC with nine of them reappointed for a second term in office. He swore 17 of them into office on March 14.

    Johnson was born in 1973 in Ododeyo, in the Ijebu North East area of Ogun State, where he had his primary and secondary education.

    He holds a Master of Science in Geography in 2004 and a Master in Business Administration in 2009 from the University of Ibadan and Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, respectively.

    He was elected as a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly in 2019 representing Ijebu North East till June 2023 during which he was the Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Infrastructure among other positions.

    Raheem was born on December 12, 1964, in Iwo, Osun State.

    He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Public Administration from the same university.

    He had served as Commissioner for Water Resources & Energy in Osun State and was elected member of the Osun State House of Assembly, becoming its first Chief Whip in 1992.

    Until his nomination, Raheem was the Head of the Department of Public Administration at Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State.

  • Terrorists Kill Soldier, Kidnap Mother In Kaduna

    Terrorists Kill Soldier, Kidnap Mother In Kaduna

    A soldier identified as Yahaya Ayuba (Zabuyia), lost his life while bravely resisting gunmen who invaded his home in Anguwan Rimi village, Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

     
    The assailants also abducted his stepmother during the incident which occurred late Sunday night.

    Family member Mr. Kantiok Solomon confirmed the heartbreaking news, recounting how the gunmen, armed with AK-47 rifles, barged into the house while Ayuba was conversing with his family members. 

    Despite his courageous efforts to protect his stepmother, Ayuba was fatally shot when the gunmen noticed his uniform.

    This isn’t the first time such violence has struck the community, leaving residents like Angelo Tagwai deeply unsettled. Urging swift action, Tagwai called upon security forces to rescue the abducted woman and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    Efforts to reach the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

  • Yahaya Bello to be arraigned, June 13

    Yahaya Bello to be arraigned, June 13

    The former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, Friday finally agreed to submit himself to the Federal High Court Abuja for arraignment on June 13.

    At the Friday sitting, Justice Emeka Nwite rejected the former governor’s request for suspension of trial.

    Following the rejection of the application, the lead Counsel to the defendant, Abdulwahab Mohammed, gave the undertaking that his client will appear before the court in the next adjourned date.

    He stated that Bello was not afraid of arraignment but the safety of his life in the hand of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.

    According to Mohammed, the life of his client has been under consistent threats in Abuja, hence, his decision to go underground for safety.

    In his remarks, Justice Nwite reiterated that EFCC as a law-abiding body would not do anything against the provisions of the law.

    The court added that Bello was not the first former governor to be merely invited by the anti-graft agency and would not be the last.

    The judge also said that the charges are based on allegations that have not been proved, adding that the law even presumes any accused person innocent until proven otherwise.

    Consequently, Justice Nwite advised Bello’s lawyer to prevail on his client to respect the law and order of court as a law-abiding citizen.

    Responding, Mohammed expressed gratitude to the court, adding that with the assurance that EFCC would not do anything untoward, the former governor would be brought to court.

    “All my client needs is just an assurance for the safety of his life which has been under threat for sometimes in Abuja.”

    He, therefore, requested for four weeks to bring his client before the court.

    However, he added that the former governor, now at large, will come to the court instead of the EFCC to take his plea in the charges.

    In his reaction, counsel to the Anti-graft agency, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, didn’t oppose the application.

    Justice Nwite fixed June 13 for Bello to appear in court to take his, please.

  • Review of Judges salary: Bill passes second reading

    Review of Judges salary: Bill passes second reading

       
    A bill seeking to increase the salaries and allowances of judges at all levels has passed second reading in the senate.

    The bill was considered after Lola Ashiru, deputy majority leader, led the debate during plenary on Thursday.

    Ashiru said the bill, which was sent by the executive, will enhance the integrity of the judicial arm of government.

    Contributing to the debate, Tahir Monguno, senator representing Borno north, said improving the welfare of judges will insulate them from corruption.

    “There is a need to bring up the remuneration of judicial officers that have stagnated over the years,” Monguno said.

    “This will insulate judicial officers from corruption and give them courage to deliver judgments that are just and fair.”

    On his part, Orji Uzor Kalu, senator representing Abia north, said increasing the salaries of the judges is the right thing to do.

    “No right thinking Nigerian will not think that it is right to keep the judiciary comfortable. I want to thank the executive for deeming it fit to increase salaries of judges at all levels,” Kalu said.

    “We should not stop at the judiciary but look at other sectors of the economy.”

    Emmanuel Udende, senator representing Benue north-east, said judges have had their morale dampened over the years because of poor remuneration.

    “For the past 15 years, judicial officers have remained on meagre salaries,” he said.

    “When you interact with them as a lawyer, you see their morale is dampened, and when the morale is dampened the work will be.”

    The bill passed second reading after it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

  • Alleged N2.7bn Fraud: Fmr Aviation Minister, Sirika, Daughter, others arraigned …granted 100m bail each

    Alleged N2.7bn Fraud: Fmr Aviation Minister, Sirika, Daughter, others arraigned …granted 100m bail each

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Thursday, arraigned and granted bail of N100 million each to a former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his daughter, Fatima and two others.

    Justice Sylvanus Oriji of High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, ordered the defendants be remanded in the Correctional Centre should they failed to meet the bail conditions.

    Sirika, who served under President Muhammadu Buhari administration
    alongside Jalal Sule Hamma and Al-Durag Investment Ltd was docked on a 6-count amended criminal charge over abuse of office to the tune of N2.7 billion.

    Before plea taking, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, informed the court of an amended charge by the EFCC dated May 7, and filed on May 8, which was not opposed by counsel to the defendants.

    The defendants had pleaded not guilty, and Jacobs urged the court for expeditious hearing of the case.

    Sequel to not guilty plea, Kanu Agabi SAN, counsel for Sirika (1st defendant) informed the court of his client’s bail application dated May 6.

    Reacting, Jacobs told the court that all the defendants are on administrative bail and urged the court to grant bail on the condition that will make them appear for their trials.

    Meanwhile, ruling on the bail application, Justice Oriji granted bail to each of the defendants in the sum of N100m with two sureties each.

    The court held that the sureties must own landed property within the FCT with valid land titles and must depose to an affidavit of means.

    The court also restricted the defendants from traveling abroad without its permission.

    Justice Oriji ordered that the defendants should be remanded in prison custody if they fail to meet up with the bail conditions.

    Meanwhile, the matter has been adjourned till 10, 11, and 20 June for commencement of trial.

  • Nigerian Army Agrees to Withdraw Troops from Okuama Community

    The  Nigerian Army has reached an agreement with Delta State Governor Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to withdraw military personnel from the troubled Okuama community in Ughelli, South local government area.

    This decision, announced in a press release by Governor Oborevwori, comes after discussions with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. 

    The withdrawal is effective immediately.

    The community had been under military siege following the tragic killing of 17 soldiers, including high-ranking officers, on March 14. 

    Governor Oborevwori expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Nigerian Army hierarchy for their understanding and cooperation in a peaceful resolution ofthe crisis.

    He also thanked members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, and other leaders for their support during this challenging time. 

    Governor Oborevwori reassured the people of Okuama of the Delta State Government’s commitment to assisting them in returning to their homes and rebuilding their lives.

  • Commercial Bus Conveying Women, Children Abducted in Otukpo, Benue State

    Commercial Bus Conveying Women, Children Abducted in Otukpo, Benue State

    The growing incidence of violent attacks and kidnap of villagers in a manner akin to guerilla warfare continues unabated in Apa, Agatu and parts of Otukpo and Ohimini Local Government Areas of Benue state as armed men suspected to be cattle herders have waged a relentless war, killing them in their numbers and abducting women, children and unsuspecting victims on a daily basis.
    The armed criminals also lay siege on the highway to kidnap wayfarers for ransom in order to sustain their crime economy. A source disclosed to Nigerian Anchor this Wednesday, May 8th, that in furtherance of their criminal enterprise, armed men suspected to be Kidnappers, yesterday, at a lonely section between two villages named Omutele and Ankpechi in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state, intercepted a commercial transport mini-bus belonging to Benue Links Transport Service and conveying passengers from Abuja to Otukpo.
    As at press time, the exact number of passengers affected cannot be verified, but first responders claim that victims were mostly women, while the minor were abandoned. Sources say that the abandoned children had been handed over to men of the Nigerian Police Force.
    It was also disclosed that one of the young men from the two villages who were mobilized and currently on a hot chase for the adaptors was short while another retreated for his dear life. Meanwhile, a few others are reported to continue with the quest, combing bushes and forests in frantic search for the victims and their abductors.
    A concerned villager who commented on the incident expressed the opinion that, “There are police posts in the area. The locales must be part of this, and that’s the great challenge.”

  • Since when did the office of the NSA become a revenue collecting centre?” – Peter Obi knocks Tinubu over Cybersecurity Levy” 

    Since when did the office of the NSA become a revenue collecting centre?” – Peter Obi knocks Tinubu over Cybersecurity Levy” 

    Former Anambra State governor Mr. Peter Obi has challenged the Tinubu-led government over the introduction of cyber security levy.

    He wrote:

    “The introduction of yet another tax, in the form of Cybersecurity Levy, on Nigerians who are already suffering severe economic distress is further proof that the government is more interested in milking a dying economy instead of nurturing it to recovery and growth.

    “This does not only amount to multiple taxation on banking transactions, which are already subject to various other taxes including stamp duties but negates the Government’s avowed commitment to reduce the number of taxes and streamline the tax system.

    “The imposition of a Cybersecurity Levy on bank transactions is particularly sad, given that the tax is on the trading capital of businesses and not on their profit, hence it will further erode whatever is left of their remaining capital, after the impact of the Naira devaluation and high inflation rate.

    “It is inconceivable to expect the suffering citizens of Nigeria to separately fund all activities of the government. Policies such as this not only impoverish the citizens but also make the country’s economic environment less competitive.

    “At a time when the government should be reducing taxes to curb inflation, the government is instead introducing new taxes. And when did the office of the NSA become a revenue collecting centre?

    “And why should that purely national security office receive returns on a specific tax as stated in the new cybersecurity law? -PO”

  • Gunmen kill three Oil workers in Edo

    Gunmen kill three Oil workers in Edo

    Unknown gunmen have reportedly killed three staff of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc located in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State.

    The staff were reportedly killed while working on the plantation.

    The Public Relations officer of the company, Fidelis Olise, who confirmed the incident, alleged that the killing was done by unknown persons.

    Olise, who said the company enjoys a cordial relationship with the communities in the area, noted that he could not say whether the perpetuators are members of the host communities.

    He said that the incident has been reported to the police and investigation has commenced.

    “I can confirm to you that three of our staff were killed by gunmen on Monday while they were working on our plantation.

    “We enjoy cordial relationship with the communities around us and we cannot say whether members of the communities were involved.

    “However, the matter has been reported to the police and we hope justice will be done,” he added.

    The state Commissioner of Police, CP Funsho Adegboye, who also confirmed the incident, said more personnel have been deployed by the State Command to the area to forestall a repeat of the attack.

    Adegboye, who described the incident as shocking, wondered why gunmen could carry out such attack, just as he alleged that the attackers were from a neighbouring state.

    He noted that efforts were on to arrest the culprits and bring them to book.

    The CP also said that the police were working with the management of Okomu Oil to perfect ways of making the environment safer for its staff at all times.

    “Preliminary findings showed that the gunmen came from the creek in a neighbouring state, which I would not like to mention. The attack is shocking.

    “However, more men have been deployed to the area to forestall a repeat, while the police in conjunction with Okomu is working to ensure that the culprits are arrested.

    “We will not allow such an occurrence to happen in the state again,” he added.