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Category: Governance

  • Delta governor suspends commissioner, others

    Delta governor suspends commissioner, others

    Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has ordered the immediate suspension of the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Omoun Perez.

    Also, the governor ordered the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Bennett Agamah; Assistant Director, Agricultural Engineering, Oki Yintareke; and the Chief Accountant, Gabriel Idiatacheko, “to proceed on compulsory leave until further notice in line with civil service extant rules.”

    The decision was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Wednesday.

    The statement explained that the measures became imperative, “following the outcome of the review of the implementation of the Greenhouse project by the state Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.”

    The statement added that the decision was taken “consequent upon the interim report of the committee and in order to have an unimpeded access to information during the period of the investigations.”

    The statement read, “Oborevwori has constituted a seven-man committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, to investigate the claims and perceived infractions related to the management of the scheme by the ministry.

    “The government’s action is in no way a presumption of guilt but rather a necessary measure to uphold the sanctity of the investigative processes already instituted which is to ensure that the investigation is conducted without any potential for undue influence or bias.”

    Oborevwori had assured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to ensuring the completion of all ongoing projects across the state.

    He also pledged to initiate new projects for the sustainable development of the state, according to a statement by his spokesman, Festus Ahon.

  • Supreme Court affirms Fintiri as Adamawa governor

    Supreme Court affirms Fintiri as Adamawa governor

    The Supreme Court of Nigeria, Wednesday, affirmed the election of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri as the authentic governor of Adamawa State.

    The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel led by Justice Inyang Okoro, dismissed as lacking in merit the application of
    Senator Aisha Dahiru Banani, alongside her party, All Progressive Congress Party (APC), challenging the outcome of the governorship election that was held in the state on March 18, 2023.

    Senator Binani, has through her Counsel, Chief Akinolu Olujimi, SAN, prayed the court to nullify the declaration of Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP)as the valid winner of the gubernatorial contest.

    Specifically, she asked the court to set aside the concurrent verdict of the courts below that dismissed their case and upheld Fintiri’s re-election.

    She insisted that she polled the majority of valid votes cast at the election and was validly declared the winner by the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC.

    She, among other things, prayed the court to determine who ought to be the bona fide Returning Officer in a gubernatorial election.

    However, Fintiri, through his lawyer, Mr Damian Dodo, SAN, urged the apex court to dismiss the appeal and validate his election victory.

    Fintiri argued that he emerged victorious, having secured the majority of lawful votes and fulfilled all the requirements of the law.

    Delivering judgement in the matter, the apex court panel, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, held that the action of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Adamawa State, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, who declared Senator Dahiru as the winner of the poll, was an act of irresponsibility and criminality.

    The court held that only a Returning Officer has the duty to announce the results of an election to avert chaos and anarchy in the process.

    According to the Supreme Court, the Electoral Act, 2022, specified who should declare results, stressing that such power was exclusively donated to the Returning Officer.

    Consequently, it resolved all the issues that were raised in the appeal against the appellants.

  • ‘Your Accusation Is Baseless And Reckless’ – Tinubu Replies Atiku

    ‘Your Accusation Is Baseless And Reckless’ – Tinubu Replies Atiku

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has berated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his accusation of fiddling amidst the security and economic challenges facing the nation.

    Atiku had, in a post via his official X handle on Tuesday, called on President Tinubu to step aside if he knows the responsibilities of being Nigeria’s President are bigger than his capacity.

    The former vice president, who faulted Tinubu for embarking on a private trip to France in the wake of the incessant kidnapping currently ravaging the nation, said that Nigeria does not need another tourist-in-chief.

    But in a statement on Tuesday night, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the accusation made by Atiku is baseless and reckless.

    Onanuga stated that the latest statement made by the former vice president fell short of what is expected from an elder statesman after should stop playing politics with the insecurity facing the nation.

    He said President Tinubu informed Nigerians of his private visit to France, and while in Europe, the President has been following developments at home, and he is on top of the situation in the country.

    Onanuga said the President is in constant touch with his officials and security chiefs and has directed them to stamp out every form of criminality in the country.

    The presidential aide asserted that Atiku is still suffering from his electoral defeat and latches on any issue to attack President Tinubu.

    The statement reads: “Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s statement accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of fiddling amidst some security and economic challenges is, to say the least, reckless.

    “Coming days after he made an equally reckless allegation against the President on the crude for a loan deal for NNPC Limited, his latest statement fell short of what is expected from an elder statesman.

    “We like to believe that Alhaji Atiku is still not nursing the hangover of his electoral defeat and now latches on any issue to attack President Tinubu.

    “President Tinubu did not travel without informing Nigerians of his whereabouts. He announced a private visit to France and announced a return date.

    “While in France, President Tinubu has been following developments at home, and he is on top of the situation in the country. Today’s inauguration of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage bore his imprimatur.

    “He is in constant touch with his officials and security chiefs and has directed them to stamp out every form of criminality in the country.

    “He has particularly ordered them to apprehend those criminals responsible for the murder of two monarchs in Ekiti State and the kidnapping of some pupils in the state.

    “We are already seeing results with the arrest of over 139 kidnappers around Abuja, Kaduna and Benue States in the last one week. The police Special Intervention Squad (SIS) and DSS have also rescued 154 abducted persons in the last few days.

    “Just last week President Tinubu approved N50billion as Special Fund to address some of the lingering security challenges in North East where Alhaji Atiku hails from. To cope with the kidnapping challenges in the FCT, President Tinubu also approved funds for the acquisition of equipment to track criminals.

    “If Alhaji Atiku is really concerned about security issues and not playing cheap politics, he should have known that President Tinubu is on top of issues and working hard to restore peace to every part of our country.

    “Our security agencies are working very hard to bring the security situation under control. President Tinubu is giving them all the necessary support they need to win the battle against criminal elements and secure every inch of our country.”

  • New Minimum Wage Committee Holds First Meeting

    The 37 man National Minimum Wage Committee has held its first meeting in Abuja.

    The meeting was held shortly after the committee was inaugurated on Tuesday, 30th January, by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the council chamber of the Aso Rock Villa.

    The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the committee’s first meeting in a short statement via his X account in which he reacted to the inauguration of the committee by Vice President Shettima.

    According to him, the committee held their first meeting at the State House Banquet Hall.

    The presidential aide also commended Tinubu for fulfilling his promise of setting up the new minimum wage committee.

    He wrote: “Promise kept: Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurates the 37-man National Minimum Wage Committee in Abuja. The committee members, among whom are six governors, held their first meeting at the State House Banquet Hall.”

    Membership of the Committee, which cuts across Federal Government, State Government, Private Sector and Organised Labour are as follows:

    From the Federal Government, the members include Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Hon. Minister of State, Labour and Employment (Representing Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment); Mr. Wale Edun, Hon. Minister of Finance & Coordinating Minister of the Economy;Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, Hon. Minister of Budget Economic Planning; Dr. (Mrs) Yemi Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, GSO. OSGF and Ekpo Nta, Esq, Chairman/CEO, NSIWC – Member/Secretary.

    Also from the State Government, Alh. Mohammed Umar Bago, Governor, Niger State- representative from North Central; Sen. Bala Mohammed, Governor Bauchi State- representative from North East; Alh. Umar Dikko Radda, Governor Katsina State- representative from North West;Prof. Charles Soludo, Governor, Anambra State- representative from the South East; Sen. Ademola Adeleke, Governor, Osun State- representative from South West; Mr. Otu Bassey Edet, Governor, Cross River State- representative from South South.

    From the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA)- Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General, NECA; Mr. Chuma Nwankwo; Mr. Thompson Akpabio with also members from the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA)include Asiwaju (Dr) Michael Olawale-Cole, National President; Hon. (Dr) Ahmed Rabiu, National Vice President and Chief Humphrey Ngonadi (NPOM), National Life President.

    The membership from the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprise (NASME) are Dr. Abdulrashid Yerima, President & Chairman of Council; Hon. Theophilus Nnorom Okwuchukwu, Private Sector representative;Dr. Muhammed Nura Bello, Zonal Vice President, North West and also from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) are
    Mrs. Grace Omo-Lamai, Human Resource Director, Nigerian Breweries;Segun Ajayi-Kadir, mni, Director-General, MAN; Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Managing Director, Dozzy Oil and Gas Limited.

    From the organised labour, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Joe Ajaero, President, NLC; Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, mni; Comrade Prince Adeyanju Adewale; Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji; Comrade Benjamin Anthony and Prof. Theophilius Ndukuba.

    Also, membership from the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) include Comrade (Engr) Festus Osifo, President, TUC; Comrade Tommy Etim Okon, PhD, Deputy President I, TUC; Comrade Kayode Surajudeen Alakija, Deputy President II;Comrade Jimoh Oyibo, Deputy President. III; Comrade Nuhu A. Toro, Secretary-General and Comrade Hafusatu Shuaib, Chairperson Women Comm.

  • Supreme Court Delivers Judgment On Suit Seeking To Sack Tinubu As President

    Supreme Court Delivers Judgment On Suit Seeking To Sack Tinubu As President

    The appeal filed by Hope Democratic Party presidential candidate Ambrose Owuru against the administrations of President Bola Tinubu and the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, was struck out by the Supreme Court on Monday.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission and the Attorney General of the Federation are joined as the respondents in this appeal.

    Owuru’s appeal was turned down by the lower court.

    In dismissing the appeal, the appeal court found that Owuru had engaged in egregious procedural abuse by inciting the respondents with a pointless, vexatious, and vexing lawsuit.

    The appellate court further stated that Owuru’s attempt to revive the Supreme Court matter that had died in 2019 was intended to put subordinate courts in direct conflict with the supreme court’s authority.

    After that, the court mandated that he give N10 million to Buhari, Tinubu, the AGF, and INEC.

    Owuru had argued that Buhari, the outgoing president, had infringed upon his tenure in 2019 when the Supreme Court declined to hear his appeal contesting Buhari’s designation as the election’s victor.

    In addition, he requested another order barring any sort of handover inauguration that Buhari had planned or approved for May 29, 2023, until his appeal before the highest court had been decided.

    Dissatisfied with the judgment, Owuru approached the Supreme Court for redress.

    The appellant’s attorney, Olawuyi Olaoluwa, asked the court to adjourn the hearing when it was summoned on Monday. He added that he had just called early on Monday to represent the appellant.

    Justice Okoro questioned Olaoluwa about his knowledge of the case’s facts, to which he replied that he had not looked over the procedures.

    AGF attorney, Adedayo Ogundele urged the court to dismiss the appeal, claiming it constituted a misuse of the legal system.

    Okoro cautioned him against pursuing a similar case in the future.

    He said, “There is no substance in this matter. If it were a SAN that brought this matter, he would have been fined. As a young lawyer don’t take this kind of case again. It is not good for your career.”

    Olaoluwa afterward, applied to withdraw the matter.

    The five-member panel led by John Okoro dismissed the appeal.

  • CBN to Assume Control of Crude Sales, as President Tinubu Unveils Sweeping Reforms in Oil Sector

    CBN to Assume Control of Crude Sales, as President Tinubu Unveils Sweeping Reforms in Oil Sector

    President Bola Tinubu has directed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to assume responsibility for crude oil sales, a move aimed at addressing longstanding concerns about opaque practices and declining oil revenue under the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    The action is to enhance transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s oil industry, marking a significant departure from the previous exclusive control by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    Under the previous structure, the NNPC held sole authority over crude oil sales, submitting accounts solely to the federal government. Critics argued that this arrangement lacked transparency, allowing the NNPC to potentially underreport earnings.

    This directive mandates the NNPC to submit all receipts for crude oil sales to the CBN for thorough vetting and documentation. The objective is to eliminate any potential gaps in reporting and to ensure accurate records of oil revenue.

    It can be recalled that last week, the CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso called for collaborative effort with the Ministry of Finance and the NNPCL, highlighting its impact on foreign exchange flows and the accretion of reserves.

    Speaking at the launch of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) “2024 Macroeconomic Outlook Report,” Cardoso outlined strategic reforms designed to foster transparency and stability in the foreign exchange market.

    “The expected stability in the foreign exchange market for 2024 can be attributed to the reduction in petroleum product imports and the recent implementation of a market-determine exchange rate policy by the CBN.”

    “This reform is designed to streamline and unify multiple exchange rates, fostering transparency and reducing opportunities for arbitrage.”

    He further highlighted the comprehensive strategy to improve liquidity in the foreign exchange markets, addressing fundamental issues that have hindered effective operations over the years. The ongoing independent forensic review aims to clear the backlog of valid FX transactions, demonstrating the commitment to upholding the integrity of financial markets.

  • Off-cycle Elelctions: INEC Chairman Seeks Air Force Support and Collaboration

    Off-cycle Elelctions: INEC Chairman Seeks Air Force Support and Collaboration

    Further to preparations towards a successful conduct of forthcoming off-cycle electuons nationwide, the Chairman of Independent National Elec5oral Commission, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu has solicited support of the Nigeria Airforce.

    The INEC Chairman disclosed that the Commission is set to conduct bye-elections and re-run elections in 26 states, covering various levels of representation.

    Speaking during a visit to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal H.B. Abubakar, Prof. Yakubu expressed gratitude for the warm reception and congratulated the Air Chief on his appointment. He also commended the Air Force for cooperating with election management body regarding election security and logistics, highlighting their professionalism and neutrality.

    With elections scheduled in nine states to fill vacancies in the national and state assemblies, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu emphasized the need for collaboration with national assets, including the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    Addressing the upcoming electoral tasks, the Chairman outlined the extensive scale of the elections, involving 80 local government areas, 575 registration areas/wards, and 8,934 polling units. A total of 4,904,627 registered voters are expected to participate, with 4,613,291 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) already collected.

    Recognizing the enormity of the assignment, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu stressed that the Commission cannot accomplish it alone. Referring to Section 27(3) of the Electoral Act 2022, he highlighted the legal provision empowering the Commission to seek support from security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies for the efficient delivery of materials and protection of election officials.

    In preparation for the elections, the Chairman sought the support of the NAF in expeditiously delivering materials to specific locations in the North East, South East, and South West geopolitical zones. The Commission, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, is handling the evacuation of materials from focal airports to states where elections will occur.

    Prof. Mahmood Yakubu assured transparency in the inspection and movement of materials, involving all stakeholders, including political parties’ agents, observers, and the media.

    In conclusion, the Chairman expressed gratitude to the Chief of the Air Staff for the audience and support, anticipating yet another seamless collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force.

    In his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal H.B. Abubakar expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, for fostering democracy and strengthening collaboration between the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and INEC, emphasizing their shared commitment to good governance, stability, and the rule of law across Nigeria.

    He noted that there is an alternative aircraft for transporting sensitive materials, urging timely planning due to capacity limitations. Additionally, he reminded Prof. Yakubu of outstanding bills, emphasizing their settlement for enhanced service delivery.

    In closing, the CAS expressed gratitude for the visit, foreseeing increased cooperation and synergy between NAF and INEC as he anticipated positive impacts on Nigeria’s democratic processes, affirming their collective commitment to maintaining the country’s status as the giant of Africa.

  • Supreme Court Reserves Judgment On Binani’s Suit Challenging Fintiri’s Victory

    Supreme Court Reserves Judgment On Binani’s Suit Challenging Fintiri’s Victory

    The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in the appeal by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Aisha Dahiru, popularly called Binani, against the governor of Adamawa state, Ahmadu Fintiri.

    The tribunal and Court of Appeal had dismissed Binani’s petition challenging the victory of Finitiri in the governorship election held last year.

    The five-member panel led by John Okoro adjourned the matter for judgment after listening to the arguments of the parties involved in the matter.

    The main contention of Binani, through her counsel, Akin Olujimi, at the day’s proceeding, is that the controversial declaration by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Ari, was lawful.

    Monday’s decision came months after the Court of Appeal affirmed the victory of Fintiri of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as Governor of Adamawa State and dismissed Binani’s challenge as lacking in merit.

    It also awarded the cost of N500,000 in favour of Fintiri and the PDP against Binani.

    That judgment aligned with the verdict of the tribunal on October 28, which dismissed Binani’s petition for failing to prove her allegations of over-voting by not tendering documents to prove her case faulting the outcome of the election.

    Before the legal tussle, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Fintiri as the winner of a dramatic governorship poll.

    Fintiri polled 9,337 votes besting Senator ‘Binani’ who scored 6,513 votes.

    But in a controversial move, Ari, while collation was going on, prematurely declared Binani as the winner of the election. This was contrary to the provisions of Section 25 of the Electoral Act, 2022, which gives only the returning officer the right to declare election results for governorship polls.

    Immediately after the announcement, INEC declared the pronouncement as of no effect. It thereafter suspended the collation of results of the supplementary election in Adamawa and invited the REC, Returning Officer, and all officials involved to report to the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja.

    Later on, police authorities arrested Ari, confirming that the INEC REC was in their custody. He is still in court facing charges.

  • Senate President Dispels False Narratives, Emphasizes Time Management and Colleague Respect

    Senate President Dispels False Narratives, Emphasizes Time Management and Colleague Respect

    In a swift response to a recent information circulating on some media platforms about Senator Godswill Akpabio being a habitual late-comer, his Special Adviser, Media & Publicity Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, has countered the narative, saying it was not correct.

    According to him, contrary to media speculations, Akpabio places a premium on time, aligning with Benjamin Franklin’s philosophy that “Time is money.”

    He stated that Sen. Akpabio’s “accomplishments in both private and public life are attributable to his commitment to effective time management.”

    “As Senate President, Akpabio holds profound respect for his colleagues and the Nigerian public. Recognizing his role as one among equals, he avoids undermining the status of distinguished senators by ensuring punctuality in Plenary sessions”.

    The release clarifies that the disruptions or lateness to schedules are prioritized but not compromised. Emergency issues and motions of national importance often require urgent attention before Plenary, a responsibility Akpabio diligently fulfills, contributing to occasional delays.

    On the claims of habitual lateness dating back to his tenure as Akwa Ibom State governor, the release emphasizes Akpabio’s unwavering commitment to punctuality and dispels any suggestion that lateness impacts the Senate’s efficiency.

    The release finally urged the mischief makers to refrain from perpetuating falsehoods about Akpabio’s punctuality and allow him to focus on his dedication to serving the nation and humanity without unwarranted distractions.

  • BREAKING: Many Feared Killed As Soldiers, Gunmen Clash In Mangu

    BREAKING: Many Feared Killed As Soldiers, Gunmen Clash In Mangu

    Many were reportedly killed when soldiers and gunmen clashed in two villages of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Saturday morning.

    The clash occurred after Governor Caleb Mutfwang relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed on the area.

    Mutfwang had said following improvement of security, the curfew should be from 8am to 4pm.

    Sources said that about 30 gunmen were killed while some soldiers sustained injuries during the clash at Satguru and Tyop villages.

    A security operative, said, “The incident occurred between 7 to 7:30 am when the gunmen came in their numbers and started attacking some communities along Gindri road. In no time, the soldiers were alerted and immediately responded.

    “About 30 of the gunmen were killed while more than 50 of them were arrested with guns and ammunition. Four soldiers were equally injured.”

    Another source in the area who also pleaded for anonymity confirmed the incident, adding that people were still in fear.

    Spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, a multi-security taskforce maintaining peace in the area, is yet to respond to the inquiries.