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Category: Breaking News

  • BREAKING: Court strikes out APM’s double nomination suit against Shettima, Tinubu

    The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja has struck out the suit filed by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) accusing Vice-President Kashim Shettima of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of double nomination in the 2023 general elections.  

    The Chairman of the panel, Justice Haruna Tsammani, who read the lead judgement, held that an invalid nomination or double nomination did not qualify as a ground for disqualification in respect of the presidential election as provided in sections 131 and 137 of the constitution.

    He also held that Mr Ibrahim Masari, who was nominated as a placeholder by the APC (for the position of the Vice President), was not a necessary party to the petition because he was neither a candidate nor did he win the election.

    He also held that the question as to the qualification or not of any candidate for any election is a pre-election matter which is outside the jurisdiction of the PEPC.

    In addition, he ruled that the matter of  qualifications of candidates to contest an election is entirely an internal party matter which non-members have no locus standi to challenge.

  • Finally, NNPP expels Rabiu Kwankwaso

    The National Executive Committee of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has expelled Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, following his alleged refusal to appear before the party’s Disciplinary Committee.

    Kwankwaso, the 2023 Presidential Candidate of NNPP, had been earlier suspended by the party’s leadership at the National Convention on August 29 in Lagos.

    Recall also that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NNPP set up a Disciplinary Committee and directed it to invite Kwankwaso to defend allegations of gross anti party activities and mismanagement of party/campaign funds within five days.

    The NEC had warned that, failure to appear before the Disciplinary Committee, Kwankwaso would be expelled from the party in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution 2022 (as amended).

    Consequently, Mr Abdulsalam Abdulrasaq, the Acting National Publicity Secretary of NNPP, said in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, that the NEC had expelled Kwankwaso with immediate effect because of his refusal to honour the committee’s invitations.

    Abdulrasaq said: “The NEC met in an emergency session on Friday, Sept 1. and resolved as follows:

    “Following the refusal of Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to appear before the disciplinary committee which sat on Thursday, August 31 after being duly invited in writing, he is hereby expelled from NNPP with immediate effect.

    “That the erstwhile presidential candidate, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso will be reported to appropriate quarters to answer questions on financial impropriety relating to mismanagement of public funds.”

    The crisis within the NNPP started when the NWC of the party loyal to Kwankwaso, announced the suspension of the NNPP founder, Dr Boniface Aniebonam and the National Publicity Secretary, Dr Agbo Major on August 24. 

  • Presidential Tribunal to announce verdict Sept 6, okays live broadcast

    Putting an end to two weeks of suspense, the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) has officially confirmed that it will deliver its judgment on Wednesday, September 6. This landmark decision comes after three petitions contesting the victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election.

    The Chief Registrar of the Court of Appeal, Umar Mohammed Bangari, disclosed this important date in Abuja on Monday, putting to rest the speculations that had been swirling around the case.

    Bangari assured that the court is taking every measure to ensure a smooth and trouble-free delivery of the judgment in response to the three petitions. These petitions were filed by Abubakar Atiku, the Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); Peter Obi, his counterpart from the Labour Party; and the Allied People Movement (APM) under the APC umbrella.

    In an effort to maintain order and security, Bangari mentioned that stringent security measures have been implemented.

    Access to the courtroom will be restricted, permitting only invited members of political parties and the general public to enter. This approach is intended to prevent overcrowding and potential security breaches.

    Furthermore, Bangari announced that interested television stations would be allowed to broadcast the proceedings live, without any associated costs to the court.

    However, to ensure security and crowd control, certain restrictions will be in place around the court premises.

    A notable decision by the court was to reserve judgment on the petitions submitted by the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party, scheduling them for delivery on the same day as Peter Obi’s Labour Party petition.

    Notably, last week, the court refuted the claims that it had set September 16 as the date for the judgment, clarifying the actual date as September 6.

  • Subsidy Removal: NLC declares 2-day warning strike

    Subsidy Removal: NLC declares 2-day warning strike

    The Nigeria Labour Congres (NLC) has declared a two-day warning strike, beginning on Tuesday, September 5, in protest against the Federal Government for failing to address the challenges caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.

    The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made the declaration on Friday during a press conference at the Labour House in Abuja, while speaking on resolutions by the NLC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting the previous day.

    The labour union is accusing the Federal Government of abandoning the negotiations and failing to implement some of the resolutions from previous meetings with the government.

    On August 2, organised labour protested what it described as the anti-people policies of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliate unions demonstrated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and several states, including Lagos, Abia, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, Zamfara, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kwara, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo.

    The protest followed a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government demanding “the immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the federal government including the recent hike in PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) price, increase in public school fees, the release of the eight months withheld salary of university lecturers and workers”.

    The union also demanded an upward review of the minimum wage from N30,000 to N200,000, saying that since the President’s “subsidy is gone” inauguration speech of May 29, 2023, the peace of mind of Nigerians has gone.

    Several meetings between the Presidency and the unions on palliatives for Nigerians suffering hardship in the wake of the petrol subsidy removal proved abortive.

    Last month, NLC president Joe Ajaero argued that the N5 billion approved for each state and the FCT to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal was inadequate to impact on the people.

    Ajaero had argued that if calculated, the N5 billion would not amount to N1,500 per person.

    According to him, it is unclear whether the money is a loan or a palliative to the states or to Nigerians.

    “The first increase in the pump price of petroleum products and the last one moved a lot of people from the borderline to a very high level of poverty,” he said.

    “Now, if you calculate it, you will discover that this will not translate to N1,500 per person and you ask: is that the impact? Is that really what we want to achieve? Let’s assume it’s a loan. What is really going to happen? Is it garbage in, garbage out?

    “If it is N5 billion, I think organised labour would want anybody to do the calculation and tell us how it is going to impact Nigerians on what is happening currently. If it is a loan, then it is too bad.”

  • Coup in Gabon as Army sacks Ali Bongo over disputed election

    *Military generals nullify controversial election results

    Another coup has happened in Africa after a faction of high-ranking military officials in Gabon took to national television to assert their control, asserting that the recent general election’s legitimacy is questionable.

    They maintain that they represent the collective security and defense forces of Gabon.

    In a televised address, the officers proclaimed the nullification of the election outcomes, immediate closure of national borders, and the dissolution of state institutions.

    The capital city, Libreville, resonated with the echoes of gunshots, as reported by a correspondent from Reuters, right after the televised message was broadcasted.

    Efforts to reach the government for a response were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

    The incumbent leader of Gabon, President Ali Bongo, secured a third term in office through the presidential election, garnering 64.27% of the total votes, according to the Gabonese election centre’s announcement on Wednesday.

    The general election had been marred by delays, fueling allegations of fraud from the opposition. The Bongo family’s lengthy 53-year reign over Gabon could potentially be terminated if this power shift takes effect.

    Presenting the results during the early hours, Michel Stephane Bonda, the head of the election committee, disclosed that Albert Ondo Ossa, Bongo’s primary rival, emerged in second place with 30.77% of the votes.

    Bongo’s team promptly dismissed Ondo Ossa’s claims of electoral improprieties.

    Tensions had already escalated in the lead-up to the presidential, parliamentary, and legislative elections held on Saturday.

    While Bongo aimed to prolong his family’s 56-year dominion over Gabon, opposition forces pressed for transformative change in the resource-rich yet economically challenged Central African nation.

    Apprehensions had escalated due to the absence of international observers, the suspension of foreign broadcasts, and the government’s imposition of internet blackouts and a nationwide curfew following the polls.

    These actions have raised doubts about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.

  • NNPP BoT suspends Kwankwaso, others for hobnobbing with Tinubu, Atiku

    The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has taken a decisive step by suspending Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, their presidential candidate in the February 25th election, due to alleged anti-party activities.

    In a similar vein, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has also been suspended.

    This move has been coupled with the appointment of new national officers to ensure the smooth functioning of the party during this period.

    Dr. Agbo Major has been designated as the acting National Chairman, while Mr. Ogini Olaposi will serve as the acting National Secretary, both supported by 18 other individuals.

    The suspension, set for a duration of six months, was voted on during the party’s special general assembly, which took place at Rockview Hotels in Apapa.

    This course of action comes after the NWC of the party, on August 24th, suspended the party’s founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, and the National Publicity Secretary, Major.

    Secretary of the BoT, Babayo Muhammed Abdulahi, addressed the media after the meeting in Lagos, highlighting Kwankwaso’s alleged affiliations with President Bola Tinubu, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), without obtaining authorization from the board. As a consequence, Abdullahi announced the revocation of Kwankwaso’s position as the NNPP national leader.

    Abdulahi further emphasized that the suspension of the NNPP founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, was a blatant and severe violation of the party’s constitution.

    He clarified that Aniebonam had already resigned from the position of BoT Chairman, leading to the election of Dr. Chief Tope Aluko as the new BoT Chairman, and Abdulahi as the new BoT Secretary. High Chief Tony Obioha was also elected as the BoT spokesperson.

    Abdulahi also stressed that the pre-election Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Kwankwasia Movement, The National Movement (TNM), and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has been invalidated by the actions of the NWC.

    Abdulahi said: “The purported suspension of the founder is a flagrant gross violation of the NNPP constitution such that it is tantamount to recklessness and irresponsibility on the part of the incompetent NWC.

    “The BoT decided that material evidence in the public sector affirmed that Kwankwaso was involved in anti-party activities in various meetings, suggest political discussions with the President, Atiku and Obi without authorisation from the board.

    “This has earned him six months suspension pending the outcome of investigation by the Disciplinary Committee.

    “The BOT insisted that the avoidable violation of MoU between NNPP on the one part and Kwankwasia, TNM and NAGAFF on the other has no other choice than to withdraw from the partnership.

    “It is therefore to state clearly that the MOU have been rendered void.”

    Also speaking, the acting chairman said his team would hit the ground running by healing the wounds created by the suspended NWC members.

    Major said the party would remain the most ordinary friendly party in the country and urged other members that are displaced for one reason or the other to return to its fold.

    “We don’t intend to shut anybody out or censor anybody but we want to ensure that we remain on track and maintain our people-oriented ideology,” he said.

    The special general assembly meeting was attended by the new NWC and members from across the country. 

  • FG forcefully retires four senior police officers

    *Says they failed to voluntarily resign after new IGP’s appointment

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) has executed the compulsory retirement of four Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) in a notable development that has garnered attention. The Commission, basing its decision on legal statutes and established regulations, made this announcement.

    This decision was reached following the invocation of specific sections of the law, namely “Third Schedule, Part 1 M, Para A&B of the 1999 Constitution,” and further bolstered by “Section 6 of the Commissions (Establishment) Act 2001, para a, c, d, e, &f.”

    The high-ranking officers who are affected by this directive include Dan-Mallam Mohammed, Moses Jitiboh, Hafiz Inuwa, and Adeleke Bode.

    The PSC’s official spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, conveyed this information through a statement.

    The crux of the matter, according to the PSC, lies in the refusal of the aforementioned Deputy Inspectors General to tender their resignations following the appointment of their junior counterpart, Kayode Egbetokun, as the new Inspector General of Police.

    This decision was made with the intention of ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining the hierarchical integrity within the police force.

    The action taken by the Police Service Commission not only highlights the importance of adherence to established regulations but also underscores the dynamics that are integral to the internal operations of law enforcement agencies.

    The move, though significant, is part of the Commission’s efforts to uphold a structured and efficient functioning of the police force under changing leadership dynamics.

    “In the wake of the appointment of the acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun on the 19th of June, 2023 by Mr. President, the Commission had expected in consonance with the revered tradition of discipline and regimented culture of the Nigeria Police Force that those DIGS who were seniors in rank prior to his elevation will voluntarily apply for retirement or elect to leave the Force.

    “The Commission, having waited for ample time with no such application from any of them, took the decision to compulsorily retire them in order to uphold discipline which is the bedrock of the Force, and to discourage status reversal which is inherently inimical to the exercise of authority by the Inspector General.”

    It also announced the appointment of four new senior police officers to replace the relieved DIGs.

    See full press statement below:

    PSC RETIRES DIGS DAN-MALLAM, JITIBOH, HAFIZ AND ADELEKE, APPOINTS SANI KA’OJE, SOKARI-PEDRO, AYUBA EKPEJI AND USMAN NAGOGO – decision to uphold discipline, discourage status reversal

    The Police Service Commission in exercise of its statutory powers, pursuant to the Third Schedule, Part 1 M, para A&B of the 1999 Constitution, reinforced with Section 6 of the Commissions (Establisment) Act 2001, para a, c, d, e, &f, has compulsorily retired four Deputy Inspectors General of Police.

    The affected DIGs are Dan-Mallam Mohammed, Moses Ambakina Jitiboh, Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa and Adeleke Adeyinka Bode.

    In the wake of the appointment of the acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun on the 19th of June, 2023 by Mr. President, the Commission had expected in consonance with the revered tradition of discipline and regimented culture of the Nigeria Police Force that those DIGS who were seniors in rank prior to his elevation will voluntarily apply for retirement or elect to leave the Force.

    The Commission, having waited for ample time with no such application from any of them, took the decision to compulsorily retire them in order to uphold discipline which is the bedrock of the Force, and to discourage status reversal which is inherently inimical to the exercise of authority by the Inspector General.

    Accordingly the former DIGs have been mandated to Immediately proceed on compulsory retirement with effect from Friday, 25th August, 2023.The Commission appreciates their immense contributions and efforts towards peace and security of our country and also wishes them well in their future endeavours in retirement.

    Similarly, the Commission also approved the appointment of four Assistant Inspectors General of Police to the rank of Deputy Inspectors General of Police which would be subject to ratification by the Board of the Commission to replace the retired DIGs.

    The newly appointed DIGs who are without Pending Disciplinary Matters and/or without any serious medical conditions and health impairments were drawn from the same respective geo-political regions of the retired ones.

    They are DIG’s Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje; Daniel Sokari – Pedro, Ayuba Ekpeji, and Usman Nagogo.

    While congratulating them for their elevation to the enviable rank of DIGs, the Commission hopes that their appointment will add value and greater vigour to the efforts of the Nigeria Police in delivering on its mandate.

    Ikechukwu Ani

    Head, Press and Public Relations

    Monday, August 28th 2023

  • Tinubu chairs inaugural Federal Executive Council Meeting

    President Bola Tinubu is currently presiding over the inaugural session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The meeting commenced shortly after noon on Monday and is attended by prominent officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Sen. George Akume, and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan. Other participants comprise Chief of State to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, new ministers, and key government functionaries.

    The Federal Executive Council is established under the Ministers’ Statutory Powers and Duties Act, functioning as an advisory body to the President, who holds the position of the FEC’s chairman.

    Its role involves providing guidance to the President to determine the strategic course of the government. While the President remains the ultimate authority in executive decision-making, the FEC plays a crucial role in shaping the government’s direction.

    Serving as the federal government’s cabinet, the FEC is an integral part of the executive branch. Its members are appointed by and are accountable to the President.

    This gathering follows the recent inauguration of 45 ministers by President Tinubu, as they take up their roles in his administration.

  • COAS, Matawalle present as military lays 22 slain officers to rest

    A somber atmosphere enveloped the National Military Cemetery in Abuja as military personnel, led by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, along with grieving family members and friends, gathered to pay their final respects to fallen comrades who lost their lives in Niger State.

    The burial ceremony held special significance as it paid tribute to 36 officers who were tragically killed in action, including an air mission, on August 14, as reported by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

    The solemn event commenced with the arrival of Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, who arrived at approximately 9:46am.

    In attendance alongside him were Major General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, and several other service chiefs.

    The combined presence of high-ranking officials, military personnel, and the bereaved families underscored the gravity of the occasion.

    It is noteworthy that some of the deceased officers had already been laid to rest by their families.

    The ceremony included a roll call of the military personnel who were to be interred, commemorating their dedication and sacrifice.

    The list includes:

    LATE MAJOR SA ONI

    LATE FLIGHT LIEUTENANT ANTHONY DURYUMSU

    LATE FLIGHT LIEUTENANT IBRAHIM ADAMU

    LATE LIEUTENANT GM ODUSAMI

    LATE LIEUTENANT US ALKALI

    LATE SERGEANT FARUK MOHAMMED

    LATE CORPORAL IBRAHIM GARBA

    LATE CORPORAL CIROMA POGU

    LATE CORPORAL ADAMA ISAAC

    LATE CORPORAL HARUNA JAMILU

    LATE CORPORAL SAMAILA BASHIRU

    LATE ABLE SEAMAN SULEIMAN MK (NIGERIAN NAVY)

    LATE CORPORAL JAURU AMOS (NIGERIAN AIR FORCE)

    LATE LANCE CORPORAL SUNDAY OKOPI

    LATE LANCE CORPORAL EKPANYO EDET

    LATE LANCE CORPORAL ABARIBE DANIEL (NIGERIAN AIR FORCE)

    LATE LANCE CORPORAL BRIGGS STEPHEN (NIGERIAN AIR FORCE)

    LATE LANCE CORPORAL YAKUBU AYUBA

    LATE LANCE CORPORAL NURA MOHAMMED

    LATE PRIVATE HABIB ALIYU

    LATE PRIVATE TANKO WAJE

    LATE AIRCRAFTMAN ABUBAKAR ABDULRAHAMAN (NIGERIAN AIR FORCE)

    The ceremony stood as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave individuals in the line of duty. Their commitment and dedication to Nigeria will forever be remembered, as their names echo in the hearts of those who gathered to honour their memory. May their souls rest in perfect peace. Amen.

  • Again, Emefiele’s arraignment stalled; ex-CBN gov settles for plea bargain

    Suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele’s arraignment on alleged breach of procurement laws and contract inflation, was again stalled on Wednesday.

    Strong indications have also emerged that the detained former CBN Boss, has opted for a plea bargain policy to settle with the Federal Government, hence, the indefinite hold on the arraignment.

    NIGERIAN ANCHOR gathered that the arraignment on a 20-count charges slated for Wednesday August 23, was not listed in the cause list before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja

    It was also gathered at the courtroom that the arraignment was shifted at the instance of the detained CBN Chief.

    Authoritative sources confided in our correspondent that Emefiele and his-co accused, Saadat Yaro have opted for a plea bargain policy to settle with the Federal Government.

    Speaking on the development and the defendant’s absence in court, counsel to the defendant, Kehinde Akinlolu, confirmed the shift in the arraignment. 

    Emefiele’s lawyer, Kehinde Akinlolu SAN confirmed the shift in the arraignment when contacted on phone, adding that a new date may likely be issued by the court’s Chief Judge, Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf.

    At the time of filing this report, operatives of the Department of State Service DSS who used to escort him to court were not seen, as well as his legal team.

    Meanwhile, the court has commenced proceedings on matters on the cause list.

    More details later…