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Category: Politics Lite

  • El-Rufai Visits Suspended Senator Ningi At His Residence

    El-Rufai Visits Suspended Senator Ningi At His Residence

    Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, has paid a solidarity visit to suspended Senator Abdul Ningi at his residence. 

    Senator Ningi had raised concerns about the budget implementation under the Tinubu-led government, alleging discrepancies between the approved budget and the actual implementation. 

    He was eventually suspended for three months by the Akpabio-led senate.

    The details of El-Rufai’s visit to the PDP lawmaker cannot be ascertained as at press time but it might be connected to the 2027 presidential polls.

    On Thursday, El-Rufai visited the Social Democratic Party headquarters in Abuja with many speculating his impending defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    However, his spokesperson refuted the rumors.

  • Labour Party Suspends Enugu Youth Leader

    Labour Party Suspends Enugu Youth Leader

    The Labour Party (LP) has suspended the Youth Leader for Obimo/Ikwoka Ward Nsukka Local Government of Enugu State, Onyekachi Philip Ugwu.

    This decision was made after the Ward Executive Committee and party stakeholders passed a vote of no confidence against him.

    A statement released on Wednesday, signed by the Labour Party ward Chairman, Ozor Chigbogu, and Secretary, Sabastine Ugwuoke, confirmed the suspension.

    The party accused Ugwu of engaging in anti-party activities and other suspicious actions that are detrimental to the reputation and values of the Labour Party.

    The letter also instructed Ugwu to hand over all party belongings within the next 48 hours.

    Furthermore, he was warned not to present himself as the Party Youth Leader until the disciplinary committee makes its recommendation.

    Details of the suspension letter read:

    “VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE AND SUSPENSION OF MR UGWU ONYEKACHI PHILIP AS A MEMBER AND YOUTH LEADER OF THE LABOUR PARTY OBIMO IKWOKA WARD

    “This is to communicate you the decision of the Ward Executive Committee and stakeholders of Labour Party in Obimo/Ikwoka on your suspension as a member and Youth Leader in the ward.

    The resolution for your suspension follows after the consideration and deliberation on your engagement in anti-party activities and other suspicious activities that are detrimental to the reputation and values of the party.

    “By this notice, you are required to submit all party items in your custody to the Chairman within the next 48 hours and cease to parade yourself as the Party Youth Leader, pending the recommendation of the disciplinary committee.

    “We expect your full compliance in this matter. If you have any question or concern, please do not hesitate to contact the party leadership.
    Sincerely.”

  • Bauchi Governor Reacts To Ningi’s Suspension

    Bauchi Governor Reacts To Ningi’s Suspension

    Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has declared that the state government is behind Senator Abdul Ningi, the lawmaker who was handed a three-month suspension after his comment on N3.7 trillion not being traceable in the 2024 budget.

    Ningi, representing Bauchi Central senatorial district at the upper chamber of the National Assembly, was suspended by the Senate, on Tuesday.

    The Senator had subsequently resigned as Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF).

    On the floor of the Senate, Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West), had said the Red Chamber had inaugurated a template for the speedy consideration and passage of the 2024 Money Bill as he initiated the motion on breach of privilege by the Bauchi senator.

    Senator Adeola had come under orders 9, 10, 41, and 51 to move a motion of privilege and issue of national importance against Ningi over his interview with the BBC Hausa.

    Following Adeola’s motion on breach of privilege, a member of the Appropriation Committee in the Senate, Jimoh Ibrahim, first moved the motion for Ningi’s suspension for 12 months over allegations of criminal misinformation and breach of peace in the National Assembly.

    But, some of the senators moved for the amendment of the suspension for three months for the embattled federal lawmaker, which the senate ratified.

    Speaking during the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Bauchi, on Wednesday, Mohammed said, “yesterday I was very sad the Senate suspended one of our best from Bauchi for saying the truth, for standing up to be the beacon of the truth.”

    Mohammed, who is also the chairman PDP Governors’ Forum, said, “Equally I don’t know what we will do but we will discuss privately to see what we can do to support him because I support whatever he is doing and that is our best position especially if what he saying is the truth”.

  • Alleged terrorism: Fubara’s loyalists trial adjourns to March 19

    Alleged terrorism: Fubara’s loyalists trial adjourns to March 19

    The Federal High Court Abuja, has adjourned the trial of five loyalists of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara on terrorism charges has been adjourned to March 19.

    The adjournment was on the instances of Lukman Fagbemi, SAN, that the Inspector General of Police(IGP) filed a counter affidavit that raised more issues against the defendants.

    The five men charged with terrorism offences by the IGP, are Chime Eguma Ezebalike; Prince Lukman Oladele; Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa; Osiga Donald and Ochueja Thankgod.

    At resumed proceedings, Fagbemi told the court that he had filed a motion on notice challenging the competence of the terrorism charges and the territorial jurisdiction of the court to entertain the charge.

    He however, said that the Inspector General of Police responded to his motion through a counter affidavit that raised grievous allegations against his clients.

    He submitted that the counter affidavit was served on him during the proceedings and that he needed time to study the affidavit and respond to it appropriately.

    The Inspector General of Police, who was represented at the proceedings by Aliyu Garba, admitted that he served the counter affidavit opposing the application of Fagbemi in the court room.

    Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon after checking the case file found that the copy of the counter affidavit had not been served on the court.

    Based on the request of Fagbemi, Justice Olajuwon shifted the trial till March 19 with an order on parties to file and exchange processes before the date to ensure unhindered proceeding.

    The Inspector General of Police IGP had on January 25 slammed the terrorism charges on them for allegedly invading, vandalizing and burning down Rivers State House of Assembly last year.

    They were accused of committing the alleged terrorism offences during the wake of political upheaval that rocked Port Harcourt in October last year.

    In the charges against them marked FHC/ABJ/CR/25/2024, police alleged that
    apart from burning down the State House of Assembly, some of them were said to have killed a Superintendent of Police, (SP) Bako Agbashim and five police informants at Ahoada community of the state.

    The police informants said to have been killed by the defendants are Charles Osu, Ogbonna Eja, Idaowuka Felix, Paul Victor Chibuogu and Saturday Edi.

    They are also accused of using various cult groups, namely- Supreme Viking Confraternity, Degbam, Iceland and Greenland to unleash mayhem on the people of the state and their commercial activities.

    Specifically, they are alleged to have on October 29, 2023 at Moscow Road in Port Harcourt conspired to commit acts of terrorism by wilful destruction of public properties by invading, attacking, destroying and burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly, an offence punishable under section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

    The defendants have since been at Kuje Prison in Abuja on remand having been denied bail by the court on account of gravity of charges against them.

  • Nigerian Senate in rowdy session Over Alleged N3.7 Trillion Budget Padding

    Nigerian Senate in rowdy session Over Alleged N3.7 Trillion Budget Padding

    The Nigerian Senate finds itself in a maelstrom of controversy as allegations of N3.7 trillion budget padding reverberate through its hallowed halls. The tumultuous episode was ignited by Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, whose assertions during a BBC Hausa interview sent shockwaves through the legislative body, sparking fervent debates and discord.

    Ningi, seeking to clarify his remarks, attributed the misunderstanding to linguistic barriers but conceded to enlisting a consultant to scrutinize the budget. The consultant’s findings, revealing the absence of clear allocations for approximately N3.7 trillion, further fueled the flames of contention within the Senate.

    The revelations prompted a cacophony of impassioned exchanges and procedural maneuvers as senators grappled with the gravity of the allegations. Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, lamented what he perceived as an infringement on his rights as a participating senator in the budgeting process, calling for swift action to restore integrity to the proceedings.

    Presenting transcripts and recordings of Ningi’s interview, Olamilekan underscored the urgency of the situation, urging his colleagues to address the matter decisively. Several senators echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the need to safeguard the credibility of the budgetary process.

    In response, Abdul Ningi mounted a defense, refuting claims of explicit accusations and highlighting discrepancies in budget allocations among senatorial districts. His assertions, however, elicited mixed reactions, with some senators advocating for a fair hearing while others condemned what they perceived as a breach of decorum.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened, urging unity and decorum among senators while expressing dismay over the handling of the situation by consultants commissioned to review the budget.

    As tensions continued to simmer, senators grappled with the implications of the allegations, highlighting the imperative of upholding transparency and accountability in governance.

  • Budget Padding: Northern Senators Distance Themselves from Allegations

    Budget Padding: Northern Senators Distance Themselves from Allegations

    In response to recent allegations made by Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi regarding the 2024 budget, the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has issued a statement distancing themselves from his claims. Senator Ningi, who chairs the forum, made remarks on the BBC Hausa Service alleging budget padding, which the NSF vehemently refutes.

    According to the NSF, there was no mandate given to Senator Ningi to address the press on the matter, and his views were deemed as personal opinions that do not represent the stance of the Northern Senators. The forum highlights that the budget was presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in accordance with constitutional requirements and was diligently debated and passed by both chambers.

    Contrary to Senator Ningi’s assertion of a N25 trillion budget, the NSF clarifies that the budget passed was N28.7 trillion, allowing for adjustments in appropriations to address critical projects and services. The forum asserts that there was no budget padding involved in the process.

    Expressing solidarity with President Tinubu, the NSF emphasizes the need for collaboration across ethnic lines to address the challenges facing Nigeria. They pledge to work with colleagues from the southern part of the country to advance the nation’s prosperity.

    The NSF concludes by distancing themselves from Senator Ningi’s actions, labeling them as “grossly unparliamentary,” and reiterates their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at moving the country forward for the benefit of all citizens.

  • Senate Forms Ad-Hoc Committee to Probe Financial Controversies

    Senate Forms Ad-Hoc Committee to Probe Financial Controversies

    Amidst mounting controversies surrounding the financial operations of the Buhari administration, senate president, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has inaugurated the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Ways and Means on Monday.

    The committee’s primary mandate, driven by concerns over fund management, includes a thorough investigation into the utilization of resources, notably focusing on the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme and other financial avenues.

    In his address to stakeholders, the Senate President emphasized the critical need for transparency, accountability, and good governance, especially in light of recent financial controversies. He highlighted the significance of the committee’s mandate and urged members to execute their duties diligently and professionally, prioritizing the interests of the Nigerian people.

    The establishment of the committee followed consultations with the Federal Government’s Economic Management Team and a subsequent report by the Joint Committees on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions; Finance; National Planning; Agriculture; and Appropriations. The report identified concerns and irregularities in fund utilization, prompting decisive action from the Senate.

    Furthermore, the Senate President reiterated the importance of the committee’s task amidst ongoing financial debates in Nigeria. He expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to conduct thorough investigations and called for a commitment to justice, fairness, and the public good.

    Senator Isah Jibrin (Echocho), appointed as the committee’s chairman, emphasized the significance of the Ways and Means controversy and assured Nigerians of a thorough and impartial investigation. He urged stakeholders to cooperate and provide necessary documents for scrutiny.

    The committee, composed of distinguished senators, is poised to embark on its mission to investigate and address concerns regarding fund management in Nigeria, guided by principles of transparency, integrity, and accountability.

    Members of the committee include:

    1. Senator Isah Jibrin (Chairman)
    2. Senator Sahabi Ya’u (Vice Chairman)
    3. Senator Adamu Aleiro
    4. Senator Adetokunbo Abiru
    5. Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong
    6. Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno
    7. Senator Victor Umeh
    8. Senator Solomon Olamilakan
    9. Senator Sani Musa
    10. Senator Abdul Ningi
    11. Senator Aliyu Wadada
    12. Senator Ipalibo Banigho
    13. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim
    14. Senator Ibrahim Mohammed
    15. Senator Joel Thomas Onowakpa
    16. Senator Dafinone Ede
    17. Senator Aminu Iya Abbas
    18.

  • Bayelsa Guber: Panel declines to recluse from proceeding

    Bayelsa Guber: Panel declines to recluse from proceeding

    The Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Monday, declined to recluse self from proceeding with the petition before it, challenging the election victory of Governor Duoye Diri.

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) and it’s Candidate, Timipriye Sylva had filed a motion seeking disqualification of members of the panel from the proceeding.

    The tribunal, led by Justice Adekunle Adeleye dismissed the motion after he took arguments from counsel to Sylva, Mr. Tunde Falola, Mr. Charles Edosanwan for INEC, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, for Governor Diri, Mr. Chukwuma Machukwu Ume, for the deputy Governor and Tayo Oyetibo for PDP.

    In a brief ruling, the panel held that a letter from the President of the Court of Appeal on March 5, mandated the tribunal to proceed with hearing of the petition, irrespective of any application by the parties.

    He, therefore, said the PCA’s letter has overtaken the request by the petitioners for the disbandment of the tribunal.

    Sylva’s lawyer, Falola, had argued that his clients filed the fresh application against the tribunal on the ground that the two petitioners are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that they cannot get justice from members of the panel.

    The two petitioners further stated that the tribunal had exhibited strange circumstances that made them to believe that they would be denied fair hearing.

    He, therefore, asked the tribunal to in the interest of justice, step aside from the petition and allow other members to be constituted by the PCA to determine their petition within the little time remaining for the expiration of hearing of the case.

    Meanwhile, all the Respondents, through their respective lawyers, opposed the request for the panel members to recuse themselves.

    They argued that the application was an attempt to prevent the respondents from presenting their defense against the petition.

    They stated that the motion by APC and Sylva was a calculated attempt to blackmail the tribunal members to do their bidding.

    The four respondents claimed that the petitioners closed their case, even when the time allocated to them had not expired, hence, there was no basis for the allegation of denial of fair hearing to them.

    Bedsides, the respondents also stated that APC and Sylva were part of the pre-hearing session and fully subscribed to the schedule of time as agreed upon by all the parties.

    The tribunal has fixed March 13 and 14 for INEC, being the 1st respondent, to open and close its defence.

  • Protest Rocks Edo Over Deputy Governor’s Impeachment

    Protest Rocks Edo Over Deputy Governor’s Impeachment

    Indigenes and residents of Edo North Senatorial District have voiced their discontent with the impending impeachment of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu. 

    Tensions escalated after Shaibu’s fallout with Governor Godwin in 2023 due to his gubernatorial aspirations.

    During the February People Democratic Party (PDP) primary, Shaibu held a parallel poll at his residence, declaring himself the winner, while Asue Ighodalo secured victory in the official primary.

    Last week, the Edo State House of Assembly issued an impeachment notice to Shaibu.

    Protesters, chanting solidarity songs, called on Governor Obaseki to prioritize peace. Placards with inscriptions like “No to impeachment of Edo deputy governor” and “Give peace a chance” conveyed their rejection of the move, labeling it a political vendetta.

    Led by Festus Owu, the Edo North PDP Rescue Movement (ENREM) protesters marched through major streets, urging lawmakers to focus on meaningful legislation instead of pursuing a futile impeachment that leaves citizens hungry. 

    They appealed to Governor Obaseki to intervene and halt any impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor.

    Protest Rocks Edo Over Deputy Governor’s Impeachment

    By Doris Israel Ijeoma

    Indigenes and residents of Edo North Senatorial District have voiced their discontent with the impending impeachment of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu. 

    Tensions escalated after Shaibu’s fallout with Governor Godwin in 2023 due to his gubernatorial aspirations.

    During the February People Democratic Party (PDP) primary, Shaibu held a parallel poll at his residence, declaring himself the winner, while Asue Ighodalo secured victory in the official primary.

    Last week, the Edo State House of Assembly issued an impeachment notice to Shaibu.

    Protesters, chanting solidarity songs, called on Governor Obaseki to prioritize peace. Placards with inscriptions like “No to impeachment of Edo deputy governor” and “Give peace a chance” conveyed their rejection of the move, labeling it a political vendetta.

    Led by Festus Owu, the Edo North PDP Rescue Movement (ENREM) protesters marched through major streets, urging lawmakers to focus on meaningful legislation instead of pursuing a futile impeachment that leaves citizens hungry. 

    They appealed to Governor Obaseki to intervene and halt any impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor.

  • PDP May Present Female Presidential Candidate For 2027 Election

    PDP May Present Female Presidential Candidate For 2027 Election

    National chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has expressed optimism about Nigeria potentially electing its first female president in 2027. 

    He said this at an event marking the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration in Abuja.

    Damagum, represented by PDP national secretary Samuel Anyanwu, voiced his belief in the capability of women to lead, highlighting the disappointment in current male leadership.

    Damagum underscored the significant role of women, particularly mothers, in society, stressing the need for increased female representation in political leadership. 

    He praised the PDP for providing opportunities for women to advance without financial constraints, positioning the party as a champion of women’s rights and political participation.

    Echoing Damagum’s sentiments, PDP National Woman Leader, Amina Divine Arong, emphasized the importance of gender equality in political participation and leadership for achieving sustainable development goals by 2030. 

    Arong highlighted the positive impact of women in leadership roles, citing their resilience during times of financial crisis and their contributions to economic, social, and political progress.

    Arong called for continued advocacy and support to encourage women to pursue leadership roles, emphasizing the need for training and preparation to ensure their success. 

    She urged women already in leadership positions to facilitate access to opportunities for growth and development, fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.