My Blog

Category: Politics

  • PDP National Secretary: Appeal Court Declares Ude Okoye New Leader

    PDP National Secretary: Appeal Court Declares Ude Okoye New Leader

    The Appeal Court in Enugu has removed Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), confirming Rt. Hon. Ude Okoye as his replacement.

     The decision follows a previous ruling by the Enugu High Court, which found Anyanwu’s continued claim to the position unconstitutional after he pursued the party’s governorship ticket.  

    Justice Ridwan Abdullahi, delivering the lead judgment, ruled that Anyanwu’s appeal against the High Court’s decision lacked merit, noting that his actions violated PDP’s internal regulations.

     READ ALSO: Reps Propose Removal of NECO, UI, Police From 2025 Budget

    The court recognized the South East PDP Executives’ nomination of Ude Okoye to fill the vacancy created when Anyanwu resigned to contest in the governorship race.  

    Reacting to the judgment, the Opposition Lawmakers Coalition expressed satisfaction, describing the ruling as a turning point for the PDP.

     They pledged support for Ude Okoye and criticized the outgoing leadership, accusing it of undermining the party’s progress.  

  • Buhari Not Linked to FCT Land Revocation  – Garba Shehu

    Buhari Not Linked to FCT Land Revocation  – Garba Shehu

    Spokesperson, Garba Shehu has denied recent reports linking some of the lands seized by the Ministry of the Federal Capital Management to former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He clarified that the affected property does not belong to former President Muhammadu Buhari but assigned to the “Muhammadu Buhari Foundation,” an organization established by supporters of the former leader.  

    Mr. Shehu said that during his presidency, Buhari declined a personal land allocation in the FCT, citing ownership of an existing plot.

    READ ALSO: Shiroro – Katampe Power Line Attacked Again

    He explained that the land in question was allocated to the foundation but faced challenges when the authorities imposed unusually high fees for the certificate of occupancy, unlike fees issued to similar groups. 

    This situation eventually led to the land revocation.  

    Garba Shehu expressed the hope that his clarification addresses widespread speculation and urged the public to avoid misinformation linking the former president directly to the seized property.

  • Tinubu Orders Investigation into Ibadan Funfair Tragedy

    Tinubu Orders Investigation into Ibadan Funfair Tragedy

      

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the recent incident at a children’s funfair in Ibadan that claimed lives and left several injured.

     Extending condolences to the affected families and the Oyo State community, the President mourned the loss of young lives in the unfortunate event.  

    In response, Tinubu has directed authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident to uncover its cause and address any lapses.

     He has also urged the Oyo State Government to strengthen safety measures at public gatherings to avoid similar occurrences in the future.  

    ALSO READ: Tinubu Names Chairmen, MD’s, Executive Director’s for 12 River Basin Dev Authorities

    Calling for stricter adherence to safety protocols, the President reminded event organisers of their responsibility to ensure the well-being of all attendees, particularly children. 

    He highlighted the need for regular safety inspections and professional oversight at public venues to prevent future tragedies.

    AFP reports that a stampede at a school funfair in the southwestern Nigerian city of Ibadan has killed 35 children and seriously injured six others.

    A socialite and former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Olori Naomi Ogunwusi, the lead sponsor of the funfair was arrested by the @Ngpolice on Thursday.

  • PDP Expels Southeast Ex-Vice Chairman Over Alleged Misconduct

    PDP Expels Southeast Ex-Vice Chairman Over Alleged Misconduct

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oguduokwor Ward, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has officially removed Ali Odefa, the suspended National Vice Chairman for the Southeast, from its membership. 

    Odefa’s troubles began on September 11, 2024, when the ward executives suspended him, citing accusations of anti-party activities.

     This suspension was later upheld by the Federal High Court in Abakaliki on November 29, 2024.

    Following an internal review, the party’s disciplinary committee presented its findings, concluding that Odefa’s alleged actions were contrary to party regulations. 

    Acting on this recommendation, the ward leadership announced his expulsion.

    The PDP confirmed that this decision aligns with its constitutional guidelines, effectively terminating Odefa’s membership.

  • APC Requests Dismissal of PDP’s Petition Against Okpebholo’s Victory

    APC Requests Dismissal of PDP’s Petition Against Okpebholo’s Victory

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to reject the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

     In a motion presented on Wednesday, APC’s lawyer, Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, argued that the PDP’s petition was improperly filed and does not comply with the law. 

    Orbih also claimed the tribunal lacked the authority to hear the case, citing additional points in a motion paper dated November 30. 

    In response, PDP’s lawyer, Ken Mozia, SAN, refuted APC’s claims, presenting counter-arguments to the tribunal.

     The tribunal’s chair, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, deferred a ruling on the matter until the final decision day. 

    The APC also sought to have certain paragraphs in the PDP’s petition struck out. Orbih urged the tribunal to make a decision on this before proceeding with the main case. 

    PDP’s lawyer, however, called for the rejection of the APC’s motion. Justice Kpochi decided that rulings on preliminary motions would be made on the final day.

    The case centers around the PDP’s challenge to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21 election, where he secured 291,667 votes, defeating the PDP’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. 

    The tribunal is set to resume on December 21.

  • PDP Demands Ibori-Suenu’s Seat Be Declared Vacant Over Defection 

    PDP Demands Ibori-Suenu’s Seat Be Declared Vacant Over Defection 

    Now a shadow of its old self, the former ruling party in Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost every battle since losing the presidency to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015. Its travails have taken a turn for the worse as former bigwigs are taking their leave from the party in droves.

    Irked by this frenzy the PDP in Delta State, has taken legal action to unseat Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the representative of Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. 

    The party’s move follows her defection from the PDP, which sponsored her election, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).  

    The PDP filed the case at the Federal High Court in Warri, invoking Section 68 (1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution. 

    They argued that her defection violates constitutional provisions, warranting her immediate removal from office. 

    The suit also listed the Speaker of the House, the House of Representatives, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as defendants.  

    The PDP is seeking multiple court orders, including:  

    1. Declaring the Ethiope East/West Federal Constituency seat vacant.  

    2. Restraining Ibori-Suenu from further legislative duties.  

    3. Mandating INEC to organize a by-election to fill the vacant seat.  

    4. Compelling Ibori-Suenu to refund all earnings received since her defection. 

    READ ALSO: Labour Party Takes Legal Action Against Defected Lawmakers 

  • Kwara NLC Warns of Strike Over Unpaid November Salaries

    Kwara NLC Warns of Strike Over Unpaid November Salaries

    The Kwara State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the state government a three-day deadline to resolve the unpaid November salaries of local government workers.  

    According to the NLC, about 75% of the state’s workforce, including members of unions like the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Medical and Health Workers Union (MHWUN), and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), are yet to be paid for November 2024.  

    READ ALSO: How Abdulfattah Ahmed, Ex-Kwara Governor Allegedly Stole N5bn UBEC Fund – Witness

    The union has demanded that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq address the delay by ensuring immediate payment. It stated that December salaries would not be accepted until the November arrears are cleared.  

    The NLC has warned of statewide industrial action if the issue is not resolved by Thursday, December 19, 2024. This action could result in a shutdown of key services, potentially disrupting activities across the state.  

    The union has called on the government to act promptly to prevent further unrest and maintain stability in the workforce.

  • Stop Further Demolitions – Senate Orders Wike

    Stop Further Demolitions – Senate Orders Wike

    Concerned by widely circulating reports about sharp practices bordering on land grabbing, amongst others, the Nigerian Senate has instructed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to stop all demolitions in the FCT, except those ordered by the courts.

    The instruction by the senate shall subsist until full investigation is completed on the demolition exercise in the FCT.

    READ ALSO: Defamation Saga: Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee asked to Debar Farotimi

    An ad hoc committee, chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, has therefore, been empaneled to look into the matter. 

    The committee is expected to submit a report within two weeks. 

    This decision follows concerns raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe, who claimed that proper procedures were not followed during the demolitions that were recently approved by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT.

  • Sanusi Speaks On Sealing Of Kano Palace By Security Operatives 

    Sanusi Speaks On Sealing Of Kano Palace By Security Operatives 

    The 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has expressed confusion over the recent blockade of the Gidan Rumfa Palace in Kano, which took place last week. 

    Despite the police and Department of State Services (DSS) blocking the entrance and restricting movement, the reasons for the action remain unclear.

    Sources revealed that the blockade might be linked to the appointment of Munir Sanusi as the new District Head of Bichi or a planned discussion on controversial tax reforms.

    PLEASE READ: FCCPC Uncovers Smuggled Sub-standard Sugar in Nigeria

    The Kano State Government has criticized the Federal Government for the security action, but the Emir emphasized that it should not distract from the important affairs of the palace. 

    Speaking to a delegation from Bichi, Sanusi reassured the people that the event would be rescheduled, and the District Head would be installed peacefully. 

    He urged Bichi residents to remain calm and peaceful, reflecting on his personal connection to the area where he spent much of his childhood vacations.

    Sanusi, who has deep ties to the Bichi community, highlighted the area’s peaceful nature and strong educational and religious values. 

    He also mentioned the respect the people have for the Wambai Abubakar, further reinforcing his belief in the unity of the Bichi people.

  • Edo Governor, Deputy Seats Declared Vacant At Senate, House Of Reps 

    Edo Governor, Deputy Seats Declared Vacant At Senate, House Of Reps 

    Edo State has seen significant political changes, with both the Senate and House of Representatives declaring seats vacant due to recent elections. 

    The Senate declared the seat for Edo Central Senatorial District vacant after Monday Okpebholo, who previously held the position, was inaugurated as governor of the state in December. 

    The decision followed a letter from Minority Leader Abba Moro, which cited the Nigerian Constitution’s provisions on vacancies for elected officials appointed to higher offices. 

    The Senate has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize a by-election to fill the position.

    In a related development, the House of Representatives also declared the seat of Dennis Idahosa vacant. 

    Idahosa, who represented Ovia North East/Ovia South West Federal Constituency, was sworn in as the Deputy Governor of Edo State on November 12.

     Following the declaration, INEC is expected to set a date for a by-election to replace him.