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Category: Politics

  • Labour Party Takes Legal Action Against Defected Lawmakers  

    Labour Party Takes Legal Action Against Defected Lawmakers  

    A case that further puts the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary to test is underway as the Labour Party (LP) begins a legal process to challenge the defection of four of its lawmakers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    The affected members of the House of Representatives are Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), and Iyawe Esosa (Edo).  

    The party expressed dissatisfaction with the lawmakers retaining their seats after joining the APC, describing their actions as contrary to democratic principles. 

    The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, had announced the defections during a plenary session, which further fueled LP’s decision to act.  

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    LP plans to pursue court orders to declare the seats vacant, citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution that govern defections.

     The party also announced the creation of a “Hall of Shame” to publicly identify defectors and other public officeholders accused of betraying the party’s mandate.  

    This registry, aimed at discouraging similar actions, will reportedly be published widely to hold the defectors accountable and inform the public about such behaviors.

     The LP reiterated its stance against abandoning a party’s mandate without adhering to constitutional guidelines.

  • Emir of Kano Palace Barricaded By Security Operatives

    Emir of Kano Palace Barricaded By Security Operatives

     

    Tensions have flared in Kano as the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, faced restrictions reportedly imposed by armed security forces. 

    The Emir’s palace was cordoned off, allegedly preventing him from attending a royal ceremony in Bichi Local Government Area.  

    The ceremony was meant to mark the presentation of a staff of office to the new District Head of Bichi. 

    However, heavily armed security personnel, including armoured vehicles, blocked the palace entrance, halting all movements. 

    Reports revealed the Emir, prepared to travel, was compelled to remain indoors as the situation unfolded.  

    Attempts by Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf to mediate were reportedly thwarted, as his representatives were denied access to the palace. 

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    Additionally, the Bichi event venue was similarly barricaded, leaving attendees and organizers in limbo.  

    The reasons for the actions remain unclear, fueling widespread speculation of political motivations. 

    Neither the Kano State Government nor the Emirate Council has released an official statement, while police authorities declined to comment on the matter.

  • PDP BoT Plans January Talks with Wike to Address Party Crisis 

    PDP BoT Plans January Talks with Wike to Address Party Crisis 

    Clearly at their wits end, Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled a meeting with the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, for January 2025. 

    This decision comes amid ongoing efforts to resolve internal disputes threatening the party’s cohesion.  

    During an emergency meeting in Abuja, BoT Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara criticized the National Working Committee (NWC) for delays in convening a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. 

    Wabara pointed out that the NWC’s inaction has deepened mistrust among party members and hindered progress on pressing issues.  

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    The PDP, grappling with leadership struggles and factional disagreements, faces increasing calls for reforms. 

    The BoT is now focusing on restoring unity and ensuring collaboration among its leaders. 

    Starting the new year with renewed efforts, the BoT plans to engage Wike in dialogue aimed at fostering lasting peace within the party.  

  • Zamfara Bombing Linked to Lakurawa Terrorists – Police

    Zamfara Bombing Linked to Lakurawa Terrorists – Police

    The Nigeria Police have identified the Lakurawa terrorist group as the perpetrators behind recent explosions in Zamfara State.

     According to the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Dalijan, the local bandits operating in the state lack the skills to create or use explosive devices.  

    On Wednesday, a deadly blast along the Dansadau-Gusau Road in Maru Local Government Area claimed the life of a motorist and left three others injured. 

    The Police Commissioner revealed that the incident occurred when the terrorists, dislodged from Sokoto and Kebbi by military forces, were moving towards Birnin-Gwari forest. 

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    In their retreat, they planted a bomb under a bridge, which detonated as the vehicle passed.  

    Dalijan stated that this marked a new challenge for the region, as bomb attacks were previously unheard of in Zamfara.

     He confirmed that reports of the Lakurawa group’s movements near the area tied them directly to the incident.

  • ACF Resolves Leadership Crisis, Reinstates Suspended Chairman  

    ACF Resolves Leadership Crisis, Reinstates Suspended Chairman  

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has reinstated Mr. Mamman Mike Osuman (SAN) as the Chairman of its National Executive Committee (NEC). 

    This decision follows the resolution of internal disagreements through mediation by the ACF’s Unity, Peace, and Reconciliation Committee, led by Dr. Yayale Ahmed, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.  

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    Osuman had faced suspension over remarks interpreted as partisan, suggesting northern support for a presidential candidate in the 2027 elections. 

    The suspension stirred debate within the organization, known for maintaining a neutral stance on political matters.  

    Efforts to restore unity involved consultations with key stakeholders, including members of the Board of Trustees and the NEC.

     The committee facilitated discussions that led to an amicable resolution, emphasizing the need for collective focus on regional interests.  

    The ACF expressed confidence in moving forward with Osuman’s leadership as it works toward its goals for the northern region.

  • Senate Advances FCT Development Commission Bill

    Senate Advances FCT Development Commission Bill

    On Wednesday, the Senate moved forward with the FCT Development Commission bill, passing it through the second reading.

    The proposed law seeks to establish a commission responsible for managing the growth of satellite towns located within 60 kilometers of Abuja’s borders.

     Senator Wadada Aliyu, who introduced the bill, addressed the pressures on neighboring towns due to Abuja’s rapid expansion as Nigeria’s political and economic hub. 

    The bill outlines a framework for the commission’s operations, including local offices and administrative units to ensure efficient management. Additionally, funding will be secured through a first-line charge, adhering to legal requirements.

     During the debate, senators had mixed reactions, with some raising concerns about the availability of funds and the possibility of overlapping functions with other agencies. The bill will now go through the committee stage for further review.

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  • Bauchi PDP Lawmaker Suspended Over Alleged Misconduct 

    Bauchi PDP Lawmaker Suspended Over Alleged Misconduct 

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bauchi State has suspended Habibu Umar, the lawmaker representing Kirfi Local Government Area in the State House of Assembly. 

    The suspension stems from accusations of political affiliation with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as allegations of insubordination.  

    According to official correspondence addressed to the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Sulaiman, Umar was suspended indefinitely following an investigation by the party’s Disciplinary Committee. The decision became effective on November 25, 2024.  

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    The party’s state chairman, Sama’ila Burga, explained in the letter that Umar was previously served a query on November 5, 2024, over reported violations of the PDP’s constitution.

    The allegations were based on a report from the executive members of his ward in Beni. This report detailed specific actions deemed contrary to party regulations.  

    In response, the PDP convened a Disciplinary Committee on November 11, 2024. After thoroughly reviewing the evidence, the committee found Umar guilty of breaching party rules. 

    Consequently, it recommended his suspension.  

    The suspension prevents Umar from participating in any party-related activities until further notice. Party officials have stated that additional actions may be taken based on future developments.  

  • Ebonyi Governor Suspends Two Commissioners Over Misconduct

    Ebonyi Governor Suspends Two Commissioners Over Misconduct

    The two suspended commissioners are Dr. Moses Ekuma, for Health, and Francis Ori, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development

    In a statement, Ebonyi Commissioner for information, Jude Okpor said the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, took the action against the two key officials in his administration due to a reported case of gross misconduct and poor performance.

     Dr. Ekuma faces a three-month suspension, while Ori’s suspension is indefinite.

    Reports indicate that the suspensions stem from issues such as missing health ministry property, linked to an alleged theft by staff, and the mishandling of the Amaeze Housing Scheme by Ori. 

    The governor’s intervention followed an inspection on Saturday evening, where health ministry officials were found in the act of diverting state materials. 

    Those involved were arrested and are set for prosecution.

  • IPOB Counsel says Controversial December Declaration a Hoax

    IPOB Counsel says Controversial December Declaration a Hoax

    IPOB Counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor calls for peace and unity in the Southeast, urging the region to ignore or consider controversial December Biafra Republic declaration as a hoax.

    Ejiofor’s statement comes on the heels of the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a figurehead of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, who has been vocal about the secessionist agenda.

    Addressing the growing unrest in the region, Ejiofor asserted that the claims surrounding the December declaration would ultimately prove baseless and ineffective. 

    He emphasized that time would reveal the truth about these so-called plans for Biafra’s independence, predicting that December would pass without any significant incident.

    Ejiofor, who has long criticized those behind the Biafra movement’s radical claims, pointed to previous instances where exaggerated reports about military support, including fighter jets and warships, were used to rally support for the cause. 

    He warned that such tactics are nothing but attempts at self-promotion by individuals driven by deceit and fraud.

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    The IPOB lawyer also reflected on the wider political landscape, acknowledging the marginalization of the Igbo people within Nigeria’s political framework.

     However, he strongly denounced the use of violence, fraud, and criminal actions as means to secure freedom, emphasizing that true liberation can only be achieved through nonviolent, legitimate efforts.

    In his statement, Ejiofor urged the people of the Southeast to focus on restoring peace in the region, suggesting that it was time for reflection and reconciliation. 

    He also stressed the importance of preserving Igbo heritage while acknowledging past wrongs and seeking to address them in a way that honors the community’s values.

    Ejiofor concluded by calling for a collective effort to restore calm and focus on sustainable progress rather than being swayed by individuals pushing divisive and unrealistic ideals.

  • Protest Erupts at Cross River PDP Office Over Ousted Chairman

    Protest Erupts at Cross River PDP Office Over Ousted Chairman

    Protests have ensued from efforts by officials of Cross River Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to re-install the ousted Chairman, Mr. Venatius Ikem.

    As the move crystalise, party faithfuls converged on the state secretariat in Calabar, voicing their strong disapproval over the potential reinstatement of the party’s ousted state chairman. 

    Members from various local government areas and wards across the state gathered, holding placards expressing their dissatisfaction with the former chairman’s leadership.

    The protesters made it clear that if Ikem were reinstated, they would consider leaving the party.

    Some placards boldly declared their stance with messages like “Ikem must go,” and “The decision of the Cross River State Working Committee (SWC) is the best for the party.” 

    The protest, led by the chairman of Calabar Municipality, Bassey Asuquo, emphasized the belief that removing Ikem was a necessary step for revitalizing the party’s fortunes in the region.

    Asuquo and other local leaders spoke passionately about how Ikem’s leadership had hindered the progress of the PDP in Cross River.

     They argued that his actions had caused stagnation and division within the party, which they believed was detrimental to its overall growth.

    “We fully support any measure, including the removal of Ikem, that will help the party move forward,” Asuquo stated. “If the national leadership reinstates him, we’ll have no choice but to leave.”

    The protest gained further momentum with comments from Chief Dennis Nkiri, the PDP’s deputy state chairman, who assured the demonstrators that the party’s leadership was committed to doing what was best for its development.

     Mike Ojisi, the party’s state Publicity Secretary, added a metaphorical warning, saying, “We want Jonah to be removed from the boat for it not to sink.”

    Ikem’s removal, which took place two weeks ago, followed serious accusations of financial mismanagement, authoritarian leadership, and poor performance.

     However, the former chairman has contested the decision, labeling it as unconstitutional, and has threatened to seek legal action to reverse it.

    Despite his protestations, the anger among local party members remains palpable, with many insisting that his exit is non-negotiable for the future of the PDP in Cross River.