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  • Zamfara Speaker’s Residence Suffers Fire Damage

    Zamfara Speaker’s Residence Suffers Fire Damage

    A fire broke out at the residence of Hon. Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki, the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, located in Gusau, the state capital, over the weekend. 

    The blaze caused extensive damage to the property, with losses estimated in millions of Naira, although there were no reported injuries.

    The Clerk of the House, Alhaji Mahmud Aliyu, shared his dismay regarding the incident, referring to it as a tragic event.

     He conveyed his condolences to the Speaker, his family, and the people of Zurmi West, indicating that the fire was part of a divine plan. 

    In the aftermath of the incident, numerous political leaders and supporters have visited the Speaker to express their sympathies. 

    The Speaker has expressed gratitude that no lives were lost and appreciated the efforts of those who assisted in controlling the fire.

  • Edo Guber Poll: Akpata Says He Won’t Be Contesting Outcome

    Edo Guber Poll: Akpata Says He Won’t Be Contesting Outcome

     Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo State, Olumide Akpata, has decided not to contest the outcome of the September 21 election. 

    Akpata, who finished third with 22,763 votes, trailed behind APC’s Monday Okpebholo, who won with 291,667 votes, and PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes. 

    Despite raising concerns over irregularities and electoral malpractices, Akpata announced that he would not take the matter to the tribunal.

     His decision focuses on pursuing broader electoral reforms rather than challenging the specific results of the contest.

    “My decision not to contest the election results at the tribunal is not an indication of compromise; rather, it is a strategic move aimed at redirecting our energies towards systemic changes that our democracy desperately needs,” he said.

    “This moment calls for a paradigm shift in our approach to electoral reform. We cannot continue to operate within a system that incentivises manipulation and disenfranchisement.”

  • Plateau LG Election: APC Challenges Results

    Plateau LG Election: APC Challenges Results

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau State has formally rejected the results from the local government elections, describing the process as flawed and indicating intentions to seek legal recourse. 

    During a press conference in Jos, APC chairman Rufus Bature expressed the party’s dissatisfaction with how the election was conducted, specifically pointing to issues with the distribution and management of voting materials.

    Bature claimed that ballot papers were insufficient in many polling units, particularly those perceived to favor the APC, which received only a fraction of the necessary supplies. 

    He also noted that some areas did not receive any results sheets at all, despite numerous complaints to the electoral officers.

    In addition to the issues with election materials, Bature highlighted that faulty voting machines often malfunctioned early in the process, hampering the voting experience. 

    He alleged that this was a strategy to manipulate the election results and disenfranchise voters.

     There were also reports of irregularities, including ballot stuffing in areas dominated by the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with some regions reportedly not holding elections at all.

    Bature urged party supporters to remain patient and assured them that the APC would take all necessary steps to reclaim its electoral mandates.

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  • Minimum Wage: Aiyedatiwa announces N73k

    Minimum Wage: Aiyedatiwa announces N73k

    The Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has announced the implementation of N73, 000 minimum wage for workers, stressing his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people of the State.

    The Governor made the announcement during the flag off of the Ondo central senatorial district leg of the gubernatorial campaign of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo City on Saturday ahead of the November 16 election in the State.

    According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, Aiyedatiwa said despite the fact that the federal government approved N70, 000 as the new minimum wage, Ondo will go a step further by paying N73, 000 to its workers.

    Governor Aiyedatiwa addressed the large crowd of supporters, urging them to convert their backing into votes for the APC to ensure the continuity of developmental initiatives across the state.

    He stated, “On November 16, I urge everyone gathered here and those who are not present to convert your support into votes for the APC to ensure the continuation of our significant progress in the state.“

    Based on reports and my personal observations, I am confident that you all want this administration to continue beyond 2024.

    I see the love and appreciation from you, and I do not take it for granted. The best way to demonstrate this love is to vote for continuity, which will bring even more dividends of democracy.”

    The Governor highlighted the achievements of his administration over the past 10 months, stating, “During my time in office, we have initiated several important projects, including those started by the late governor.

    In agriculture, we’ve taken significant strides, boosting food production across the state.

    We’ve also approved over a billion naira for land clearing and launched various rural road construction projects to facilitate our farmers’ activities and improve productivity in rural areas.”

    The governor reaffirmed his dedication to enhancing security, the health sector, education, and youth empowerment.

    He noted that his administration’s efforts have made doctors more willing to stay in the state instead of leaving for opportunities elsewhere, a trend known as the “Japa” syndrome.

    To address this, he mentioned that his administration has increased doctors’ salaries and allowances.

    Engr. Ade Adetimehin, the State APC Chairman, also addressed the crowd, urging them to vote for the party to maintain its power.

    He emphasized Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to infrastructural development across the state and reminded party members of the importance of safeguarding their voter cards, which are essential for ensuring the party’s continued leadership.

    Hon. Abiola Makinde, the House of Representatives member for Ondo East/West federal constituency, who is the campaign’s Director-General, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa as a proven and reliable leader who emerged through a transparent primary process.

    He encouraged supporters to return to their local communities and mobilize voters for the Governor, stressing the need for a strong turnout in the coming election.

    In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Lola Fagbemi, highlighted Governor Aiyedatiwa’s significant accomplishments, including timely salary payments, road construction and rehabilitation and funding for WAEC fees for public schools.

    Former APC governorship aspirant, Chief Olusola Oke, called on party members to return to their respective units to secure votes for Governor Aiyedatiwa, adding that grassroots mobilization is crucial for the party’s success and urging every member to be fully committed to achieving victory on November 16.

    Hon. Kolade Akinjo, a former House of Representatives member for Ilaje Ese-Odo Federal Constituency and former PDP gubernatorial aspirant, hinged his decision to join APC on Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership style and development strides.

    The senatorial district campaign continues on Monday at Ikare Akoko for Ondo North Senatorial District.

  • PDP Faction Appoints New Acting National Chairman

    PDP Faction Appoints New Acting National Chairman

    The ongoing internal conflict within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened as a faction of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) appointed Yayari Ahmed as the new Acting National Chairman. 

    This comes after the suspension of Umar Damagum from the same position.

    Yayari Ahmed, who previously served as the party’s Treasurer, now assumes leadership in an effort to navigate the party through its crisis.

     The decision aligns with provisions outlined in the PDP’s constitution.

    A statement urges all members to stay united during this critical period as the party prepares for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting scheduled for October 24, 2024.

    LISTEN ALSO: DAMAGUN LACKS CAPACITY TO LEAD PDP – Ologbondiyan

  • Financial Reforms: Sen Lado Applauds Tinubu’s Commitment

    Financial Reforms: Sen Lado Applauds Tinubu’s Commitment

    Senator Basheer Lado Mohammed, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued focus on financial reforms and fiscal discipline.

    He made statement during the Senate’s screening of Ms. Omolola Bridget Oloworaran, the newly appointed Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), conducted by the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service.

    Senator Lado noted that the Senate screening process shows President Tinubu’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s financial institutions, saying the reforms aim to reduce financial leakages and improve revenue generation to support national development.

    “President Tinubu’s vision for the nation’s financial sector is clear,” Senator Lado said. “Appointing capable and highly qualified individuals to lead critical financial institutions is central to his broader agenda of ensuring fiscal discipline and sustainable economic growth.”

    Under Ms. Oloworaran’s leadership, PenCom is expected to advance the administration’s objectives of financial transparency, accountability, and protecting pension funds. Her appointment is seen as a move to drive sustainable pension reforms that will benefit all Nigerians.

    In addition to commending the appointment of Ms. Oloworaran, Senator Lado also expressed satisfaction with President Tinubu’s selection of 21 nominees as Commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

    The nominees, who were also screened by the Senate, will play a vital role in reviewing revenue-sharing mechanisms and increasing revenue flows into the national treasury. This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to foster equitable revenue allocation and national economic growth.

    “The president’s choice of these highly qualified nominees is a testament to his commitment to placing only the best individuals with the right expertise in critical financial roles,” Senator Lado added. “Their leadership will be pivotal in enhancing revenue generation and ensuring public resources are managed effectively for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

    Senator Lado also reaffirmed the dedication of his office to promoting productive engagement between the Executive and Legislative branches of government. The Office of the Special Adviser, he noted, will work to ensure a healthy collaboration that enhances transparency, accountability, and good governance.

    “As we await the Senate’s confirmation of these nominees, my office is committed to fostering constructive relationships that will lead to the swift approval of executive nominees and the effective implementation of government policies for national development,” Senator Lado reiterated.

    In a related development, the Senate also confirmed the appointment of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), following a successful screening process.

  • Anti-Party Actions: APC Suspends Lokpobiri, Lyon, Others

    Anti-Party Actions: APC Suspends Lokpobiri, Lyon, Others

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has suspended several members, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and its 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon, for their alleged involvement in anti-party activities. 

    This action extends to key figures like Kharim Kumoko, the state Commissioner for Power, and Peres Biewari, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey.

    Party officials also suspended former state chairman Jothan Amos, National Executive Council member Godbless Diriwari, and Southern Ijaw APC Youth Leader Sabi Morgan.

     The suspensions affected several ward leaders in Southern Ijaw, including Omiebi Fuoebi of Ward 3 and Claudius Odobu of Ward 4, alongside their ward executives.

    Local APC leaders in Yenagoa, led by Mitin Eniekenemi Senator from Ekeremor Local Government Area, explained the decision was based on a report from the party’s disciplinary committee. 

    They claimed Lokpobiri had fostered division within the party by creating a factional state secretariat and supporting rival candidates in previous elections.

    Additionally, the party accused Lokpobiri of working with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 Bayelsa State gubernatorial election. 

    Lokpobiri and his associates allegedly backed Governor Douye Diri’s campaign, which the party claims led to appointments and contracts for his followers within the PDP-led state government.

    Chief David Lyon and seven others were also suspended for supporting rival candidates during the 2020 Bayelsa Central senatorial bye-election and the 2023 gubernatorial election. 

    The suspensions have been forwarded to the state executive council for further action, as the party aims to rebuild and regain the confidence of its grassroots supporters ahead of future elections.

  • Rivers Political Crisis: Fubara’s Impeachment Imminent – Tonye Cole

    Rivers Political Crisis: Fubara’s Impeachment Imminent – Tonye Cole

    Tonye Cole, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2023 Rivers State gubernatorial election expresses concerns about the potential impeachment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    Mr. hinges his concern about impeachment as the most probable outcome of the ongoing political crisis in the state. 

    Cole’s warnings come after a recent Court of Appeal ruling upheld a Federal High Court decision that invalidated the 2024 budget presentation and approval for Rivers State.

    According to Cole, this ruling places Fubara in a precarious position that threatens the stability of his administration. 

    He pointed out that by having to present the budget again, the Assembly led by Amaewhule is recognized as the legitimate body, increasing the likelihood of impeachment proceedings against Fubara.

    Cole highlighted the political fragmentation in Rivers, where the governor belongs to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), while the Assembly is predominantly APC, and local government structures are led by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APP). 

    This situation has created a complex political landscape that is adversely affecting governance and development in the region.

    He criticized the ongoing political battles, stating that the residents of Rivers are the real victims of this conflict, with essential developments stalled. 

    Cole argued that if the interests of the people were prioritized, the state would not be facing such turmoil. 

    The ongoing disputes among political factions have overshadowed the needs of ordinary citizens, leaving many without the benefits of governance.

  • Ijesa Development Council to Empower Youths with Vocational & Entrepreneurship Skills.

    Ijesa Development Council to Empower Youths with Vocational & Entrepreneurship Skills.

    Relief may soon come to the youth of Ijesha, Osun State as Ijesa Development Council, the umbrella development organization for Ijesaland launches an empowerment programme.

    Touted as the multimillion naira Ijesa Vocational & Entrepreneurship Training Pogram ( IVETP) is designed to benefit the youth and Ijesha-affiliated organisations.

    In a release, Mr. Supo Shadiya, the President of the Ijesha Development Council organization Mr. Supo Shadiya invites interested and eligible Ijesa-affiliated organizations to submit expressions of interest in form of a three page pre-proposal for grant fund under the IVETP.

    The IVETP is a culmination of extensive analysis by a committee of experts, of the skill gaps in the core components of the local Ijesaland economy, of the institutional capacity to deliver training in the identified domains and of the challenges facing youths in Ijesaland.

    The IVETP will be implemented via a block grant model to eligible institutions with the capacity to deliver training in the identified core vocational and entrepreneurship domains.

    The call for preproposal was launched about a month ago and has now been extended for an additional month with a new date of October 31st, 2024, notes Dr. Adewale Alonge, a member of the IVETP planning and steering committee.

    Eligible entities for the IVETP Grant award comprise post-secondary educational institutions, training providers, trade organizations, non-profit entities, socio-cultural associations, community development clubs, and local chambers of commerce.

    Pre-proposals must be concise (maximum three double-spaced pages) and demonstrate a compelling rationale for IVETP funding.

    Graphic Illustration of Preproposal

    Evaluation criteria include demonstrated organizational capacity and resources (cost -sharing), post-training job placement and enterprise start-up support, focus on IDC identified vocational domains, and spread of training locations across the six Ijesa LGAs.

    The pre-proposals will be evaluated by a team of experts and professors on the basis of capability and willingness to participate in the training partnership, the relevance of proposed training types, the location of training and the resource profile of the organization.

    Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full proposals for grant consideration.

  • PDP To Inspect Edo Poll Materials Today

    PDP To Inspect Edo Poll Materials Today

    In the usually grueling circus, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party PDP is dueling Nigeria’s Electoral Management Body (INEC) for access to election materials from the Edo State governorship election conducted on September 21.

    The materials are required to enable the PDP prepare for its case challenging the outcome of the election in court.

     This announcement comes after PDP officials expressed frustration over delays in obtaining these materials, which are crucial for their planned legal challenge against the election results.

    Edo State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Augbum Onuoha, confirmed that the PDP could inspect the materials today, aiming to address the party’s concerns about possible tampering with the evidence. 

    The PDP had accused INEC of conspiring with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to obscure evidence of alleged electoral fraud that led to the victory of APC’s Senator Monday Okpebholo, who received 291,667 votes compared to PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo’s 247,274 votes.

    In response to the PDP’s claims, Chris Osa Nehikhare, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, criticized INEC for using delay tactics to obstruct the PDP’s efforts. 

    He voiced concerns that these actions are intended to prevent the PDP from filing a timely petition before the legal deadline. 

    Nehikhare also made allegations regarding an attempted cover-up involving the destruction of electoral materials, a claim the APC has firmly denied.

    On the ground, the PDP’s women’s wing organized a protest in Benin City, demanding the restoration of Ighodalo’s allegedly stolen mandate. 

    Clad in black, the demonstrators expressed their grief and anger, insisting that their votes were disregarded amid intimidation tactics allegedly used against their supporters during the election.

    Meanwhile, the APC dismissed the PDP’s allegations as unfounded and stated that the party’s attempts to misrepresent the situation are a sign of their inability to accept the election results. 

    They called on the public to disregard the claims and focus on the legal processes initiated by the PDP.