Rivers Lawmakers’ Defection: Appeal Court Ruling Semblance of Black-market Procurement, Dangerous for Democracy

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July 9, 2024

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has vehemently condemned the recent Appeal Court ruling on Rivers State Assembly lawmakers’ defection, saying that the judgement has a semblance of a verdict procured from the black-market “meant to destabilise the state, leading to a parallel State House of Assembly, which is a very dangerous development for Nigeria’s democracy.”

The umbrella association of all registered political parties and political associations in the country expressed concerns and called for “an end to politically influenced court verdict in Nigeria if our democracy must survive.”

According to a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP noted that “though the Appeal nullified the ruling of the state High Court on account of lack of jurisdiction, the court of appeal did not declare null and void the declaration of the seats of the defected lawmakers vacant by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“This is unambiguous as the former Speaker Edison Ehi led Rivers State House of Assembly’s votes and proceedings that declared their seats vacant are yet to be declared null and void by any court.

“Therefore, the actions of the Hon. Ehi led House in declaring the seat vacant and remained valid and until the court declared otherwise, the defecting lawmakers lost their seats thereafter and attempt to reconeve is most injurious to the rule of law and dangerous to democracy.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ought to have conducted a bye-election to replace the defected lawmakers.

“This is because in the eyes of the law, the defected lawmakers ceased to be elected representatives of the people having breached section 109 (g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

“We believe that the Supreme Court will not allow itself to be used as a tool to plunge the country into political unrest and will certainly resolve this matter on appeal promptly.

“We advocate for judicial reforms that enhance transparency, accountability, and adherence to established legal procedures to enable the judiciary to uphold its role as a pillar of democracy.

“The CNPP will engage citizens, civil society organizations, and the media to raise awareness about the implications of this ruling because an informed public is essential for safeguarding democratic values, especially with the current parallel Assembly in Rivers State.

“We therefore stand united in demanding justice and respect for the rule of law and we urge all stakeholders to prioritize the interests of the people of Rivers State and uphold the principles of democracy”, the CNPP stated.

Apapa Customs Rakes In Over N1 Trillion, Warns Smugglers, Hard Drug Traffickers

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 9, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Services, NCS, has declared a half year revenue generation of over one trillion Naira for 2024.

This is even as it acknowledged a sharp drop in the level of Cargo importation at the Port within the period under review.

However, the unprecedented revenue generation feat was made possible by the plunging of leakages and striking of synergy with sister security agencies and other stakeholders in the ports operation.

Babatunde Olomu, Comptroller of the Command, who disclosed this at a media briefing on Monday, July 8 2024, also informed that a considerable amount of seizures were made within the same period.

According to him, about eleven containers laden with contrabands, expired and unregistered products such as frozen foods, Pharmaceuticals, footwears, used clothings ,armored cables and others were intercepted between January and June 2024.

The seized items with a duty paid value of over N424 billion is more than the value of 42 seizures made during the corresponding period in 2023.

Comptroller Olomu noted that the successes recorded were as a result of some robust measures put in place to minimize losses,as well as fast track cargo clearance.

‘Upon taking over as the Area Comptroller of Apapa Port Command, I set up a revenue recovery Committee comprising seasoned and dedicated officers with the mandate to carry out more detailed look into areas of leakages, especially in bonded terminals under Apapa Command”, Olomu stated.

He emphasised that part of what has assisted the command is also its aggressive pursuit of trade facilitation policies which are encompassed in a blend of intelligence with community relations.

“I have a team of dedicated officers charged with the responsibility of addressing all complaints or disputes within record time before escalation to my office for prompt action.

I don’t run open policy because for me, there is literally no door at all if you want to access my office. My office is open to everyone to discuss anything that will facilitate legitimate trade and promote Government interests at all times including receiving information on suspected smuggling activities.” he noted .

Olomu announced that in line with the Comptroller General directives on zero tolerance for smuggling, he has reformed the Command’s ways of treating cargo clearance by ensuring more meticulous management from mother port to bonded terminals.

“This has become necessary to prevent a situation where smugglers attempt to perpetrate illegalities in bonded terminals.

“To sustain this tempo, no cargo is allowed to ext from our control without thorough inspection using the scanner .we will not compromise on this as we will keep making seizures ,effecting arrests and detentions where necessary to protect the national economy and prevent Nigerians from exposure to dangerous and unwholesome products.

“The Apapa Port Area Comptroller paid tribute to other security agencies and stakeholders like the Nigeria Police, DSS ,NDLEA, NAFDAC ,SON,NIS NAQS,Army ,Navy and others for their unflinching support and cooperation .

“We make progress together and will continue to collaborate in the national interest”, Olomu stated.

You Are Distracting Kano People, Concealing Your Monumental Failures” – APC Replies NNPP Over 2027 Threat

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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July 8, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress APC, Kano State, said rather than President Bola Tinubu and the Party suffering any electoral misfortune, it is the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP led administration in the state that will be rejected by the electorate in 2027.

The Source reports that on Sunday, July 7 ,the Kano State NNPP Chairman, Hashim Suleiman Dungarawa had warned that President Tinubu’s second term bid in 2027 will be roundly rejected by Kano voters, owing to his subtle interference in the lingering Emirship face off between Aminu Ado Bayero and Muhammad Sanusi.

The Kano State Government which, against a restraining Court order, sacked Emir Bayero and four others, supplanting him with Sanusi as Emir of Kano on May 23, 2024, strongly believes that the Federal Government is backing Bayero.

In statement on Monday July 8, 2024, Abdullahi Abbas, the Kano APC Chairman ,a Prince of the Kano Royal House and Sanusi’s cousin ,also noted that it is Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso the NNPP Presidential Candidate in 2023 that will be severely bruised by the festering Emirship crisis.

Many observers of the unprecedented Royal rumble in Kano ,appear to see Senator Kwankwaso as the moving force behind the entire imbroglio, owing to his political disagreement with his erstwhile political ally, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the immediate past Governor of the State.

The APC Kano Chairman, described the NNPP threat as empty, and an indication of the level of frustration that has permeated its ranks both in Kano and at the National level.

He, also, described as diversionary, the raising of the issue of 2027 elections at this time by the NNPP, noting that it is an ingenious way of covering its glaring failure in the state.

“It is a public knowledge that while other State Governors were commissioning one project or the other to mark their one year in office ,the NNPP-led Kano State Government was busy distracting the good people of Kano from its obvious failures through the contentious Emirate Council Laws .

“Aside the widely acknowledged poor performance of Governor Abba Yusuf-led NNPP Government in Kano State in the last one year, the Party’s penchant for causing and sponsoring crises in a peaceful State it inherited and some of its anti-people polices are factors voters will consider during the next elections” Abbas stated .

According to Abbas who is also a Board Member of the North East Development Commission, the NNPP led administration in kano,from inception misplaced its priorities and has never wavered in diverting attention and distracting the people to conceal its monumental failures .

The APC in its statement wondered if it is the same fractured and directionless NNPP, that its equally unsettled leader, Senator Rabiu Kwakwaso is hoping to use to secure the Presidency of Nigeria.”

Obi Says ”My Investment in Health, Education for the Good of Society”, Donates N10 Million To Nursing College in Kogi

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The Source

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July 8, 2024

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The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has explained that his unwavering commitment to building a better nation through investing in the critical areas of human and national development; health and education, is ultimately for the good of the nation and the future of society.

Obi made the remarks yesterday, when he paid a visit to Grimard College of Nursing Sciences, Anyigba, Kogi State, where he donated N10 million to the College for the training of nurses, who he said, are at the centre of primary healthcare delivery in the nation.

He stated that Nigeria is today undeveloped because the nation has not aggressively invested in the critical areas of development, which he said are; health, education and pulling people out of poverty. He maintained that the nation is, today, facing serious challenges of insecurity and other socio-economic challenges due to lack of investment in these critical areas.

“I have not only remained consistent in urging governments, at all levels, to invest more in health and education, but I have also continued to call on donor agencies to do the same. Our investment in the future of our children is for the good of society and the progress of our nation,” Obi said.

Addressing the nursing students, Obi reminded them that they are in a noble profession which cares for humanity.

“I am particularly concerned about the training of more nurses who play very vital roles in caring for the health of society. As experts continue to warn of a severe shortage of nurses, we must remain proactive by investing in their training, through that, we can have enough for our domestic health sector, and export more to the global community,” he added

Obi thanked the Proprietor of the College, Bishop Anthony Ademu Adaji; the Management and the Staff of the College for their commitment to training compassionate and competent healthcare professionals.

“Our commitment remains to build a New Nigeria which offers Nigerians access to good healthcare and educational opportunities. It is POssible,” Obi concluded.

No Respite For Yahaya Bello, As Court Rejects Bid To Transfer Case To Kogi State

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 8, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Yahaya Bello, former Kogi State Governor has been denied his request to transfer his N80.2billion fraud case from the Federal High Court, Abuja Division to the Federal High Court Kogi State Division. The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho turned down Bello’s request.

Justice Tsoho upheld the argument of Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, that Bello’s application failed on three grounds.

Governor Bello is facing a 19-count charge of alleged money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of public funds of about N80.2b in suit: FHC/ABJ/CR/98/2024, before Justice Emeka Nwite.

Although the former Governor has issued statements denying the allegation, he failed to appear before Justice Nwite on June 13th and June 27th, for his arraignment.

At the last hearing, Bello, through his lawyer, Abdulwahab Muhammed (SAN), filed an application dated June 10, 2024, to the Chief Judge for the transfer of his trial to the Federal High Court, Lokoja.

But Pinheiro opposed him, arguing among others that since the alleged offences were committed partly in Kogi and Abuja, the case could be filed in either places.

In a July 2nd, 2024, letter, Justice Tosho’s Special Assistant, Joshua Ibrahim Aji, agreed with Pinheiro.

Aji had said: “I am directed by His Lordship, the Honourable, The Chief Judge to inform you that he has considered your arguments in support of the application for transfer of the Defendant’s case from Abuja to Lokoja and the response of Dr. ‘Kemi Pinheiro, SAN to same.

“His Lordship’s position on the matter is as follows:

“The main complaint in the case borders on alleged conversion and transfer of funds of Kogi State to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to purchase property through acts of concealment.

“The law permits the filing of the charge either in Abuja, FCT or in Lokoja, Kogi State; the offence(s) having been allegedly partly committed in both places. Hence, this is distinguishable from IBORI v. F.R.N. (2008) LPELR8370 or (2009) 3 NWLR (Pt. 1127) C.A. 94 and other judicial authorities relied upon by the Defendant.

“The Prosecution has shown with documentary evidence that two criminal charges in the same scheme of alleged fraud leading to the charge against the Defendant, were earlier filed and are being tried in the Federal High Court, Abuja in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/550/22 F. R. N. v. 1. Ali Bello, 2. Dauda Suleiman and F. R. N. v. 1. Ali Bello, 2. Abba Daudu, 3. Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, 4. Iyadi Sadat. In both charges a formal application was made for their transfer to Lokoja, but the Court in a considered ruling refused the application. The ruling has not been set aside and cannot be reversed by administrative fiat.

“There is documentary evidence of a pending appeal in Yahaya Adoza Bello v. F. R. N. filed on 17/05/2024, wherein the Defendant as Appellant has sought a consequential order remitting the case to the Chief Judge for reassignment. It is not proper to take any step that will be tantamount to pre-empting the outcome of the appeal.”

The Judge also considered the issue of jurisdiction.

“The main issue raised is jurisdictional in nature and will be more appropriately decided by the court. The matter should therefore be presented in open Court.

“Please, accept the esteemed regards of His Lordship, the Honourable, The Chief Judge,” Aji added.

Bello has been having a running battle with the EFCC over his arraignment for which the Court declared him wanted following his snubbing its orders.

Ondo PDP Tackles Gov Candidate Over Choice Of Campaign Council Members

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Ayodele Oni

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July 8, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Leadership of the People’s Democratic party (PDP) in Ondo state has disowned a campaign council set up by the governorship candidate of the party, Ajayi Agboola to oversee his campaigns for November poll.

The Party particularly seems to be uncomfortable with the appointment of Eddy Olafeso, former vice chairman of the party in the south west as chairman of the campaign council.

A statement earlier on Monday by the candidate stated that “Ahead of its scheduled gubernatorial election, the Ondo state’s chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, has announced the appointment of Dr Olorogun Eddy Olafeso, as the Chairman of its Campaign Council.”

The appointment was announced via a statement issued by Sam Ogunmusi, the Spokesperson for the PDP Candidate, Agboola Ajayi.

Other appointments announced include Clement Faboyede, Director General (DG)Campaign Council, Barr. John Ola Mafo, Director General (Special Duties) and Mr Deji Aseniserare who has been appointed as Secretary of the Campaign Council.

In a swift reaction, the publicity secretary of the Party in the state , Kennedy Peretei, almost immediately issued another opposing statement, that the party has not picked anyone as Chairman of the campaign committee, thereby urging party members to disregard such pronouncement.

The Publicity Secretary of the Party in the State, Peretei disclosed that indeed there is crisis within the rank and file of the Party.

High Cost Of Foodstuffs: FG Removes Duties On Rice, Wheat Others

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Ayodele Oni

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July 8, 2024

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Abubakar Kyari - Minister of Agriculture and Food Security

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has unveiled a series of initiatives to combat the escalating food prices Nationwide.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced in a statement that these measures would be implemented within the next 180 days.

“One key measure is a 150-day duty-free import window for certain food commodities, which includes suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on their importation through land and sea borders.

“The prioritized commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.”

Kyari added that imported food commodities would be subject to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) under this arrangement.

The Government is also committed to ensuring the quality of imported produce.

“In addition to private sector imports, the Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and 250,000 metric tonnes of maize.

“These semi-processed imports will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country.

“The Government plans to engage relevant stakeholders to establish a Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) and manage surplus food commodities to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve.

“A strategic engagement programme for youth and women across the federation will focus on greenhouse cultivation of horticultural crops such as tomatoes and peppers to boost production, stabilize prices, and address food shortages.

“Additionally, the Government will launch the ‘Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee’ on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, to develop and implement livestock development policies aligned with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.

“The Tinubu administration also plans to enhance support for the Homes Green Initiative, spearheaded by the office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The success of these measures depends on the cooperation and collaboration of all relevant Ministries, Departments , Agencies, and stakeholders.”

Ondo: Anglican Bishop Laments Hunger In The Land, Urges President Tinubu To Address Challenges

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Ayodele Oni

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July 8, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

The Anglican Bishop of Akure Diocese, His Lordship, The Rt. Rev. Simon Borokini, has observed that hunger, occasioned by economic crisis has become household phenomenon in the country.

He told President Bola Tinubu to find ways of lessening the hardship Nigerians are currently passing through.

The Cleric spoke at the Third Session of the 14 Synod of the church held at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Ijare, Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The Bishop noted that the state of the country’s economy has been something to worry about.

“The Nigeria economy has been subject of great concern due to its diverse and biting challenges. It is currently at its lowest ebb since independence with macroeconomic indicators moving in discouraging directions.

“Monetary policies have been inconsistent, non-supportive of economic growth, ineffective and cost push inflation has been out of control resulting in high food prices.

“Nigerians are hungry! The Standing Committee therefore calls on the government to have a rethink on its penchant for external borrowing, give proper attention to fiscal policies, and diversify its economic base by harnessing our abundant natural resources.”

Borokini also expressed concern about the spate of insecurity the country, calling on government and security agencies to rise up to their responsibilities in ensuring protection of lives and properties of the people.

According to him “The Standing Committee meeting decries the constant attacks in Plateau, Zamfara, Ekiti, Ondo, Benue, parts of Imo and Anambra States and other parts of the country.

“It therefore calls on the government and statutory security agencies to rise to their responsibilities of protection of the lives and property of the citizenry, giving heed to the call for effective community policing.

“This is in line with its constitutional obligation under section 14 (1) (b) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, which states that ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”

Ondo LG Poll Postponed Indefinitely As Political Parties Refuse To Comply With Guidelines

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Ayodele Oni

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July 8, 2024

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Independent National Electoral Commission - INEC

By Ayodele Oni

For the third time, Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission, (ODIEC) has announced the postponement of the Local Government Election indefinitely.

ODIEC Chairman, Dr Joseph Aremo disclosed this at a meeting with stakeholders held at the commission’s headquarters in Akure on Monday.

Dr Aremo hinged the postponement on the non compliance of political parties with rules and regulations of the conduct of the election.

ODIEC Chairman, while lamenting that no political party submitted any candidate’s name, explained that the commission would review its activities and a new date will be communicated in due course.

He described the action of IPAC as sabotaging the efforts of the commission in the conduct of the local government election.

Reacting to the development, Chairman, Inter Party Advisory Council, (IPAC), Prince Olaoluwa Adesanya said political parties deliberately boycotted the process due to the refusal of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to meet with the IPAC leadership ahead of the local government election.

Prince Adesanya noted that the State Governor had refused to meet with IPAC despite several letter written to request for a meeting.

The Council vowed not to participate in the conduct of the election until after meeting with the Governor to ascertain the level of readiness of the state government for the conduct of the council poll.

Rivers: Pro-Wike Lawmakers Resume, Give Gov Fubara Seven Days Ultimatum To Present Budget

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Ayodele Oni

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July 8, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

With the Court of Appeal judgement, which set aside their earlier ban, members of the Rivers state House of Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to re-present the 2024 budget to the House.

The order follows the first sitting of the pro-Wike legislators on Monday after some months.

The other House led by Victor Oko-Jumbo also held a parallel sitting in Port Harcourt.

Fubara had earlier presented the budget to the House loyal to him when his current Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie presided as the Speaker.

Ehie and the other pro-Fubara lawmakers passed the budget estimates, and the governor signed the bill into law.

He stated that it was aimed at promoting economic development, inclusive growth, and addressing socio-economic inequality in the state.

Report stated that earlier Monday morning, the Nyesom Wike and Sim Fabura factions of the House of Assembly lawmakers were locked up in parallel sittings.

The Lawmakers had arrived at the House of Assembly Quarters amidst heavy security presence.