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Imo: Again Uzodinma Gives Anyanwu, Achonu, Technical Knock Out As Supreme Court Affirms Him Duly Elected Governor

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Uzodinma and Anyanwu and Achonu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, on Friday, gave his opponents in the November 2023 Imo Governorship Election, a technical knock out for the fourth time, beginning from the day the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared him winner of the Election.

Uzodinma had won the election in an unprecedented landslide. He defeated his opponents in all the 27 Local Government Areas of the State.

Surprisingly dissatisfied, given the huge defeat, the Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Senator Athan Achonu of the Labour Party, LP, dragged Uzodinma to the Governorship Election Tribunal, alleging all kinds of things.

As expected, Uzodinma trounced them. Not satisfied, they proceeded to the Appeal Court, where he, again, trounced them.

Still not satisfied, both Candidates proceeded to the Supreme Court.

Finally, on Friday, August 23, 2024, the highest Court in the land kicked the appeals by both men out, and dismissed them as without merit.

The surprise is not that Uzodinma dealt Anyanwu and Achonu a fatal blow at the Election, Governorship Tribunal, Appeal Court and Supreme Court, the surprise is that both men had the temerity to challenge the victory. Given the situation of their parties, everybody knew that their journey to the election was going to be fruitless.

For PDP’s Anyanwu, over 50% of his Party men and women were against his candidacy. They were rooting for the Rt.Hon. Emeka Ihedioha who suddenly quit the race for Anyanwu.

And for Achonu, he had no footing at all. Until a couple of weeks to the election, not many people knew exactly who the LP candidate was between him and another LP member who claimed ownership of the ticket.

The Imo State Governorship election was an off-season election held in November, 11, 2023.

In challenging Governor Uzodinma’s victory, Anyanwu and Achonu cited  substantial non-compliance with the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act and malpractices among others as reasons.

The five-man Supreme court panel which unanimously upheld Governor Uzodinma’s election, dismissed the appeal against him as lacking in merit.

All the issues raised in the petition ,were also resolved in favour of the Governor ,by the panel led by Justice Mohammed Baba Idris.

PDP Governors Say Handling Of EndBadGovernance Protest Repressive

By
Ayodele Oni
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PDP Governors Forum

By Ayodele Oni

Gives full support to Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has accused the Federal Government of handling of the #EndBadGovernance protests, with high-handedness and repression.

The Forum condemned the Federal Government for resorting to blackmail instead of addressing the country’s economic and social challenges.

The PDP Governors who met in Jalingo, Taraba State, on Friday, also commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the Governors called on the Federal Government to ensure a fair and speedy trial for those arrested during the protests.

The Forum also discussed the political impasse in Rivers State, where court judgments have been used to determine the outcome of party congresses.

The Governors restated their support for the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP to revisit the Congresses to correct the anomaly.

Furthermore, the Governors condemned the President’s pronouncements aimed at compromising the forthcoming Governorship election in Edo State and the systematic intimidation of PDP supporters by the Nigeria Police.

They called on the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) to rein in his men and ensure a free and fair election.

The Forum also expressed concern over the Federal Government’s handling of federation revenue, calling for transparency and adherence to extant laws.

They demanded the separation of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation from that of the Accountant General of the Federal Government

The meeting was attended by Governors from PDP-controlled states.  Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, is  the Chairman of the Forum.

“Lawmaker Was The Mastermind Of Traditional Ruler’s Abduction” – Son

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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District Head of Gatawa in Sokoto State - Alhaji Isah Muhammad

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Minister Orders Military To Fish Out Perpetrators

A son of the abducted and murdered Traditional Ruler in Sokoto State has accused a Lawmaker in the State of being the mastermind of his father’s abduction which resulted to his heartless murder.

The Traditional Ruler, who was the District Head of Gatawa in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isah Muhammad, was abducted along with his son, Kabiru Isah.

They were kidnapped in July and a heavy ransome placed on their heads.

On Wednesday, August 21, a video of the Traditional Ruler surfaced where he was frantically appealing to the Government and family, and other kind- hearted individuals to save his life by meeting the demands of his abductors who were threatening to kill him.

Unfortunately, before any funds could be raised, he was murdered. However, his son, Kabiru was released after his father’s murder when the sum of N60 million was delivered to the abductors. Kabiru, his son, has pointed accusing fingers at a Lawmaker from the State as the mastermind.

A mourning President Bola Tinubu has ordered the arrest of the murderous gang that killed the revered Traditional Ruler.

On Tuesday, following President Tinubu’s order, the Minister of State, Bello Matawalle, a former Governor of Zamfara State gave marching orders to Security Agencies, especially, the Military, to fish out the perpetrators of the murder.

Meanwhile, his murder has sparked outrage and protests and the Police and other  Security operatives are battling to halt the violent protests ignited in Gobir Gatawa by aggrieved youths. They are protesting the killing of their traditional ruler and have pointedly  ignored the curfew placed by the State Government.

As at the time of this report, the protesting youths were still not observing the dusk to dawn curfew imposed on the area by the Sokoto state Government.

The protesters, have, reportedly, set ablaze some Government and public properties including the All Progressive Congress, APC, Gobir Gatawa Local Government Headquarters.

Sokoto  State is under the control of the APC. The  youths are calling for an unfettered investigation into the abduction and subsequent killing of the Traditional Ruler.

They called on both the Federal and state Governments to initiate steps aimed at fishing out the perpetrators of the dastardly act, with a view to punishing them accordingly.

The Source reports that the youths and many locals are strongly suspecting underhand developments and conspiracy.

In a video footage in circulation, Kabiru, the equally abducted, but released son of the District Head was heard accusing a serving Sokoto state legislator of masterminding the abduction.

The Sokoto state police Command spokesperson Ahmed Rufai, informed that the curfew imposed in the troubled district will run from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm until further notice .

According to him ,the curfew is to restore order and security, following the spate of violent protests that have been rocking the area since the death of the District Head was made public on Wednesday.

A statement issued on Friday August, 23, by Henshaw Ogubike, Media Aide, to Matawalle, directed the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa to launch a comprehensive inquest into the abduction and subsequent death of the royal father.

Matawalle described the ugly incident as heinous ,senseless and unacceptable and  noted that it will not be condoned.

“Security is one of the top agendas  of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and he has been giving full support to the military .

“We will do everything in our power to ensure that  those responsible are held accountable.” Matawalle noted

It is not known, yet, the fate of Lawmaker who Kabiru accused of being responsible for his and his murdered father’s abduction.

Supreme Court Uphold Sen. Diri’s Election As Duly Elected Bayelsa State Governor

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Senator Duoye Diri - Governor of Bayelsa State

By Akinwale Kasali

Senator Duoye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, can now stand at ease.

The Supreme Court has upheld his re-election as the duly elected Governor of the State.

The apex court  dismissed the appeal brought before it by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC, Timipre Sylva, a former Governor of the State, and his party.

The lead judgment delivered by Justice Garba Lawal, held that the appeal by Sylva and APC was not only lacking in merit but a gross abuse of court process.

The unanimous decision of the apex court upheld the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal and the Election Petition Tribunal.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja had, on July 18, affirmed the re-election victory of Governor Diri in the November 11, 2023 governorship poll.

The three-member panel of Justices led by Justice James Abundaga, in a unanimous judgment, held that the appeal filed by the appellants; Mr Timipre Sylva and the All Progressives Congress (APC), lacked merit.

The panel held that the tribunal was not in error when it struck several paragraphs of the petitioner’s reply against the Governor’s  election.

The Election Tribunal had, on May 27, dismissed the petition filed by Sylva and APC.

The three-member Tribunal, led by Justice Adekunle Adeleye dismissed the petition for lacking in merit.

In a unanimous decision, the tribunal held that the petitioners failed to adduce credible evidence to substantiate their allegations against the outcome of the State’s Governorship Poll.

Justice Kekere-Ekun Now Acting CJN

By
Ayodele Oni
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Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun

By Ayodele Oni

The Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun got to the pinnacle of her career on Friday, August 23, 2024, when she was sworn-in as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN. She will drop the prefix, “Acting”, when the President sends her name to  the Senate for clearance. It is not envisaged that the no-nonsense Lagos-born Jurist, married to an accomplished former Banker, will have any problems at the Senate.

She was sworn-in by President Bola Tinubu, who returned to the country in the early hours of Friday, from Paris. He administered the oath of office on her at the Council chaamber of the State House.

The 66-year old Kekere-Ekun who is the second female CJN, succeeds Olukayode Ariwoola who retired from the position on Thursday on clocking the mandatory age of 70 years after  two years in office.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) had recommended the appointment of Justice Kekere-Ekun, the next most senior justice of the apex court, as the next CJN.

Justice Kekere-Ekun was elevated to the Supreme Court of Nigeria as the 5th female Justice of the Court and was sworn in July 2013.

She is the 23rd and second female Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

Ondo Set To Host International Investors’ Forum

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State is set to host 215 investors at a Global Entrepreneurship Festival before the end of the year.

Already, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has received official licence, for the event.

Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed the state’s commitment to being a prime investment destination, emphasizing the factors that make the state attractive, including  relative peace, abundant natural resources, and skilled workforce.

Speaking during the official presentation of the license for the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in Akure, the Governor highlighted the event’s potential to drive significant growth and development within the state.

A statement on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan stated that Akure, the Ondo State capital, will host the Global Entrepreneurship Festival in November this year and 215 investors from around the world have signified their attendance.

The Governor expressed confidence in the state’s readiness to host a successful festival, noting that the festival presents a tremendous opportunity for growth and development in Ondo State.

“We are ready to host the festival. We believe the influx of visitors and the international attention will enhance our profile and bring significant economic benefits to our people.

”We have many areas that should be attractive to foreign investors, including our fertile land for agriculture, mineral resources, the cleanest beach in Nigeria at Araromi and our deep sea port.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, Mr. Sunny Smart Francis, Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, said “The choice of Ondo State for this festival is a testament to the significant strides we’ve made in transforming the state into an investment hub.

“The Global Entrepreneurship Festival is the largest entrepreneurship event ever held in Nigeria, and it promises to positively affect many lives.”

In his remarks, Mr. Dan Walkovitz, the Entrepreneurship Village Board Chairman and Global Investor, expressed delight at being part of the project, praising Ondo State for its exceptional hospitality and rich natural and human resources.

He applauded the state’s infrastructural achievements, particularly at the Entrepreneurship Village, describing Ondo as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s entrepreneurial advancement.

Crisis In Benue APC Escalates As Aggrieved Parties Sue Ganduje For Contempt Of Court

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

By Akinwale Kasali

The crisis rocking the Benue State Chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has escalated.

It took a fresh twist on Thursday when the dissolved State Executive Members led by Augustine Agada dragged the Party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to Court for disobedience of the Court order.

A Benue State High Court had, on Wednesday, stopped the Ganduje-led National Working Committee, NWC, from dissolving the Agada-led State Executive Council. But the Ganduje-led NWC disregarded the Court order and went ahead to dissolve the said State Exco in disobedience of the Court order.

In reaction,  Agada, alongside eight others on Thursday, approached a Benue State High Court to file contempt charges against the Ganduje-led NWC of the APC.

In a motion on notice no: MHC/1585/M/2024, Agada-led Benue exco prayed the Court to compel Ganduje-led NWC to adhere to the decision not to remove them from office until the expiration of their four- year tenure.

The dissolved Benue APC Exco also prayed the Court to issue a punitive measure against the Ganduje-led NWC over the disobedience of the earlier decision of the Court.

Agada, in an affidavit deposed to by his Counsel, M.T. Aiyebo, insisted that the Ganduje-led NWC was duly served the order of the Court on Wednesday at about 4.00pm.

He added that the service of the order restraining the APC under Ganduje was also served at the office of the National Legal Adviser at 4.02 p.m. on Wednesday at the party’s national secretariat.

Agada, in the affidavit, expressed surprise that in the evening of Wednesday, 21st August 2024, at 6.00pm, Ganduje-led NWC held a meeting where he went ahead to dissolve his Executive Committee and appointed a Caretaker Committee against the earlier Court order.

“That I saw on several television stations that same evening about 8 p.m. and several other news media that the Benue state Working Committee of the Respondent on record has been dissolved by the Respondent against whom the leave of this Honourable court is been sought.”

Dozens Of Passengers Injured As BRT Bus Tumbles At Iyana Ipaja

By
Akinwale Kasali
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BRT Bus Tumbles At Iyana Ipaja

By Akinwale Kasali

Pandemonium  ensued at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, when a fully loaded Bus Rapid Transit, BRT,  overturned inside the dedicated BRT lane. It resulted in injuries to many passengers.

The accident occurred shortly after the bus  departed from the BRT park at Iyana Ipaja.

According to an update from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, the bus ran into an abandoned pedestrian bridge foot immediately after the Iyana Ipaja bridge, causing it to tip over onto its side.

The authorities have confirmed that 10 victims have received necessary medical attention.

LASTMA officials were quickly on the scene to manage the situation and ensure that the victims were promptly taken care of.

The accident  caused significant disruption to traffic in the area, with efforts underway to clear the lane and restore normal traffic flow.

Motorists and commuters were advised to exercise caution and follow traffic directives as authorities work to resolve the situation.

Unconfirmed reports said the Driver of the BRT was receiving a call on his Mobile Phone, leading to the accident, but LASTMA Officials stated that it is yet to ascertain what led to the incident.

School Feeding To Resume 8 Months After Suspension By President Tinubu

By
James Orji
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Wale Edun - Minister of Finance

The federal government has decided to resume the school feeding programme several months after it was suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun made this known on Thursday when the house of representatives committee on alternative education visited him, according to a statement issued by Mohammed Manga, director of information and public relations in the ministry.

Recall that President Tinubu had in January this year suspended all programmes, including school feeding, administered by the National Social Investment Programme Agency, NSIPA, in other to probe alleged irregularities in the management of the agency and its activities.

Speaking yesterday, Edun said the school feeding is part of other laudable programmes of the Tinubu’s administration to strenghten education, adding that every child in the country will be provided access to quality education.

He explained that by feeding the children they are being encouraged to attend schools, thereby reducing the number of out of school children in the country.

According to Edun, “feeding children at school would not only improve their health and well-being but also incentivise them to remain in school, thereby reducing the number of out-of-school children”.

“As the government continues to prioritise education, Nigeria’s future generations can expect improved access to quality learning, setting the stage for a brighter, and more prosperous tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, not a few critics of the government insist that the federal government has almost neglected the southern part of the country in the school feeding programme, that the programme is majorly focused in the north.

Kogi: Bello Can’t Hide Forever-EFCC

By
James Orji
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Yahaya Bello

The Anti’graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has vowed to bring a former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello to justice.

The agency said it will leverage on the support of international and local security agencies to bring the fugitive former governor to book.

Bello, who is wanted for an alleged N80 billion theft has been in hiding since he escaped from the EFCC when the anti-graft agency laid a siege on his Abuja home in March this year.

He’s believed to be in the custody of the state governor, Usman Ododo on whose convoy he earlier escaped from EFCC six months ago.

The magazine reported that a Court of Appeal in Abuja, earlier in the week ordered the former governor to present himself in court to answer the charges of corruption against him.

Not a few Nigerians have also criticised the kids glove manner the EFCC has treated the Bello case, saying the agency has not given the matter the seriousness it deserved.

But speaking on Thursday, the EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said the commission is collaborating with Interpol and other security agencies to ensure that Bello is arrested and brought to court

He said the Court of Appeal recent ruling has further bolstered the commission’s resolve to deal with Bello’s case decisively.

According to him, “What the court of appeal is saying is just to amplify the position of the commission and also to establish the fact that we are focused on this matter.

“As it is now, Yahaya Bello cannot come into the open. He cannot make himself available anywhere because he has become a fugitive, and we all know the instruments of the law—anywhere he is sighted, he would be arrested.

“He is hiding, he has gone underground. Every law enforcement agency, both local and international agencies are involved.”

Bello who left office early this year as the helmsman of the Confluence state has leveraged on the immunity of his successor who rode on his wings to office to evade EFCC arrest.

The incumbent is believed to be shielding him from the law.

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