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Rivers Of Crisis: Fubara Goes For Broke; Orders Justice Commissioner To Probe Wike

May 14, 2024

Governor Simi Fubara is going for broke in the struggle for the control of the oil rich state between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

On Monday, Governor Fubara signaled that he’s not prepared to back down in the current battle with Wike following the set up of a probe panel to investigate the administration of the immediate past governor of the state, now Minister OF the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The governor gave the indication while swearing in Dagogo Israel Iboroma, a senior advocate of Nigeria, SAN, as the new Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state.

Addressing the new commissioner, the governor said he believed that Iboroma would serve the interest of the state, and would not work against it by filing a “nolle prosequi,” where the interest of the state in concerned.

Fubara remarked: “Why are we bringing you at this very critical time? We have a lot of issues around us. We believe that you are not going to be the one who, when they send service to you, goes and files “nolle prosequi,” or one thing that would kill us here.

“Let me also say this: you have a big task. We will be setting up a judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the affairs of governance. So, brace up; I am not going back on it.

“Please defend us. We know that you are going to defend us because your record is clean. You are a gentleman who is peaceful. You are not a noise-maker. People like you are endowed, and they have the fear of God.”

The governor’s remark is coming amidst the worsening trend in the battle for control between him and the minister.

The political crisis in the state took turn for the worst last week after some pro- governor lawmakers elected a new Speaker for the state House of Assembly.

Their action followed the threat by 27 pro-Wike lawmakers in the Assembly to impeach the governor over his refusal to sign the 2024 Budget.

The governor has since signed an Executive Order moving the sitting of the House to the government House where lawmakers loyal to him are now sitting to continue their business of lawmaker for the restive state.

The pro-Fubara lawmakers led by new Speaker Victor Oko Jumbo had earlier cleared the new commissioner before he was sworn-in yesterday by the governor.

Meanwhile, those monitoring what is happening in the troubled state insist that the governor is the biggest beneficiary of Wike’s administration, probing his predecessor they said, is like probing himself.

Recall that Fubara rode on the back of Wike to office last year, but has since turned against the minister over irreconcilable difference.

“We Will Not Allow Herdsmen Take Over Our State” – Enugu In Diaspora Give Govt. 72 Hours To Reverse Grazing Bill

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 14, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Enugu State indigenes in the diaspora ,under the aegis of Concerned Patriotic Enugu Indigenes, CPEIID, has given the Enugu State House of Assembly, a-72 hour ultimatum to reverse the Grazing Bill recently passed by the legislative body.

This is even as it has called on the Enugu State Government to take immediate steps to compensate the indigenes who have suffered varying degrees of losses on their farmlands owing to the destructive activities of Fulani herdsmen .

The Enugu Diaspora group in a letter captioned “Condemnation Of The Secretly Passed Grazing Bill And Demand For Immediate Reversal” and signed by its Leader Walter Chinedu, Secretary Urama Vincent and other executive members, made available to the Media on Monday, May 13 2024, said the Bill is in bad test and totally inimical to the interests of the good people of Enugu state .

The Source reports that early last week, Enugu State Legislators passed a bill seeking to establish an Agency by the State Government to regulate and control the activities of both herders and farmers in the state .

The State Lawmakers had argued that the Bill, when operational, has the potentials to halt the incessant farmers/herders clashes and enthrone a regime of peace in Enugu State.

They had also cautioned against any acts capable of discouraging outsiders from investing, and/or conducting their legitimate business activities in the state.

This is even as the legislative body also called on the indigenes of the State to be accommodating, insisting that the herders have come to stay in Enugu State.

However, the Enugu Diaspora Group in its letter, May 11, 2024, while expressing deep reservations and concern over the Bill ,regretted that such a sensitive piece of legislation was passed without any public inputs .

Lamented the Group:

“This Bill which was passed without public inputs or debates , allows for the establishment of grazing lands by the Enugu State Government for AK 47 riffles-carrying Terrorist Fulani herders ,which has far reaching and devastating implications for our communities and state .

“The secret passage of this bill is a clear violation of our rights as citizens of Enugu state and a betrayal of the trust we have placed on our elected representatives .

“It is a clear example of the Government’s failures to prioritize the needs and interests of its people.

“The implications of this bill are severe and far reaching . It will lead to continuous massacre of our people,displacement of our people,the destruction of our crops and properties and the continuous erosion our cultural heritage.

“It will also continue to perpetuate the criminal activities of Fulani herdsmen ,who have consistently shown disregard for the law and rights of our indigenous people and communities .

“We believe that the bill will have numerous negative implications including ,increased Instances of violence and insecurity ,particularly concerning the ongoing attacks by criminal herdsmen in our different communities ,displacement of indigenous communities and the subsequent loss of livelihoods,culture and heritage .

“We fear escalation of tensions, between communities and external groups,undermining of the social fabrics our state and the potentials for exacerbating environmental degradation and negative impacts on agricultural activities and further endangering our food security.

“We have seen the negative impacts of similar ranches inBenue ,Plateau ,kaduna ,and other Nigerian states where thousands of indigenous communities have been displaced and forced in to IDP camps ,without being protected by the security forces .

“The experiences of these states serve as a stark warning of the dangers of allowing foreign herdsmen to take over our lands and displace our people. We can not allow Enugu state to suffer the same fate ” part of the letter reads.

Governor Fubara To Wike: “Continue To Make Mistakes

Adesina Soyooye

May 13, 2024

Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of Rivers State

By Adesina Soyooye

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged his predecessor in office, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory to “continue to make mistakes.”

The Governor was apparently responding to Wike’s apologies to Rivers State people on Sunday that he made a mistake in picking and presenting Fubara to them as his successor. After the apology, Wike assured the people that he would correct the mistake at the appropriate time.

But in a response to Wike on Monday, while swearing in his new Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Fubara said whether Wike made a mistake or not, the fact is: “I am here today as the Governor.” He then wished Wike to continue to make mistakes.

The Governor also had a response to the claim by the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice that the Governor could have been a level 14 officer in the Civil Service but for Wike. He said that it was Wike who promoted Fubara from being a DFA, Permanent Secretary, State Accountant General to a Governor.

But Fubara dismissed the former Commissioner as one serving his master and so, talking nonsense and carelessly to please his master.

He said he was the Chief Accountant of Rivers State on Level 13 in 2010. “If in 2010 I was the Chief Accountant of the State on level 13, where would I have been in 2023?”

The Governor, also, noted that he is the only Governor in Nigeria who takes insults from even a Local Government Chairman and keeps quiet. ” I do that because I don’t want to reduce myself to their level. I wish them well.”

State of the Nation: Obi visits Atiku, Saraki, Lamido in Abuja

The Source

May 13, 2024

The 2023 Presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has continued to live up to his expressed commitment to the peace and progress of the nation. His abiding devotion is to the emergence of a Nigeria that works for all its peoples and where the people are quickly pulled out of poverty.

Worried about the state of the nation and the increasing uncertainty in the living conditions of the poor and underprivileged, Obi ,in Abuja on Monday, visited some top Nigerians, among whom are former Vice President, and PDP Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki and former Governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Sule Lamido.

At the center of discussion during each of these visits was the state of the nation and how to reduce the suffering of all Nigerians irrespective of class and location. In particular, the desperate condition of the downtrodden in our midst was highlighted.

Of particular interest and emphasis in these discussions was the worrisome situation in the Northern parts of the country.

IPAC Inputs Into Constitution Review: LG Autonomy, High Nomination Fees By Political Parties

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

National Chairman, Inter- Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and National Chairman for Allied People’s Movement (APM), Yusuf Dantalle has announced that IPAC has set up Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments Committee that will recommend aspects of the laws that need to be reviewed, and presented to the National Assembly for consideration.

The IPAC chairman spoke in Abuja on Monday during an interactive session with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the forthcoming Edo and Ondo states governorship polls.

He stated that “Local Government autonomy is essential for the survival of democracy in Nigeria as politics is local.

“Citizens must be encouraged to actively participate in grassroots politics that guarantees free and transparent polls.

“The question is, How far have we gone in deepening/strengthening democracy in Nigeria. It is food for thought and calls for sober reflection in the quest for a strong, united, progressive, equitable and just democratic nation.

“Our hard earned democracy must be sustained. It should not be allowed to derail by the activities of anti-democratic and reactionary forces.

“The high expression of interest and nomination fees charged by some political parties should be reviewed despite being internal affairs of the parties.

“IPAC will continue to engage party leaders on this among; others that will curb imposition of candidates and boost internal democracy as we strive to make Nigeria better.”

Dantalle called on INEC, leaders of Political Parties, civil society organizations, security agencies, Judiciary, the media and citizens to be firm and decisive in protecting the nation’s democracy and forestall political upheavals as we currently have in some parts of the country.

He noted further that “this month, specifically 29th May, 2024 marks the One Year anniversary of the current elected officers, 25 years of uninterrupted democracy since the restoration of civil rule on 29th May, 1999.

“Sixty four Years of Political Independence and One Hundred and One Years of the formation of a Political party.

“We condemn in strong terms politics of bitterness, do-or-die politics and divisive politics that have tendencies of undermining our emerging democracy.

“It is unacceptable! Politicians must abide by democratic ideals, ethics and ethos, and desist from inflammatory utterances and actions that could impede our constitutional government.

“More importantly, political parties must adhere strictly by their constitutions in conducting congresses, primaries and conventions.

“The need to restore annual grant to political parties that was expunged from the constitution by the National Assembly, cannot be overemphasized.

“Frequent cross carpeting by national and state legislators is inimical to sustainable democracy. It is the remote cause of crisis in political parties and State Houses of Assembly, particularly when legislators decamp with impunity without cogent reasons. This must stop.

“Electoral Offences Commission is critical in the effort to sanitize our electoral process. The rate of electoral offences is alarming. It builds distrust and questions the integrity of elections.. Offenders must be duly punished to serve as a deterrence to others.

All eyes are on INEC to conduct free, fair, credible, acceptable and inclusive elections. With adequate preparation, functional BVAS and capacity to upload results in real time on its IReV portals, Nigerians will once more have confidence in the electoral system where every vote will be counted and count in the overall result.

IPAC Chairman stressed that leaders of political parties must live by example in deepening democracy by ensuring an environment conducive for successful elections, political stability and peaceful electoral process in Nigeria.

“It is one way of restoring trust and confidence in the electoral system which will bolster voters turnout in elections.

“We are deeply concerned by the low voters turnout in recent years particularly in the 2023 general election. It calls for concerted effort by all stakeholders in the electoral process.

“For democracy to succeed, it is very important that eligible citizens are active participants. It is obvious that your vote is your voice; for your voice to be heard you must register to vote.

“Effective voter register ensures that citizens’ right to vote is protected. It is imperative that INEC maintains updated Register of Voters in real time.”

Ahead of the forthcoming Edo and Ondo States governorship elections, he said “it is important that voters in the two states are massively mobilized to register and participate in the polls.

“As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC will spearhead this crucial exercise in collaboration with INEC.

“In previous elections, Council would move to various states, sensitize and mobilize the people on upcoming polls, called for non-violence and urge them to shun vote buying and selling, etc with the limited funds at its disposal.

“With the lowest voters turnout in the 2023 general election, so much needs to be done. It is on record that the 2003 general election had the highest voters turnout because INEC released funds in 2002 to political parties to engage in voter education, sensitisation and mobilisation to register and participate in the elections.

Police Move To Unravel Death Of A Customs Officer, Alleged To Have Committed Suicid€ In Kano

Suleiman Anyalewechi

May 13, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Police Command has moved to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of a Senior Customs Officer. He died in Kano last week.

The Source reports that on Monday May 6, 2024, Abdullahi Abdulwahab Magaji CSC, reportedly shot himself at his Farm Centre Quarters Kano home

. His wife, said to have raised the alarm, claimed that her husband shot himself with a pump action riffle, and subsequently gave up before help could come from the Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital kano, where he was rushed to.

But the Kano police authorities are not persuaded, by the suicide theory being weaved around the death of the Senior Customs personnel. The State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Husseini Gumel, has ordered a full scale investigation into the incident.

In a statement issued on Monday, May 13, by the spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the kano State CP, assured that the Police is presently out to unearth the circumstances and details about the sad incident.

“On 6th of May 2024, at about 12 pm, a report was received that a customs officer ,one CSC Abdullahi Abdulwahab Magaji serving in Abuja ,and a resident of Farm Centre Quarters in kano allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself. with a pump Action Gun”

“The Police Statement noted that following the report, a Police team led by Ibrahim Abubakar was dispatched to the scene.

The Kano Police spokesman said that it was based on the report by the crime scene team that the CP ordered for a full scale investigation into the death of the Custom personnel

The State Police Command according to the statement ,assured the general public that no stone will be left unturned in unmasking the circumstances surrounding the incident, adding that the public will also be availed of the outcome of the investigation.

Ondo Amotekun Arrests 17 Year-Old Student For Alleged Electrical Cables Theft, Re-arrests Suspected Kidnapper On Bail

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A-17 years old serial electricity cable thief is among 44 suspected criminals currently being held by Amotekun Corps in Ondo state.

The state commandant of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye said in Akure on Monday that during one of the operations by Sunday Adegbulu, he was partially electrocuted as electricity was restored.

Adeleye stated that “Today, we are parading 44 suspected criminals that have been engaging in various acts of criminal activities within the state.

“Our men have been on constant 24/7 patrol across the 18 council areas of the state and a total of 45 suspected criminals have been arrested in the last two weeks.

“Of particular note is a set of Criminals that engage in vandalization of electricity transformers.

“Faith cut up with one of them, Sunday Adegbulu who is 17 years old. Unfortunately, while cutting the cables, electricity was supplied and burnt half of his body.

“After a lot of trailing, we arrested him because the moment it happened, he was rushed to three different hospitals and when they got wind of the fact that detectives from the Amotekun corps are on their trail, they moved him out of Akure.

“We also trailed him to the location and brought him in a very terrible state.

“He was to be killed so that he will not reveal his sponsors. We had to revive him, brought him to the health facility of the corps and we spent a lot of money to make him come back to life.

“He was able to tell us nine other members of the gang, including their godfather who is on the run. We are the trail of the godfather.

“We also have one Jubril, a suspected kidnapper that was arrested a couple of weeks ago, but was released on bail and within 48 hours of his release, the residents and traditional ruler of his village called us that three people were to be kidnapped by the gang of this same suspect but we were able to apprehend them.

“It is of note that the security organization that arrested him is still going on with the court case on the initial kidnap case. Now, he was arrested for another one.

“We have cases of those that specialize in vandalization of electrical installations of uncompleted buildings all around.

“They pullout the wire, pill, melt and sell them to the same kingpin that I initially said is on the run and we’re still trailing.

“We have few cases of house lifters and shop buglers and we have those that were arrested in connection with kidnapping and cultism.

“Out of this 45 suspects, seven are already in court, but we needed them to throw light on our ongoing investigation, so, we sought the leave of the court to allow us few more days which was granted.

“That’s why they’re part of this 45 suspects. As soon as we complete investigation, all of them will be taken to court to face the full wrath of the law.”

The 17 years old Adegbulu, and a JSS three Student of Commercial Secondary School, Akure, in his account said “We were three in number and we were to sell the electricity transformer cable for N25,000 to Mr Abubakar.

“It was my second operation. During my first operation, we vandalized and stole the electrical installation of an uncompleted building.

“On the latest incident, it happened on April 28, only two went to the transformer. I never knew that there was going to be electricity supply. It’s the handwork of the devil that pushed me to the crime.”

Governorship Poll: INEC Resumes Registration Of Voter’s In Edo, Ondo

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ahead of the governorship election in Edo and Ondo states, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has decided to resume the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the two States to enable eligible citizens who are not registered voters to do so.

Similarly, those who are registered voters also have the opportunity to transfer their registration from other States of the federation to Edo and Ondo States or from one location to another within the two States.

The INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at a briefing in Abuja said, “let me reiterate that the CVR is only open to new registrants and those who seek to transfer their registration.

“The CVR in Edo and Ondo States will take place simultaneously from Monday 27th May 2024 to Wednesday 5th June 2024 from 9.00am to 3.00pm daily including the weekend.”

The INEC chairman explained that persons who are registered as voters should not attempt to register again as double or multiple registration is illegal.

“Lost or damaged voters’ cards will be replaced during the exercise but this does require fresh registration.”

The meeting is the second quarterly meeting for the year 2024, and it’s happening barely four months to the forthcoming governorship election in Edo state in September.

The national chairman of the APC, that Of the Labour party, Julius Abure, SDP, are some of the party chairmen in attendance.

The electoral umpire has already published its final list of candidates and their running mates in the Forthcoming Edo state election.

The INEC chairman urged the political parties to adhere strictly to all electoral guidelines for the exercise.

He urged that parties should finalize and submit names of their candidates before the 20th of May, when the portal for candidates in the forthcoming Ondo governorship election will close.

Northwest Governors Collaborate To Tackle Insecurity

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A splinter Governors’ Forum from the Northern Governors Forum, has been birthed by Northwest Governors.

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu who disclosed this, explained that the Northwest Governors formed a Governor’s Forum of the geopolitical zone, aimed at approaching and facing the security situation in the region.

The Governor disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital shortly after a closed-door meeting with his Jigawa state counterpart, Umar Namadi.

He said the Northwest Governors’ forum was under the chairmanship of Katsina state governor, Umar Dikko Radda and was aimed at approaching and handling security situation and challenges of the zone.

“This forum comprises all the geopolitical zones including Kano and Zamfara state that we are not in the same political party. But we are to speak and act with the same voice on the vision, mission and objective of the forum.”

Aliyu stated that the local security outfits established by the state government was making a lot of impact in curbing criminal activities in the state.

“I’m here in this state to condole my eminent friend, Governor Malam Umar Namadi over the death of his father-in-law who died recently.

“There are a lot of positive changes in the security situation of the state since the establishment of the local security outfits who were working closely with the other security agents.

“The State Government in collaboration with the federal government works tirelessly to ensure peace and security through the provisions of all necessary security tools and logistics in addition to creating and maintaining synergy between the local security and the other security personnel working in the state.

“In this regard, there is a lot of development in terms of the security situation. We also continue with so many strategies and attics until the goals have been achieved.”

Governor Aliyu commended the Jigawa state governor on the human and infrastructural development under one year in office.

“I really commend my bother Malam Umar Namadi, I saw a lot of things. When I return to Sokoto I will send a team from the Ministry of Agriculture for study in order to learn so many things for more and speedy development in the agricultural sector.”

The Sokoto State Governor who was accompanied by his wife described the death of the Jigawa state governor’s Father-in-law as a great loss.

Gov Yusuf Seeks More Support From Donor Agency For Kano Beneficiaries

Ayodele Oni

May 13, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

As part of measures to improve condition of living of the populace, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has requested for an extension of the duration of the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF) project within the state.

This, according to him, will also broaden the scope of beneficiaries and enhance the economic sustainability of the region.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson Sanusi Bature.

Governor Yusuf made this plea during a dinner held at government house in Kano, where he entertained representatives from the donor organizations supporting the LLF-funded project.

The Governor stressed that Kano, as the most populous state in the northern region of the country, requires the aid of such organizations to empower the burgeoning population of unemployed young men and women and assist the most marginalized individuals in improving their quality of life.

He took the opportunity to elaborate on the achievements of his administration within its inaugural year in office, particularly in the fields of healthcare, education, agriculture, empowerment, and a series of relief measures aimed at aiding the underprivileged in society.

The Governor expressed appreciation towards the donor organizations, stating, “On behalf of the government and the esteemed citizens of Kano State, I convey our heartfelt gratitude for supporting such a noble initiative that has positively impacted the lives of over one million residents of Kano.

“Through your endeavors, you have significantly increased the daily income of numerous households in Kano over the years, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the state.

“I seize this opportunity to request the extension of the project, with the firm assurance that your contributions are in reliable hands, as the Kano State Government is dedicated to the meticulous management of every aspect of the project.”

Earlier, the team leader, Mr. Adil Alsharif, stated that the primary objective of the esteemed donor delegation’s visit was to observe the LLF-funded project in action, supporting small-scale farmers, pastoralists, and prominent agricultural associations in Kano.

He emphasized that the visit would enhance awareness and visibility of the fund and its benefactors, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for their collective efforts in driving positive changes within the community.

Mr. Adil Alsharif, on behalf of the representatives of the donor organizations, expressed satisfaction with the project’s implementation progress and the prudent utilization of funds allocated for the initiative, while also seeking continuous support.

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