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PDP Mocks Edo APC Over Alleged Possession Of Fake Voter’s Card By Gov Candidate

By
Ayodele Oni
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Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asserted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate in the September 21, Edo State Governorship election, Monday Okpebholo, are out of the race.

PDP based its argument  on the revelation that the APC candidate is not a registered voter as reportedly revealed by checks in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Portal.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, stated that “The alarming discovery that the APC candidate allegedly presented a fake voter card in his Form EC9 submitted to INEC is a self-inflicted blow which clearly and irredeemably signals the end of the road for the APC and its candidate in the 2024 Edo State Governorship election.

“It is indeed scandalous that the APC sponsored a candidate with alleged questionable documents as a governorship candidate for Edo State that is noted for very credible and highly respectable citizens.

“Moreover, it is now apparent as to why the APC submitted to INEC a blurred and unreadable voter card purporting same to be that of its candidate and had remained silent since the news broke out that the said voter card is allegedly forged.

“This act of impunity by the APC amounts to an assault on the sensibility of the generality of the people of Edo State and our nation’s democratic practice.

“Without remedy, the APC and its candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, are not eligible to contest the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election by virtue of the express provisions of Section 182 (1)(j) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Section 114 (g) of the Electoral Act, 2022 and Section 467 of the Criminal Code Act.

“The clear implication is that the APC campaign in Edo State is a journey to nowhere as any vote cast for the APC in the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election would be a void vote and effort in futility.

“Disturbingly, available information to our Party indicate that some APC leaders are allegedly mounting pressure on certain INEC officials to compromise the Commission’s data and input fabricated voter registration information for the embattled APC candidate.

“The PDP cautions INEC not to succumb to the pressure by the APC as the public is already aware of hard evidence available in INEC Portal showing that the APC candidate is not registered as a voter.

“The APC and its candidate should therefore immediately withdraw from the race as they cannot legally participate in this election.

“The PDP urges the people of Edo State to remain at alert while working together to ensure that their will triumphs with the election of Dr. Asue Ighodalo at the September 21, 2024 Edo State Governorship election.”

PDP To Ajulo: Resign As Ondo Attorney General, You Are Misleading Your Governor

By
Ayodele Oni
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Kayode Ajulo SAN

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has called for the immediate resignation of Kayode Ajulo, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the State, for violating his oath of office.

PDP made the call in a statement by Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, State Publicity Secretary, on Friday.

Ajulo in a Press Statement opined that the appointment of Transition Committees for 18 Local Governments and 33 Local Council Development Areas was the Constitutional right of the Governor without citing any portion of the Constitution where he derived such powers from.

But PDP replied “If a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who is expected to know the laws of our land is the person urging Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa to trample on our Constitution and Supreme Court pronouncement, then, he no longer deserves to serve as the Chief Law Officer of the State.

“In a landmark judgment on Thursday, 11th July, 2024, a seven-man panel of the Supreme Court of Nigeria declared that democratically elected Local Government was sacrosanct and non-negotiable.

“Justice Emmanuel Agim who delivered the judgment, said ‘State governments are perpetuating a dangerous trend by refusing to allow democratically elected Local Government Councils to function, instead appointing their loyalists who can only be removed by them’.

“It is very unfortunate that, Ajulo tried in vain to legitimize the illegality of his Governor the same day the Supreme Court made the declaration.

“The apex Court in Nigeria has spoken and the Attorney General is saying something different.

“Which Constitution was Ajulo referring to as authority for appointing the Transition Committees? You cannot put something on nothing and expect it to stand.

“Our party wishes to advise those appointed into these offices not to allow themselves to be used because every kobo they spend in these phantom offices will be legally recovered from them.

“Since Kayode Ajulo, SAN is incapable of advising the Governor according to law, he is advised to resign immediately.”

N33bn Fraud: Court Grants Mamman Saleh, Fmr. Minister For Power, N10bn Bail

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Mamman Saleh

By Akinwale Kasali

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has granted Former Minister for Power, Saleh Mamman, bail to the tune of N10 billion.

Saleh was remanded in Kuje prison custody over his alleged complicity in a N33 billion fraud while he was in office.

He is answering to a 12-count charge.

Justice Omotosho held that the sureties must be owners of landed properties within the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, with a minimum valuation of N750 million.

It ordered the sureties to submit their three-year tax clearance certificate and depose to an affidavit of means, adding that both the defendant and the sureties must submit certified copies of their bank statements with their recent passport photographs.

More so, the trial judge ordered the defendant to surrender his international passport to the Registrar of the court.

He held that the Registrar must verify all the documents before the defendant is released from custody.

In the alternative, the Court said the sureties could submit a bank guarantee or bond in the sum of N10bn.

It held that the defendant should remain in prison custody, pending the perfection of all the bail conditions.

The case was subsequently adjourned until September 25 for a hearing.

Saleh who served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was arrested in 2021, about four months after he was removed from office by Buhari.

EFCC, among other things, alleged that he conspired with staff members of the Ministry to divert about N22bn that was meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.

The anti-graft agency said its investigations revealed that the suspects used the funds to acquire choice assets, both within and outside the country.

Sokoto: Gov Aliyu Goes After Sultan, Whittle Down Powers

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Abubakar Sa’ad III - Sultan of Sokoto
Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III: Sultan of Sokoto

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Finally, the powers of the Sultanate Council have been whittled down.

The Sokoto State Government, in the past few weeks had been battling to have the State’s 2008 chieftaincy laws amended to achieve that.

It succeeded on Thursday, July 11, 2024, when the bill for the amendment was signed into law by Governor Ahmed Aliyu together with five others which were passed by the State House of Assembly.

With the sokoto State 2024 Local Government and Chieftaincy laws now fully operational, the Sultan has been stripped of the powers to appoint District Heads, Village Heads and other Traditional office holders without the consent/approval of the Governor.

The Sokoto State authorities while pushing for the amendment, insisted that the 2008 Chieftaincy laws, were faulty and  not in consonance with the tenets of the 1999 Federal Republic of Nigeria constitution as amended. It said it usurped the powers of the Governor to appoint people to those offices.

The Source reports that the attempt to amend the law had ruffled some feathers particularly among sympathizers of the Sultanate Council, including Muslim Groups, who feared that the Sultan’s dignity and respect were  at stake.

Some had even raised the alarm that the proposed amendment was ultimately targeted at deposing  Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.

Governor Aliyu while speaking at the signing ceremony on Thursday, described as unnecessary, the tension preceding the passage of the bill.

He insisted that the amendment of the 2008 laws were informed by the need to enhance good governance culture in the State.

The Governor emphasised that the exercise was not intended to witch hunt and or intimidate any individuals and group of individuals as some people had  believed.

” We note with concern the unnecessary tension created by our proposal to amend some of our laws .Some of the reactions were politically motivated, while others were done ignorantly without care to inquire from  the right quarters about the details and intentions of the amendment.

“Previous administrations in the State had amended one law or the other to give the State laws that were needed to fast track peace and development.

“Let me make it clear that the just amended laws are not meant to witch hunt any individuals or group but to promote good governance and to  remove the ambiguity and inconsistency with the Nation’s Constitution” Governor Aliyu maintained.

There is likely to be negative reactions to the whittling of the Sultanates powers.

Uzodimma Tasks Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri Governing Council on Performance

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma - Imo State Governor
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.:

Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma has challenged members of the Governing Council of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and turn around the fortunes of the institution in their care.

The Governor made the remarks on Thursday in his office when he received in audience the 13 member team led by the Chairman of the Board, Chief Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh, on a courtesy call.

Governor Uzodimma welcomed and congratulated the members over their appointment and advised them to be part of the efforts of the government in fighting poverty, hunger, unemployment, cultism, incessant strike and other ills bedevilling the society, including tertiary institutions.

He encouraged the Council members to buy into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Government at the centre by contributing their own quota to the development of the institution in their custody and shunning the temptation of being used as tools by the opposition Parties to undermine the society.

Governor Uzodimma reminded them of the need to work in synergy with the management, students and host community of the school, urging them to make collective interest their watch word.

He said that though the country appears challenged currently in several areas, they should not forget that a lot is expected from them in the area of discipline and proper behaviour of the students and the teachers in the school.

The Governor who noted that proper training of the students at the Polytechnic should be of utmost concern to the Governing Council, appealed to them to optimally utilise every facility at the disposal of the institution, like the Skill Acquisition Centre, to prepare the students for future career pursuit.

“Feel free to reach out to me on any issue, no matter what,” he told the members and reiterated the need to carry the host community around when it comes to employment and offer of admission.

Earlier, Chairman of the Board, Chief Ikoh thanked the Governor for creating time to receive them despite his busy schedule.

Chief Ikoh said as the host Governor of the institution, there was no way the members would have commenced work without reaching out to him for his fatherly blessing, support and synergy.

He said the Council was ready to work with the State government, taking into account the good works associated with Governor Uzodimma’s administration.

Chief Ikoh who said their desire was to take the institution to an enviable position, from where it is currently, promised that they will work towards ensuring that the students are properly horned in their chosen disciplines before graduation.

The Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, joined the Governor in receiving the visitors.

Gov Soludo, Applauds Supreme Court Ruling On LG Financial Autonomy, As Governors Plan Emergency Meeting

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State
Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Even as the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, is planning an emergency meeting to review the Supreme Court verdict which granted financial autonomy to Local Councils, Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, has described the verdict as a welcome development.

He said the position of the Country’s Apex Court is in agreement with his administration’s policy-trust of allowing State resources to trickle down  to the grassroots.

Prof Soludo who spoke at an interactive session with the Media at the presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, July 11, noted that the financial autonomy for the Councils will help in enthroning a regime of accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.

According to him, the development will engender an enabling environment for the thriving of democracy and rule of laws in the country.

“The verdict is great. The Supreme Court is supreme. It is the final authority and I am a democrat . I believe in the rule of law and once the Supreme Court has spoken  it has spoken, and I understand the Governors Forum is meeting to review the situation.

I haven’t seen the document myself. I have been busy all through the day. But I have seen snippets of it .

“But at a fundamental level, yes, we need resources to get down to the  grassroots and we need the people’s money to work for them at all levels, whether at the Federal, State or the Local Government level.

“We need to promote accountability .We need to promote transparency in the utilization of public resources at all levels ,to be able to lift the burden off the common man” the Anambra state Governor stated.

While reiterating the commitment of his administration to holding free and fair Local Government Polls, Prof Soludo, however, lamented  that a plethora of  lingering litigations had, in the past    frustrated all efforts to institute democratic governance at the Third Tier of Government.

With the enactment of the Act establishing the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, the Governor informed that elections will soon be held.

Further speaking, he emphasised that it has always been the intention of his administration to embark on efforts aimed at getting resources to the grassroots.

According to him, the religious payments of teachers salaries, pensioners and primary health workers is part of intentional efforts  at taking resources to the grassroots.

“Well, we are going to hold Local Government Polls.  It was one of the things that I promised our people when I was elected into office.

“I have to be honest with you. the first Local Government Election we had was in in 1998 or something  thereabouts. Then the next one was in 2014 or 2013.

“And that was it. So,for me ,I  promised the people of Anambra that we are going to have Local Government Election, and I stated that in my inaugural speech.

“We have just enacted  the Independent Electoral Commission Act and we are putting together the institutions to be able to organize the election.

“It is a promise I made as mentioned before, and when I make a promise  I keep it. I am a believer in having a democratic system” Soludo noted.

2027: Arewa Forum Dares El Rufai To Contest Against Tinubu

By
James Orji
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Malam Nasir El-Rufai
Malam Nasir El-Rufai

A north-based group,  Arewa Progressive Forum for Good Governance, APFGG, has hit back at Bashir the outspoken son of the immediate past governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El Rufai over his outburst against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu re-election plan in 2027.

Bashir had earlier in the week declared that President Tinubu will serve only one term in office as he will not be re-elected.

President Tinubu is serving his first term in office, he’s expected to contest for a second term as provided in the constitution when his firm term expires in 2027, even though he has yet to signify interest.

Bashir, who appears to be unhappy with the frosty relationship between the president and his father, had posted on his verified x handle that Tinubu will not be re-elected.

“Nobody is too big to be ‘elected out of office’ by the people. It will happen & wallahi nothing will happen. So forget all these intimidations flying up and down. Let us be patient,” he said.

“Even IMF & world Bank no go save una that time. Political strategist una. That one na for Lagos,” Bashir said.

Reacting, the AREWA group said Bashir ad his father cannot stop Northerners from voting for Tinubu in the next presidential election.

According to a statement issued by the chairman of the body, Malam Ibrahim Musa Bichi, they urged the former governor to contest against Tinubu if he will not be roundly defeated.

The group urged the former governor to clear himself of the allegation of misappropriating funds belonging to the state government, rather than ventilating anger against the president.

It said the political machinery that has been built over the years by Tinubu cannot be destroyed by El rufai, saying “We are challenging he, El- Rufai to pick presidential ticket “ and contest against the president.

“We want the likes of Bashir to know that the real voters within the North will support Tinubu, because they are fully aware of the President’s efforts via his Renewed Hope Agenda to tackle the challenges of insecurity and economic hardship caused by previous administrations,” the group stated.

GTCO Intensifies Autism Campaign, “We Must Talk About It”

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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GTCO Logo

The Guaranty Trust Holding Company, GTCO, has expressed its continued support for individuals suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorders, as the company promised to take the campaign across the Continent.

The financial behemoth made the commitment during an interaction with journalists in Lagos on Thursday, to herald the 14th annual autism conference, themed; A Spectrum of Possibilities scheduled to hold from July 15 to 16 in Lagos.

Speaking, Charles Eremi, the bank’s Group Corporate Communication, said the company has provided support for those living with the condition for many years, adding that the essence of this is to ensure that these individuals are provided the opportunities to thrive in whatever they have chosen to do.

Eremi said, “Each year, we like to bring people here to talk more about this condition. We have grown it from awareness to advocacy and now we are at a point where we are building around autism and those in the spectrum.

He added that this edition would offer the opportunity for free consultation and access to professionals from the medical sectors, adding that the advocacy program would be held in other African countries, including the one in Ghana, commencing on July 23 to 27.

Also speaking, a behavioral analyst, Osezusi Bolodeoku bemoaned the lack of awareness, acceptance and accommodation of those living with ASD urging societal attitudinal change towards them.

Bolodeoku, a mother of an 11-year-old child, stated that early intervention helped her nurture and bring out the best from the child, urging parents with ASD children to allow them to express themselves.

Over the years, the GTCO Autism initiative has provided opportunities for those living with the condition to thrive in their choosing endevours.

“We’ll Defeat Terrorists,” Military Says, After Uncovering Plot To Bomb Key Infrastructure

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Edward Buba - DMO

The Nigerian Armed forces has vowed to defeat Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, no matter what it takes.

The AF made this declaration on Thursday after it warned Nigerians of plan by the two terror organisations to attack critical infrastructure in the country.

The Director Defence Media Operations. Maj Gen Edward Buba, made the revelation in a statement on Thursday, affirming the readiness of the military to totally defeat the insurgents.

He explained that the AF forces have “emplaced” measures to counter the planned attack against the country by the blood thirsty Islamic groups, adding that all the security agencies in the country have been placed on high alert, saying the insurgents must be defeated on the street and “battle field.”

According to Buba, “These terrorists are the enemy that must be fought and defeated. They are responsible for keeping the nation in an almost constant state of counter terrorism and counter insurgency.

“in this fight, citizens must understand that, we must never compromise on security, otherwise everyone’s security will be compromised. This is a situation that cannot be over emphasised for us to live in safety and security.

“We recognise and have included this as part of our strategy to win the war. Overall, we have no choice but to fight for the safety and security of our citizens. We also fight to safeguard our nation and preserve our way of life as a people. For us as a force, Defence is the essence of what we do as an armed forces.

“Accordingly, we would defeat the terrorists on the battlefield and help our nation flourish again.”

USAID Signs MOU With Ministry of Power For Electricity Reforms And Clean Energy Transition

By
The Source
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USAID Signs MOU

Abuja, Nigeria – On July 10, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Federal Ministry of Power of Nigeria signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support electricity sector reforms, market transparency, and expanded access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable power for Nigerians. USAID/Nigeria Mission Director Melissa A. Jones and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power Mahmuda Mamman signed the MOU. This agreement will facilitate the implementation of a ₦115.2 billion (approximately $75 million) U.S. government grant-funded technical assistance program for power sector development and reforms in Nigeria.

Currently, over 85 million Nigerians lack access to grid power, while many others face unreliable supply. These challenges force many Nigerian families and businesses to rely on expensive, emission-intensive gasoline and diesel backup generators.

Director Jones emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to advancing electrification in Nigeria, stating, “Today’s goal is to strengthen collaboration between USAID and the Federal Government of Nigeria and provide a framework for partnerships with other key actors, including state and local governments, electricity generation and distribution sectors, and the off-grid sector.”

Power Africa Coordinator Richard Nelson, attending the signing ceremony during his first official visit to Nigeria, noted, “Nigeria is at the core of Power Africa’s strategy. I look forward to elevating our partnership to advance Nigeria’s progress towards our shared goal of ensuring access to reliable, sustainable, affordable power for all.”

Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu expressed gratitude for USAID’s support, emphasizing the partnership’s potential to transform Nigeria’s power sector. He stated, “This collaboration with USAID is a significant milestone towards achieving sustainable and reliable electricity supply for all Nigerians. Together, we will address longstanding challenges, ensure transparency, enhance market liquidity, and accelerate our transition to clean energy solutions.”

USAID addresses these challenges through the Power Africa Initiative, a U.S. government-led partnership that leverages public and private sector resources to double electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa. Through this initiative, over 33 million Nigerians have been connected to power, approximately $4.5 billion has been mobilized for on-grid and off-grid power projects in Nigeria, and over 200 private companies in the off-grid sector have received assistance.

This new initiative aims to strengthen policy frameworks, enhance regulatory capacities, and encourage private sector participation, driving Nigeria towards its clean energy and net-zero carbon emissions targets. The Ministry is committed to ensuring these interventions deliver tangible benefits to all Nigerians, promoting economic growth and sustainable development.

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