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Fubara Vs Wike: Governor Weighs Options

January 22, 2024

By Chidi Levi

… His Dilemma

Though there is now a semblance of amity between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and his godfather, immediate predecessor and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, impeccable Port Harcourt and Abuja sources have told this magazine that behind the facade lies high wire manoeuvres by the camps of the estranged godson and godfather to gain durable political mileage.

Said one of the sources: “Though President Bola Tinubu’s intervention which led to a peace accord between godfather and godson largely thawed the face-off between the two, I can tell you that, Wike and Gov. Fubara are still at dagger drawn.

“Wike imposed Fubara on Rivers people as Governor with the hope of playing the role of a powerful godfather, not just to him but in Rivers’ politics, akin to the influence and hold Tinubu has been wielding in Lagos politics since 1999, but the Governor, egged on by powerful forces in the State would have non of that.

“Fubara is resolute in being his own man, governing Rivers his way rather than being dictated to, or tied to the apron string of a godfather dishing out orders from Abuja.

“Though Fubara has started implementing most of the agreements contained in the peace accord, he is neither ready to be subservient to anyone nor to be rendered a king without a crown”

This magazine can, however, authoritatively report that while the Governor weighs several options as to how to consolidate and solidify his position as Governor amidst a hostile House of Assembly peopled by the All Progressives Congress, APC breathing down his neck and an implacable godfather insistence on being king of the manor in Rivers, he also faces a serious dilemma.

Fubara who was elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, this magazine has been informed, is under intense pressure from Aso Rock to defect to the APC as a permanent solution to the spat between him and Wike as the latter is now more of APC chieftain than PDP; controls both APC and PDP structures in Rivers state and allegedly on the cusp of formally dumping the PDP for APC.

However, among the options the embattled governor is weighing are:

*Remain in the PDP, team up with former governor Chibuike Amaechi and all anti-Wike elements in both PDP and APC to hijack the structure of Rivers PDP.

*Defect to the APC, insist on controlling the leadership and structure of the party in Rivers as a sitting Governor

*Cause deep divisions in both PDP and APC and then defect to the Labour Party while tenaciously pursuing in court the ouster of the 27 hostile state lawmakers who defected from the PDP to the APC with the hope that if and when the court declares their seats vacant and new elections ordered he would be able to get his loyalists elected into the House.

However, with the structures of the state’s PDP and APC currently firmly in Wike’s kitty, Governor Fubara is in dilemma as to the likely immediate consequences of an all-out push to wrestle either the structure of PDP or APC from the former governor.

“The truth is that the belligerent House of Assembly members who are all Wike loyalists will waste no time in impeaching Fubara if he dares openly and brazenly challenges the Minister’s hold on PDP and APC, and the Presidency will be on his (Wike) side. These are the immediate consequences.

“The long-term consequence is that, if he survives Wike and the House and finishes a term, he will be given the Ambode treatment- that’s denied second term ticket of both parties”, another source close to Wike and the Governor told the Magazine.

Meanwhile, an aide of the Governor who pleaded anonymity “because of the current volatile relationship between oga and Minister(Wike)”, told The Source that “crossing the Supreme Court hurdle and delivering good governance to Rivers people without noise and unnecessary jamboree are uppermost in His Excellency’s mind right now and not political permutations, but I can confirm to you that, when the time is ripe, one way or another, a decision will certainly be taken for the good of Rivers s state and its people”.

APC Ready To Receive New Members As Exodus Looms In Kano NNPP

The Source

January 21, 2024

Abba Kabir Yusuf - Governor of Kano State

By Daniel Maduka

Despite carting home the ultimate prize in the political space of kano, courtesy of the Supreme Court verdict penultimate week which declared Abba kabir Yusuf as the duly elected governor of the State, indications have emerged that the New Nigeria Peoples Party NNPP, rather than seeing its membership swell, may be headed for a depletion in its rank.

This is just as the rival All Progressive Congress, APC, is set for a crucial enlarged stakeholders parley on Thursday January 25 in the commercial hub of the Northern Region in continuation of its review of the affairs and state of the party, post Supreme court ruling on the gubernatorial contest in Kano.

The APC enlarged stake holders meeting comes up on the heels of a similar one held in Abuja on Saturday January 20 2024,which had in attendance, the National Chairman of the party and immediate past Governor of the state Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy Senate president Senator Jibril Barau , kano APC gubernatorial candidate Dr Nasir Yusuf Gawuna and his running mate in the last general elections Murtala Sule Garo as well as members of the National Assembly from kano and top APC kano executives .

The Source News Magazine gathered authoritatively on Saturday, January 20 that the pack of the NNPP decampees will be led by mostly the members of the National Assembly who though owing to the hazy implications of decamping openly , are set to goad their political cronnies and foot soldiers to join the APC for now.

Their allies who are to join forces with the APC in no distant time are to water the grounds and represent their interests pending when the coast will be clear for them to formally join.

An impeccable source revealed that the major reason goading the intended decampees is the seemingly low electoral value of the NNPP in the 2027 political permutations.

“Whether some people appreciate it or not, permutations for the 2027 elections have begun. That being the case, most political actors within the NNPP family are pondering already their political future.

Most of them are facing the reality and hard fact on the ground- which is that the NNPP will not be able to promote their political aspirations in 2027,the way it did in the last elections .

It is clear that power will be domiciled in the Southern Region for the next 8 years . Therefore ,there is going to be a radical departure from the political dynamics pre 2023 general elections .

In 2023 , it was not all that clear as to where the pendulum will swing between the North and South ,thus Providing a some what level playing ground for political actors to push their aspirations without paying much attention to the viability of the platforms .

But in 2027, the scenario is going to be different. Parties like the NNPP will not be politically attractive to most political actors. That is why most of them are restrategising ,re aligning and calculating a head .

Even the promoters of the NNPP are aware that after achieving their ultimate ambition of wresting power in kano, they are not going to sustain it with the platform. Iam sure ,most of the top hierarchy of NNPP will not be left out in the gale of exodus that is mostly likely to hit the party in less than no time.” a source in APC revealed.

It has been gathered that the APC it self quite aware of the likely influx of new members into its kano fold has started putting machineries in motion to accommodate potential decampees from not just the NNPP, but other parties .

President Bola Tinubu is believed strongly not to be ready to toy with the electoral value of kano and as such is said to be ready to lend all the support needed to strengthen the APC in the state .

In a seven point resolution issued at the end of last Saturday meeting in Abuja and jointly signed by Alhaji Mohammad Garba ,Chief of Staff to the APC National Chairman and immediate past Kano state Commissioner of Information and Hon .Alhassan Ado Doguawa Chairman of House of Representative Committee on Petroleum (Upstream),the APC gave an inkling of its readiness to expand its membership books with its declared open door policy in the admission of new members.

” The stakeholders meeting also resolved that as a progressive and largest party in Africa and in line with the initiative of its National Chairman ,the doors of the APC will remain open to wooing new members from across the country and in the diaspora at groups and or individual levels.

“In order to enhance unity ,progress and development of kano state ,the stakeholders expressed commitment towards the pursuit of dialogue with individuals, associations and political parties ready to join the APC .” the resolution further stated .

Although, as at the time reporting, it was not yet clear what other things will form the agenda of the forthcoming kano APC enlarged stakeholders meeting, it is however clear that the issues of how to keep the party together and prepare the ground for new members will top the agenda.

FG Explains Delay In Addressing Ibadan Explosion, Says It’s Due To Ongoing Forensic Investigation

Ayodele Oni

January 21, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government, has reacted to insinuations by groups and individuals that it has not visited or taken any decisive action on last week’s explosion in Ibadan, Oyo state, which destroyed houses and claimed lives.

Federal government explained in a statement on Sunday, that it is still waiting for the outcome of forensic investigation to determine actual cause of the explosion.

Some groups and individuals had flayed the government for failure of its officials to visit or even announce compensation for victims of the blast.

A statement on Sunday, by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake stated that “President Bola Tinubu, it would be recalled, placed a telephone call to Oyo State Governor, immediately after the tragic incident, in the presence of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake to commiserate with Governor Seyi Makinde, victims, and the good people of Oyo state.

“Thereafter, the Minister issued a statement of condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and other victims. The Minister also commended Oyo State Government for mobilizing relief response.

“The Ministry also deployed Mine Inspectorate officers to the scene of the explosion to join other security agencies to unravel the cause of the explosion.

“The Federal Government is now waiting for the outcome of forensic investigations that will determine the real cause of the blast, the explosives type that triggered it and the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident that led to loss of lives and properties.

“Alongside the press statement personally signed by Dr. Alake to convey his deepest sympathies to the people of Oyo State, he has also being at the forefront of working with the security agencies to unearth the cause and put mechanisms in place to avert a recurrence.

“Last week Wednesday during the Federal Executive Council meeting, President Bola Tinubu took a step to holistically address insecurity around our nation’s natural resources by constituting an inter-ministerial committee led by Dr. Alake to come up with a blueprint to effectively and efficiently secure solid minerals, forests, and marine economy, which constitutes Nigeria’s natural resources.

“The committee held a maiden meeting last Friday and has been working round the clock to draw up strategies of achieving the presidential mandate.

“In the coming days, there will be an expanded meeting with heads of security agencies, which will assist the committee in getting the requisite inputs that will guide it in turning in a robust report to the President.

“The Minister assures Nigerians that the Federal Government is committed to addressing challenges from the root, hence its resolve to await the outcome of painstaking forensic investigations on the Ibadan explosion before making a definite pronouncement.

“The honourable minister believes that in sensitive situations like this, the security agencies should be allowed to do their job, as against acting on speculations.

“That way, the people are better informed, culprits can be brought to book, and concerted efforts can be put in place to avoid a recurrence.”

10 Storey Mandilas Building Gutted By Fire In Lagos

Akinwale Kasali

January 21, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Panic and pandemonium gripped Lagos Island as raging fire gutted the iconic 10-storey Mandilas Building, located on Broad Street.

The sad incident happened on Sunday and destroyed goods and properties worth hundreds of millions of Naira.

The fire was said to have started in the afternoon around 1:35pm, from the first floor of the building.

Though, no casualty was recorded as most often shops in the building do not open on Sundays.

Margaret Adeseye, Director, of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed there was no record of any casualties in the incident.

The fire, it was gathered, started from a warehouse on the first floor of the building before spreading to other floors.

Men of the state Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Police, and other emergency responders raced to the scene to put out the raging fire.

The cause of the inferno was yet to be ascertained at the time of filing this report, as the Lagos State Fire Services and LASEMA were yet to figure out the cause of the fire.

Affected traders stormed the scene, salvaging remains of some of their wares and other valuable items possible.

Defence Minister Admonishes Nigerians To Embrace Cultural Values

Ayodele Oni

January 21, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Minister of State for Defence, Muhammed Bello Matawalle, has highlighted the role of culture as a binding force, urging Nigerians to embrace the vibrant and diverse cultures of Nigeria that unite us as a country.

A statement by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director, Press & Public Relations of the ministry of defence, stated that the Minister spoke as a Special Guest of Honour during the Nigerian Air Force Base Socio-Cultural Activities (BASA 2023) at NAF Base Abuja.

According to the Minister; “Our cultures, languages and traditions are as diverse as they are beautiful, embodied with a shared sense of community and resilience that binds us together.”

He pointed out that it was through event such as this that “we can appreciate the unique contributions of each culture thereby fostering understanding and unity.”

While commending the Nigerian Air Force for recognizing and rewarding the Airmen and women that distinguished themselves in service, the Minister reassured the Nigerian Military of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on the security of the nation.

“Mr. President since assumption of office has prioritized the defence needs of the Armed Forces.

“This is evident in the funding and investment in advanced equipment to improve the capabilities of the Armed Forces to ensure they remain formidable Force in the region.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Bala Abubakar appreciated the Minister, Matawalle for honouring the event.

He explained that this year’s event has been redefined, rebranded and hinged on the promotion of family values, espirit de Corps, unit cohesion, peace and progress, as well as friendship and good neighbourliness, especially with the civil populace.

He added that the event was aimed at fostering comradeship and regimentation amongst personnel and their esteemed families.

The highlights of the event were cultural displays, tug of war, presentation of awards to deserving personnel, and the lighting of the Bonfire by the Honourable Minister.

Falconets Book FIFA Under-20 World Cup Ticket, Defeat Burundi

Akinwale Kasali

January 21, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

After a hard fight against the Burundian Under-20 Female Team, Nigeria’s Under-20 female team,The Falconets, has earned a place in this year’s FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup finals.

A goal by Opeyemi Ajakaye brought down hard-fighting Burundi in a final round, second leg encounter at the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Saturday evening. This tallied to a 2-0 aggregate victory for Nigeria in the final round of the qualifying race in Africa.

The Falconets had won the first leg 1-0 in Dar es Salaam six days ago.

As was the case in the first leg in Dar es Salaam, the Nigerian girls created opportunity after opportunity, but failed to put them away to make their vast superiority count. As early as the 2nd minute, Opeyemi Ajakaye, who was top scorer for the FIFA U17 World Cup bronze-winning Flamingos two years ago, volleyed wide when it appeared easier to score.

In the quarter-hour, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu swung the ball into the visitors’ box from the wing, but the team’s leading scorer Janet Akekoromowei failed to convert the opportunity. It was Okwuchukwu’s turn to miss in the 34th minute, when she could not convert a pull-out by Ajakaye.

Eight minutes after the restart, Ajakaye went on a solo run into the visitors’ eighteen-yard box, only to end with a weak shot that was easily collected by goalkeeper Amissa Inarukundo.

The deadlock was broken in the 78th minute by Ajakaye, who made hay with an assist by Akekoromowei. Ajakaye scored again in the 90th minute but the goal did not stand. The result put the Falconets through to the final tournament in Colombia later this year.

Nigeria has been an ever-present at the FIFA Under-20Women’s World Cup, since it was launched as an Under-19 tournament in Canada 22 years ago, finishing as runners-up in 2010 and 2014, and reaching the semi-finals in Japan in 2012.

Court Orders CBN To Grant Rights Group’s Request For Details of MTN Improper Repatriation Of Funds

Akinwale Kasali

January 21, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Civil Society Group, Human and Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA, has recorded a landslide victory following a landmark judgment delivered by Honorable Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, ordering the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to grant the Freedom of Information request by HEDA Resource Centre and provide details concerning the resolution between CBN and MTN Nigeria Limited on charges related to improper repatriation of funds.

The Incorporated Trustees of HEDA Resource Centre had sued the respondent – Central Bank of Nigeria – in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1110/2021 over the Apex Bank’s failure to provide the information requested from it on the details of the improper repatriation of funds complaints against the telecommunication company back in 2021.

HEDA in a Motion on Notice dated and filed on 22nd February, 2021 soght an order of mandamus compelling the CBN to supply information requested as contained in the applicants requested dated the 20th of August, 2021.

The applicant sought an Order of Mandamus, compelling the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide the detailed information requested under the Freedom of Information Act. The respondent, in turn, filed a motion to strike out and/or dismiss the suit on grounds of jurisdiction.

In its quest for transparency and accountability, the Incorporated Trustees of HEDA sought comprehensive details regarding the resolution between the Central Bank of Nigeria and MTN Nigeria Limited. The information, requested under the Freedom of Information Act, aimed to shed light on the charges against MTN Nigeria Limited for improper repatriation of funds.

The relief sought by the applicant through its lawyer, Saidu Muhammed was for the Central Bank of Nigeria to supply the requested information and comply with the application.

The respondent, Central Bank of Nigeria, through it counsel, Lukman Fagbemi (SAN) argued that it had promptly responded to the request on August 25, 2021, assuring the applicant that the requested information would be communicated in due course. The delay, according to the respondent, was attributed to the necessity of consultations required to ensure compliance with the application.

In a decisive ruling, the Honorable Justice J.K Omotosho ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide the information outlined in the applicant’s request dated August 20, 2021.

On January 10, Justice J.K Omotosho ordered, “That the Respondent to supply the information requested, as contained in the Applicant’s Request dated the 20th of August, 2021 attached to the Affidavit in Support of this application as Exhibit HEDA I, to Wit: “The initial fine imposed on MTN Nigeria, The fine eventually paid by MTN Nigeria, The basis for the initial fine imposed on MTN Nigeria and any concession which led to a reduction of the fine; and The procedure through which the concessions were made.

The Nigerian Government had accused the Mobile Telecommunication Company of illegally moving $8.1b out of Nigeria in contravention of foreign exchange regulations and demanded the return of the amount back to coffers of the Central Bank of Nigeria. While the bank proceeded to court to challenge the government’s decision, its lawyers announced an out of court settlement between the company and the Federal Government, confirming a Lagos division of the Federal High Court entered the settlement terms as its judgment. Parties to the settlement had refused to disclose the terms of the settlement even in the court.

The Nigerian Senate had alleged an attempt by officials in government, in cahoots with officials of the company, surreptitiously working to reduce the fine from $8.1b to paltry $800m. The failure to disclose the terms of settlement, despite allegation of conspiracy and compromise by the Senate prompted HEDA to demand this information under the FoI Act. Sadly, further investigation revealed the terms of settlement was not in the case file, as claimed by parties to the agreement.

This ruling reinforces the principles of transparency and accountability embedded in the Freedom of Information Act, marking a significant victory for HEDA Resource Centre in their pursuit of essential information related to the MTN Nigeria Limited case.

Nigeria Police Vow To Curb Proliferation Of Arms, Urge Nigerians To Report Anyone With Live Ammunition

Akinwale Kasali

January 21, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the increase in Arms Proliferation the Police has vowed to intensify its effort to curb the menace.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa, in a statement, urged Nigerians to report anyone seen with live ammunition.

Adejobi took to the Police’s X Account (formerly Twitter) to share a picture of a live ammunition. He said: “These are live ammunition, called “èpà” or “groundnuts” in the street.

“They are deadly, not to be seen with anyone except security agents. Statutory security agents, no other ones.

“If you see them with any friend or civilian, please expose him or her. We need to collectively curb the proliferation of arms and ammunition in Nigeria.”

SERAP Sues Senate President, House Of Rep Speaker For Increasing NASS Budget By N147 Billion

Akinwale Kasali

January 21, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, have been sued by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, and 20 concerned Nigerians for unilaterally and arbitrarily increasing the allocation for lawmakers from N197 billion to N344 billion, representing highest since the return of democracy in 1999.

Akpabio and Abbas were sued for themselves and on behalf of all members of the National Assembly.

The Lawmakers had, last month, raised their allocation from N197 billion proposed by President Bola Tinubu for them in the budget to N344 billion. The Lawmakers will, in total, draw N514 billion from the 2024 budget. The Lawmakers, also, in 2023 arbitrarily increased their own budget from the originally proposed N169 billion to N228 billion.

The President presented the Appropriation Bill 2024 made up of N27.5 trillion to the National Assembly on November 29, 2023. The National Assembly on December 30, 2023 passed the Appropriation Bill 2024 in the sum of N28.7 trillion.

That while exercising its legislative powers, Akpabio and Abbas increased the Appropriation Bill by N1.2 trillion, wherein the 1st and 2nd Defendants unilaterally increased allocations made to the National Assembly in the Appropriation Bill 2024 presented by the President from N197,932,625,616 Billion to N344.85 Billion.

The President signed the ₦28.7 trillion Appropriation Bill 2024 into law on January 1, 2024. The 2024 Budget is in deficit of ₦9.18 trillion.

In the suit filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on behalf of SERAP and 20 concerned Nigerians by their lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Andrew Nwankwo, the Plaintiffs were asking the court to determine “whether the lawmakers, in the exercise of their powers over appropriation/money bills, can unilaterally increase their own budget without the re-presentation of the budget by the Executive.

“For a declaration that the National Assembly, in the exercise of its powers over appropriation/money bills, cannot unilaterally increase its own budget without the re-presentation of the budget by the President in line with section 81 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].

“For a declaration that the action of the National Assembly, unilaterally increasing its own budget from N197 billion to N344 billion, without the re-presentation of the budget by the President is a breach of the democratic principles of separation of powers and checks and balances”.

SERAP sought for, “An order of perpetual injunction restraining and preventing the National Assembly from unilaterally increasing its own budget, in the exercise of its powers over all appropriation/money bills, without the re-presentation of such appropriation/money bills by the President in line with the Nigerian Constitution.”

In the suit, the Plaintiffs, maintained that: “Allowing the National Assembly to continue to unilaterally and arbitrarily increase its own budget would fundamentally undermine the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution, public trust, and the rule of law.

“The arbitrary and self-serving increase by the lawmakers of their own allocation offends the Code of Conduct for Public Officers [Fifth Schedule Part 1] of the Nigerian Constitution, oath of office, and the democratic principles of separation of powers and checks and balances.”

According to the Plaintiffs, “Unless the reliefs sought are granted, the National Assembly will continue to breach the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the rule of law, and at the expense of millions of Nigerians living in poverty.”

The suit read in part: “Members of the National Assembly are public officers who have sworn the constitutional oath of office to perform their respective duties in the interest of Nigerian citizens.

“The members of the National Assembly, by unilaterally and arbitrarily increasing their own budget in the Appropriation Bill 2024, without the re-presentation of the budget by the President has violated the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

“Paragraph 1 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers which provides that ‘a public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities.

“Members of the National Assembly have put their interest above the public interest and ‘well-being and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’, contrary to their oath of office.

“The Budget/Appropriation Act 2024 is yet to be gazetted as at the time of filing this suit and public access to the gazetted 2024 Budget/Appropriation Act is restricted.”

“The National Assembly after inserting new line items to the Appropriation Bill 2024 and altering the budgetary allocation to already inserted line items did not submit same to the President for re-presentation by the President before going ahead to present the Appropriation Bill to the President for assent.”

Though the hearing date is yet to be fixed.

APC Overrules Oshiomhole, Rejects Edo Screening Committee Report, Insists Aspirants Must Go For Primaries

Ayodele Oni

January 21, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The National Working Committee, (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has overruled Senator Adams Oshiomhole and his Edo State APC Caucus over the disqualification of some aspirants in the forthcoming Gubernatorial Primary.

A statement signed by Mr Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the Party, said the NWC voided the Ihonvbere-led screening of the aspirants as directed by the state caucus led by Adams Oshiomhole.

Following the emergence of many aspirants for the Governorship election, the Edo APC had constituted a Committee to reduce the number of aspirants to manageable size.

The pruning down of the Governorship aspirants led to an uproar, with some expressing outrage over the elimination of some of the party’s formidable aspirants.

The party, in a statement at the weekend said that its Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the Election are available for purchase and collection to all interested aspirants.

Morka explained that screening and clearance of aspirants would be undertaken by a committee to be constituted by the party’s NWC, in accordance with its Constitution.

“As stipulated in the released APC timetable and schedule of activities for Edo gubernatorial election, all interested aspirants are to make prescribed payments into the party’s approved bank accounts.

“They are to collect their Expression of Interest and Nomination forms from the party’s National Secretariat.”

The Prof Julius Ihonvbere-led committee had pruned down the aspirants to six from 29, a move that the APC NWC has now voided.

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