Home Blog Page 1339

Governor Sanwo’Olu Reacts To Supreme Court Victory, Says Victory Is For Lagosians

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0

By Akinwale Kasali

A proudly victorious Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu has dedicated his victory at the Supreme Court to the good people of Lagos State, describing it as “a revalidation of residents’ position and a victory for democracy.”

In a Statement by Governor Sanwo-Olu, he said since the March 18th election victory, he had declared it a No Victor, No Vanquished Situation.

The statement read in part, “With a deep sense of gratitude to The Almighty, I welcome the verdict of the Supreme Court, which today revalidated the position of Lagosians who freely cast their ballots on March 18, 2023.

“The victory is not just for my deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; it is for the rule of law, our democracy and the entire people of Lagos State.

“Like I said in my acceptance speech after the results of the election were declared, there was no victor or vanquished.

“Our approach to governance since May 29, 2019 is a clear example of inclusive governance, which we believe in and stand.

“I therefore invite those who are still standing on the fence to show their love for our dear state by joining the train of progressive governance. We do not profess a monopoly of ideas.

“Today’s Judicial pronouncement, like those of the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal in Lagos, have buoyed our confidence in the country’s judicial system. We do not take it for granted.

“I commend the judges for the well-thought-out and detailed judgment. They explained the reasons that led them to their conclusions today.

“We thank the Supreme Court judges, as well as the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal judges for their firm commitment to the principle of fairness and justice.

“I thank my political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), that gave us the opportunity to fly its flag at the March 18, 2023 governorship election.

“I commend all the party leaders and members for working tirelessly to ensure APC ‘s victory at the polls.

“I want to specially commend the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for deepening the country’s democracy.

“Mr. Deputy and I feel very privileged to have been elected to serve at this auspicious moment in the history of our State. We thank all Lagosians for standing by us all through this journey.

“Let me reiterate that this judicial victory will spur our government to continue on the trajectory of progress that we started in 2019, which has resulted in many achievements across many areas of lives.

“For us, our aim in governance is about service and ensuring that we are not distracted from all the promises we made to our people.

“The judgement will now allow us to accelerate our interventions to ensure that we continue to deliver more dividends of democracy to our citizens- in line with our THEMES+ developmental agenda.

“The ruling of the Supreme Court has ended the judicial process on the governorship election.”

The Supreme Court on Friday, had re-affirmed the re-election of Governor Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as Governor of Lagos State, in the March 18, 2023 Governorship poll.

Justice Garba Lawal, who read the lead judgment on Friday, dismissed the appeal filed by Labour Party, LP, Governirnoship candidate, Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour for lacking merit.

He, also, ruled that the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, was duly qualified to contest the election.

With the ruling, the Supreme Court has put to final rest the quest of LP and Rhodes-Vivour to upturn the convincing victory of Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Dr. Kadiri Hamzat.

Kano: Kwankwaso Prevails Against Ganduje As Supreme Court Affirms Governor Yusuf’s  Victory

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0

By Ayodele Oni

The New Nigeria Peoples Party,NNPP retained Kano State  as the Supreme Court declared Governor Abba Yusuf the duly elected Governor of the State.

To affirm Yusuf, the apex Court restored his deducted votes, and ruled that the sponsorship of a Candidate is  purely the business Of a Political Party.

Following the restoration of the deducted votes, Yusuf NNPP was declared the valid winner of the governorship election that held in Kano State on March 18, 2023.

The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-member panel of Justices, on Friday, vacated the concurrent judgements of the Kano State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which sacked Governor Yusuf and declared Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressive Congress, (APC), as winner of the gubernatorial poll.

In the lead judgement that was delivered by Justice Inyang Okoro, the Supreme Court held that the two lower courts wrongly deducted valid votes that were credited to Governor Yusuf by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

It held that the 165,663 votes that were deducted from Yusuf and the NNPP on the premise the ballot papers were not signed, stamped or dated, were valid.

The Court held that contrary to the position of the lower courts, a total of 146, 292 of the ballot papers were confirmed to have been signed and stamped, only that they did not contain any date.

It held that by section 63(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, that ballot papers, which bore the official mark and was duly issued by INEC, were not totally invalid.

Besides, the Court held that there was no evidence that governor Yusuf influenced the non signing of the ballot papers.

More so, the court faulted the lower Courts for nullifying Yusuf’s election on the premise that he was not a member of the NNPP.

It held that the issue of sponsorship of a candidate in an election was within the domestic affairs of a political party.

It held that Yusuf won the Governorship election by a majority of lawful votes and was duly nominated by his political party.

Earlier Friday, there was tension in the city which prompted deployment of several policemen to strategic places to forestall breakdown of law and order.

Stores and shops were under lock and key while vehicles were off the roads, in anticipation of possible violence after the judgement.

LASG Partners EFCC In Combating Real Estate Fraud

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
EFCC Operatives

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government, through its agency, Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, LASRERA, has joined forces with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in combating Fraud in the Real Estate Sector.

The collaboration is aimed at curbing real estate fraudulent practices in the sector, which has been prevalent in the sector.

The new partnership between LASRERA and EFCC was facilitated by the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Housing, Barr. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, during a courtesy visit to his office.  He led the management team of the agency to discuss several issues of fraud emanating from real estate transactions in the State.

According to Odunuga-Bakare, the partnership comes as a response to the growing concerns surrounding real estate fraud in Nigeria, revealing that the joint forces of the two organizations are needed to further enhance the regulations and enforcement of ethical standards within the real estate industry by ensuring a secure and transparent environment for both buyers and sellers.

She stressed that LASRERA and EFCC will work closely to investigate and prosecute individuals and organizations involved in fraudulent practices such as impersonation, property flipping, and document forgery.

By leveraging their respective expertise and resources, the Special Adviser informed that LASRERA and EFCC will strengthen the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms to tackle real estate fraud effectively.

Speaking further, Odunuga-Bakare highlighted the importance of the collaboration between the two government agencies in safeguarding the interests of both investors and the general public.

“Real estate fraud not only undermines the integrity of the sector but also poses significant financial risks to individuals and the economy as a whole. By teaming up with EFCC, we are sending a strong message that such practices will not be tolerated, and perpetrators will be held accountable.

“The EFCC, known for its expertise in investigating financial crimes, will bring its extensive knowledge and experience to this collaboration. The agency’s mandate aligns perfectly with LASRERA’s mission to regulate and promote ethical practices in the real estate industry,” the Special Adviser added.

She however implored the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC to ensure that the registration status of any individual or organization being interrogated by the Commission for real estate-related fraud is ascertained through the registration portal of LASRERA to know if the person or organization is genuine or not.

Speaking during the visit, the Zonal Commander, EFCC Lagos Zonal Command, who is also an Assistant Commander of the EFCC1, Michael .T. Wetkas described the visit as a good move that will further assist the Commission in investigating corrupt cases around real estate transactions.

While saying that real estate investment-related issues constitute a major part of complaints received by the Commission in recent times, the Zonal Commander

maintained that the partnership between LASRERA and the EFCC will rekindle investors’ confidence in the Lagos’ real estate sector.

He said that the collaborative effort is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the real estate sector, restoring confidence and trust among stakeholders, just as he urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to real estate transactions appropriately, assuring them that their identities will be protected.

It should be noted that while LASRERA is a government agency established to regulate and promote the real estate industry in Lagos State by protecting the interests of both buyers and sellers through professionalism, transparency, and integrity, the EFCC is Nigeria’s leading agency in the fight against economic and financial crimes with a mandate to investigate, prosecute, and prevent financial crimes.

Ekiti Eyes Finland’s Technology To Boost Knowledge Zone

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Government is set to tap into science and technology innovations of Finland as part of drives to boost the state’s knowledge zone.

The State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji expressed the readiness of his administration to partner with the Government of Finland to bring cutting-edge technology and expertise to the Ekiti Knowledge Zone, which is aimed at  propelling the state into the forefront of technology -driven development in the country.

Governor Oyebanji, who made this known during a working visit to the Finish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, in Abuja on said his government is embracing cutting edge technologies for sustainable development in the state.

While explaining that the Ekiti Knowledge Zone has capacity to lift the people out of poverty, the Governor said the collaboration would harness Finland’s renowned prowess in science, innovation, technology, and provide the with a transformative impetus for economic growth and social development.

Oyebanji pointed out that Finland, which is renowned for her robust tech- ecosystem and innovation-friendly policies, would also contribute significantly to Ekiti’s aspiration to become a hub for technology-driven solutions in Nigeria.

He added that the partnership envisions knowledge exchange, skill development, and joint initiatives that will propel Ekiti State into the forefront of technological advancement in Nigeria and African Continent.

“We have an ecosystem that is called Ekiti Knowledge Zone and it’s an innovation hub that is going to leverage on services and I discover that services contribute more than 70 percent  to Finland GDP, so we have a lot to learn from Finland and a lot to do together.

“My visit  is to tell you that we are a partnership with Finland. We are looking for partnership with friendly countries and agencies that will see what we have and collaborate with us so that we can lead our people out of poverty, reduce insecurity, create wealth and employment for the people.”

In her own remarks, the Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, commended the Governor’s commitment to fostering international cooperation for the development of Ekiti State and emphasized Finland’s interest in engaging with the state for mutual benefits.

Acknowledging the state’s potential for growth and the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable development goal, the Ambassador said that the collaboration marked significant step towards strengthening diplomatic ties and creating opportunities for mutual development.

Shock: Moribund Ajaokuta Steel Mill Owes N33bn Electricity Bill; FG Launches investigations

By
James Orji
-
0

The Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, says the federal government has commenced investigation into the N33 billion owed by the Ajaokuta Steel Mill to the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN.

The minister spoke barely 24 hours after the Steel Mill was disconnected from the national grid by TCN over the huge debt.

According to Audu, it is unfathomable that the government owned company could owe so much when there is no operations going on there for years. He spoke after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock, Abuja.

According to the details provide by TCN, the N33 billion comprises N30.85bn for energy and capacity delivered by NBET and N2.22bn owed to service providers.

The minister said he has spoken to the management of the company saying “we’re going to get to the bottom of it.”

Audu said, “I mean these are some of the things that need to be clearly looked into. One of the things I spoke to the MD of Ajaokuta today, and this was one of the questions I asked and we’re going to get to the bottom of it: why consumption of so much electricity in a place that is not operating at full capacity.

“Part of what we also need to do is that we’re trying to revive Ajaokuta in a collegiate system, in piecemeal, and so we may not have the capacity to be able to pay all those outstanding amounts immediately.

“Part of what the MD of Ajaokuta told me is that most of them money is in interest payments. And NBET, the electricity company that has disconnected it is also a government agency.”

Banker’s Suicide: Police Commence Investigation

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0

The Lagos state police command has commenced investigation into the death of a banker, Amarachi Ugochukwu who died on Thursday.

Sources at the command informed the magazine that the corpse of the deceased has already been taken away from the bank, and is now awaiting autopsy.

“The body of the young lady who took her own life has been recovered. Investigation on the issue has commenced immediately. We are talking to some of her colleagues to find out what actually happened. It is very sad,” a source said.

Ugochukwu, a staff of Globus Bank committed suicide yesterday in Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos, citing various problems as her reason for taking her own life.

The deceased who left a note said the economic challenges in the country pushed her to commit suicide, was found dead in the rest room of the new generation bank by her colleagues.

She was said to have consumed a deadly substance.

She said in the note: “Nothing is working in my life, my figures are low, my brain is clogged up; the economy is getting harder, my decisions are wrong, my mind is messed up.

“The future doesn’t seem bright at all, I see extreme hardship. I can’t bear the pain anymore.

“I’m sorry mum, I’m sorry dad, I’m sorry Nene, Okwe, Toto Nazor, Chuchu, Ifunanya.

“Dear Lord, have mercy on me!”.

According to analysts, the rate of Nigerians committing suicide due to economic hardship lately has become worrisome. The government should holistically deal with the issue, they insist.

Kano On Edge As Supreme Court Decides Gov Yusuf’s Fate

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0

Ahead of today’s Supreme Court judgement on the governorship election in the state, tension is mounting as many people in the commercial city are unsure where the pendulum of victory would swing between New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, and All Progressives Congress, APC Nasir Gawuna.

The Supreme Court, had on Thursday disclosed that it would rule in the appeal filed by the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, challenging the verdict of the Court of Appeal and the State Election Petitions Tribunal, which removed him from office on Friday.

A panel of five justices of the apex court led by Justice John Okoro made the decision after the parties in the matter made their final arguments to the court.

But few hours before the apex court decides on the petition brought by Governor Abba Yusuf, sources in the state said uneasy calm exist in the state, as supporters of APC and ANPP are anticipating that the judgment would be in their favour.

The two political parties have been trading words since last December after the Supreme Court reserved judgment in the governorship contest.

Among other allegations, the ANPP and APC have accused each other of trying to induce the justices of the nation’s apex court to get favourable judgment.

Analysts however informed the magazine that the weight of evidence is against the ruling party in the state, but that the supreme court verdict could go either way.

To underscore the level of tension in the state, the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, said yesterday that it is prepared to deal with troublemakers who may want to capitalise on the judgment of  the apex court to destabilise the state.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, the state Commissioner of Police  Mohammad Husaini Gumel said the Command has  put in place all necessary machineries to ensure adequate protection of lives and property ,as well as guaranteeing free  movements and conduct of hitch free business activities.

Gumel noted that the State Police Command will be partnering with sister security agencies to achieve its objective of maintaining peace and security of the commercial nerve center of the North .

According to him, all the 44 Local Councils of the State have been sufficiently captured in the wider security arrangements put in place, promising that all Divisional Heads of the Police formations in the State are ready to provide enough security for all residents.

”Enough security personnel and equipment have been mobilsed to all flash points including party offices , Government House ,INEC state headquarters ,Banks and commercial areas ,mosque churches and recreation facilities across the state,’ Gumel said.

Last September, the tribunal nullified the victory of Yusuf, the NNPP in the March 18 governorship election.

The tribunal also affirmed  Gawuna of the APC as the duly elected governor of Kano.

On November 13, the Court of Appeal upheld the verdict of the tribunal.

Governor Yusuf later proceeded to the Supreme Court to seek redress on the issue.

“We Are On Top of The Situation,”, Police Assures As Supreme Court Delivers Kano Governorship Contest Judgement

By
The Source
-
0
Kano State Police Command

By Daniel Maduka

Ahead of the Supreme Court ruling today January 12 on the legal  battle between Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples party NNPP and his All progressive Congress APC challenger , Dr Nasiru Gawuna on who, between the two finally occupies kano state seat of power, Police authorities have assured residents of their safety ,before ,during and after the historic judgment.

The Kano State Commissioner of Police Alhaji  Mohammad Husaini Gumel who gave the assurance ,Thursday January 11, 2024  during an interactive session with the Media said the Command has  put in place all necessary machineries to ensure adequate protection of lives and property ,as well as guaranting free  movements and conduct of hitch free business activities.

Alhaji Gumel noted that the State Police Command will be partnering with sister security agencies to achieve its objective of maintaining peace and security of the commercial nerve center of the North .

According to him, all the 44 Local Councils of the State have been sufficiently captured in the wider security arrangements put in place, promising that all Divisional Heads of the Police formations in the State are ready to provide enough security for all residents.

” Enough security personnel and equipment have been mobilsed to all flash points including party offices , Government House ,INEC state headquarters ,Banks and commercial areas ,mosque churches and recreation facilities across the state.

Iam, therefore, giving 100% assurance to all law abiding citizens and residents of the state that their lives and property are safe .

They should go about their lawful activities  without fear of any threat to their lives and or property.

In a release issued by the Command’s spokesperson Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Command, however, enjoined residents to shun any acts of violence, just as they are to cooperate with the armed security personel through possible sharing of intelligence on any persons and group of persons planning to disrupt the peace of the State

The Source reports that due to the somewhat volatile nature of the commercial hub , activities and progammes of the nature of the Supreme Court ruling are usually not carried out on a Friday.

The decision of the Supreme Court to deliver its ruling on that date has, therefore, confered on the Police and other security agencies a more demanding responsibility.

Obi Presents N75 Million Hospital

By
The Source
-
0
Peter Obi

  • Restates Commitment to Nigeria’s Development

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has presented cheques of $50,000 and N15 million, totalling N75 million to Immaculate Heart Specialist Hospital, Nkpor, Anambra State, during his courtesy visit to the health facility. He explained that the visit and the subsequent cheque presentation to the hospital are in continuation of his resolve and commitment to the actual development of Nigeria, using the most measurable yardstick, the Human Development Index, HDI.

Presenting the cheques to the Hospital, managed by the Immaculate Heart of Mary sisters, Obi explained that the $50,000 was a generous donation from his friend and brother, Prof Philip Ozuah, who he said, has remained committed to a better society and humanity in general.

He further added that the sum of N15 million was his support to the health facility in particular and the health sector in general. He reiterated the need to invest more aggressively in Nigeria’s health sector, owing to the critical role the sector plays in the development of a nation.

“Encouraging more investment in our health sector, especially at the primary healthcare level, is critical to the development of any nation. A healthy nation, they say, is a wealthy nation. Governments at all levels, therefore, must prioritize investment in the health sector,” Obi said.

Obi called on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the critical sectors of the nation through rapid investments. He argued that these sectors play very critical roles in the development of a nation, especially Nigeria, on the journey to building a New and better Nigeria.

Obi said, “I encourage other well-meaning Nigerians and donor agencies to continue to support our health and education sectors and in pulling people out of poverty, as they play very critical roles in our developmental journey to a New Nigeria, which is possible.

“I thank the Proprietor and Management of Immaculate Heart Specialist Hospital for their consistent improvement in the healthcare delivery to the people. I have remained a very close friend to the hospital, and I have, over the years, always supported them. I am therefore glad with how they have continued to grow and improve in their healthcare delivery to the people.”

Appreciating Mr Peter Obi for his benevolence, the Mother General of Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters Congregation, Rev Mother Maureen Akabogu, described Obi as one whose unwavering commitment to the development of Nigeria is visible to the blind. She stated that Obi has remained consistent in his support of their health facility and other health facilities across the country.

She prayed to God to bless Obi for his caring lifestyle while assuring that Obi’s financial

donation to the hospital would be put to judicious use to improve their healthcare delivery to the people.

Uzodimma To COAS: “lmo Was Challenging,”  Pledges Continued Support, Collaboration Within Army

By
The Source
-
0

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has said that his government will continue to support and collaborate with the Nigerian Army, noting that the officers and soldiers have done a lot to keep Nigeria as one.

He spoke on Thursday at the New Exco Chambers when he received in audience the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and his team who paid him a courtesy call  as part of the schedule of the Army Chief who was on operational tour of Army Formations in the South  East.

Governor Uzodimma who thanked the Army Chief and his team for coming to Imo State described the State as the hospitality hub of Nigeria and promised to continue to support the Nigerian Army.

The Governor recalled that  few years ago – 2020, 2021 and 2022 –  the whole world thought that Imo would be excised from the Nigerian Nation as a result of insecurity and expressed happiness that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies rose to the occasion to the extent that in 2023, when governorship election was held in Imo, it was adjudged the fairest in the Nigerian history.

Acknowledging that the events of the past in Imo were “actually very challenging,” he therefore called on Nigerians and every State in the country to continue to show gratitude to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for the good job they are doing.

He pledged that in every position he finds himself he will continue to canvas support for the Nigerian Military.

The Governor described Lt. Gen Lagbaja as one of the finest Nigerian Army officers, noting that “his knowledge of the South East where he served as Officer, Commanding 82 Division has become an advantage.”

He reminded the COAS and the audience that in “the life of every nation there must be time of challenges and Nigeria is not an exception,” noting that “it takes one or two men to salvage the Nation from such challenges.”

Governor Uzodimma, therefore, urged the Army Chief and his team to continue in their job of defending the territorial sovereignty of the country which they have sworn to an oath and assured of the Nation’s continued support.

He pointed out that “if Nigeria must experience civilization, the Nigerian Army, from their wealth of knowledge, must be part of it.”

He congratulated Lagbaja on his appointment as the COAS and assured him that his doors are always open to receive him.

Governor Uzodimma seized the opportunity to invite the COAS and his team to his second term inauguration slated for Monday, January 15, 2024.

Earlier, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja told the Governor that he was in Imo State on operational tour of the Army Formations in the South East and thought it wise to use the occasion to pay a courtesy call on him.

He said the tour was meant to access the Army personnel, their operational functions and deployment, State of their barracks, welfare and readiness to attend to their assigned duties.

He said he had earlier visited Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu States and thanked  Governor Uzodimma for cutting short his official assignment in Abuja to personally receive him and his team.

Also, the COAS was full of appreciation to the Governor for all his support to the Nigerian Army, especially the 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze.

On a positive note, the number soldier acknowledged that the security situation in Imo State has drastically improved as a result of the combined efforts of the Military and other security agencies.

He then assured the Governor that “the troops in Imo and other States of the South East are willing and ready to defend the zone and protect the law abiding citizens of the State to go about their normal businesses without harassment and intimidation.”

He congratulated the Governor on his re-election and ahead of his forth coming swearing-in ceremony.

The Chief of Army Staff was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army Enugu, Major Gen. H. T. Dada, the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brig. Gen. B. A Lawal, Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, 32 Division and those of 34 Artillery Brigade.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Deputy Governor-elect, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, former House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon Jerry Alagboso and some members of the State Expanded Executive Council joined the Governor in receiving the Army Chief and his entourage.

1...1,3381,3391,340...2,975Page 1,339 of 2,975