Rivers Govt Defends Wike, Explains Why It Pulled Down DAAR Transmitter Complex

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September 7, 2023

By Adesina Soyooye

The Rivers State Government has risen to the full defence of the immediate past Governor of the State, Nyesom Wike, a Lawyer over the destruction of the facilities and structures of DAAR Communications PLC in Rivers State.

The Government had, on Monday, clamped down on the South-south headquarters of DAAR Communications PLC, owners of the African Independent Television, AIT, and Ray Power, a Radio Station of great repute.

The Government swooped on the expansive premises, shut down operations of AIT and Ray Power, and pulled down its Transmitters. It has taken over the premises.

DAAR Communications PLC is a baby of Dr Raymond Dokpesi, Media mogul and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party. Dokpesi died on May 29, 2023, after, allegedly, a tragic domestic accident at his Abuja home.

The unprecedented action against DAAR has been roundly condemned by not a few people who attributed it to the soured relationship between Wike and the late Dokpesi.

Both politicians were friends and strong political allies but fell out because Dokpesi chose to support Atiku Abubakar, instead of Wike in the PDP Presidential Primaries won by Atiku. To Wike, that was a cardinal sin. He never forgave Dokpesi.

As a revenge, some people insist, Wike ordered DAAR to vacate its South-south Headquarters, located in Rivers State, within 48 hours.

The situation remained same until Wike left office and Dokpesi died.

But on Monday, the Government, led by Wike’s political godson, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, carried out Wike’s orders given before the now FCT Minister left office as Governor.

But reacting to the anger which greeted its action, the Rivers State Government, through its Commissioner for Works, Dr. George-Kelly Alabo rose to Wike’s defence. It dismissed, as mischievous and malicious, the talks that the Government shut down the operations of AIT and Ray Power because of the soured political relationship between Wike and Dokpesi.

It, also, explained why it acted.

In explaining, however, it contradicted its earlier reason for asking DAAR to quit the premises within 48 hours. At the time, the Government said it blocked the right of way, and asked DAAR to come for a renegotiation. But in his explanation now, the Commissioner said it is because DAAR failed to develop the about 400 plots of land since the allocation to the company 20 years ago, probably, by the Government of Dr. Peter Odili, a good friend of Dokpesi, and Wike’s Political mentor and godfather.

Moreso, the Government said that DAAR has no papers to support the allocation to them or ownership of the equipment destroyed. The Government alleged that the destroyed Mast and Transmitter were the properties of Radio Nigeria which DAAR took over, meaning, observers now say, that the expanse of land belongs to Radio Nigeria, not the Rivers State Government. Rivers said it was ceded to its Government.

As a final seal on the take-over, the Commissioner said the Rivers State Government has already allocated the 400 plots to Rivers State indigenes to develop an Estate – GRA Phase five.

Said the Rivers State Government through the Commissioner for Works:

“Originally the structure they were using and the mast they claimed to own do not belong to them. Ab initio. Part of those structures belong to Radio Nigeria, they ceded that place to Rivers State Government.

“DAAR Communications does not have any document to prove that the land or those facilities belong to them. We are talking of over 400 plots of land here.

“Now we have fenced out the undeveloped portion of the land. As I speak to you, all of those plots have been allocated to Rivers indigenes for immediate development.

“A network of roads and drains is being done so that it will become a kind of estate for Rivers people.

“The State Government wants that place to be GRA Phase V,” he stated.

The Works Commissioner refuted the insinuation that the action of the state government is connected with the political feud that existed between the former governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike, and late founder of Daar Group, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi.

“That is totally fictitious and irresponsible, maliciously woven to tarnish the image of the immediate past governor of Rivers State.

“The former governor of the state took this decision solely for the interest of Rivers State and not for any political vendetta.

“The interest of one business man cannot override the interest of millions of Rivers people.”

The Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria has condemned the action of the Rivers State Government.

Why Atiku, Obi Lost To Tinubu At Presidential Election Petition Court

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The Source

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September 7, 2023

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Bola Tinubu-Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar

By Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN

“The burden placed upon the petitioners in order to upturn the election was practically insurmountable. To make matters worse, INEC practically fought the petitioners to a standstill, as if it was an interested party in the whole process”

The verdict of the Presidential Election Petition Court was not totally unexpected, given the stark realities facing us as a nation and the state of the law.

The principles of presumption of regularity of elections and that of substantial conformity make it extremely difficult to prosecute elections successfully.

In this particular case, the burden placed upon the petitioners in order to upturn the election was practically insurmountable. To make matters worse, INEC practically fought the petitioners to a standstill, as if it was an interested party in the whole process.

I honestly don’t think anyone expected a different verdict from what was delivered in Abuja today, particularly the lawyers.

The tension was completely unnecessary.

This is why we emphasize always that the focus of anyone hoping to birth a true change in our electoral history should be on the electoral umpire.

Without first unbundling INEC to make it more independent, non-partisan and effective, anyone declared “winner” will most often coast to victory in the election tribunal.

Wednesday’s verdict should be a reason for sober reflection by all, especially for the parties in court, their lawyers and all lovers of democracy. The petitions could have been decided purely on points of law and within few days of the election.

There can be no real victory in the resolution of the legal issues by the court when the fabric of our democratic engagements seem to have been hijacked and compromised. Part of the lesson in this process is for us to go back and review the electoral process and the litigations following it. INEC as it is presently constituted cannot birth any credible election in Nigeria.

In all, may be there was too much expectation that the status quo will be upturned, whereas many of the principles of law canvased had long been settled by the apex court.

While encouraging all parties to continue in towing the paths already defined by law for the ventilation of grievances, we owe Nigeria an urgent duty to dismantle INEC, urgently.

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, wrote from Lagos

Lawyer Sets Wig Ablaze To Protest PEPT’s Judgement; “I’m Ashamed” He Says

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The Source

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September 7, 2023

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By Gideon Njoku

A yet-to- be named Nigerian Lawyer has, allegedly, set his Wig on fire in protest against the judgement delivered delivered by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, PEPT, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.

Both the Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, and that of the Labour Party, LP, Peter Obi, petitioned the PEPT to challenge the declaration of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, now President Bola Tinubu, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as winner of the Presidential election.

Along with their Political Parties, they presented what they thought was a watertight case where they raised a number of issues including alleged forgeries, and ineligibility to run for office and mass rigging against the President.

But on Wednesday, the five Judges on the Panel, unanimously, dismissed all the issues raised and affirmed Tinubu as duly elected.

In protest against the judgement, the Lawyer, allegedly, took his Wig, sprinkled some liquid thought to be either petrol or kerosene on it, and set it ablaze. He said he was ashamed of the judgement and ashamed of the Judiciary. It is not known if he intends to still practice as a Lawyer or opt for another career.

This story has not been independently confirmed by the magazine. But a very senior Lawyer told this magazine that the action of the Lawyer, if confirmed, “is not only unprecedented but stupid.” He added that if identified, he could face disciplinary action which may result in serious consequences for him.

The LP has rejected the verdict. And so will the PDP which candidate is scheduled to address a Press Conference on September 7.

However, it is not yet known if the Candidates and their Parties would head to the Supreme Court or not. President Tinubu has asked them to give up, and hailed them as his “valiant challengers”.

Again, MURIC Rejects Sanwo Olu’s New Commissioner-Nominees, Alleges Poor Muslim Representation

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 7, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, has lamented the poor representation of Muslims in the newly submitted Commissioner- nominees List submitted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Prof. Ishaq stated that there is lopsidedness in the List which does not augur well with Muslims who now, he alleged, feel neglected, cheated, disregarded and poorly represented.

The MURIC Executive Director said that the new 18 names forwarded to the lawmakers for screening is another strategy of short-changing Muslims by the Governor Sanwo Olu administration in the state.

He stressed that Governor Sanwo Olu deliberately ignored the appeal of Muslims on the choice of appointees as cabinet members under his second term in office.

Ishaq added that before supporting the Governor tor his Second Term bid, he had promised to appoint Muslims into his Cabinet which was the justification for the massive support he received from the Muslims during the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state.

According to the statement by MURIC, “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Tuesday, 5th September, 2023 submitted a fresh list of commissioner nominees to the Lagos State House of Assembly. The list which contained 18 names, was to replace the 17 names rejected by the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday, 23rd August, 2023.

“A quick glance at the new list of 17 reveals that there are only 7 Muslim names that are glaring. Yet that does not make the ‘seven’ real Muslims because many Yoruba Muslims who converted to Christianity still retain their Muslim nomenclature for reasons best known to them.

“But their close friends, associates, colleagues at work and neighbours are the ones who will know the true faith they practice. Nonetheless, the governor is in a good position to know their faith because every nominee must have submitted his curriculum vitae which, ceteris paribus, should indicate his or her creed. Anything short of this should be seen as an attempt to hide true identities which will not be fair to the electorate.

“Again, some traditionalists still retain their original Muslim names and one of such is on the new list being presented to us as a Muslim. In reality, therefore, only six Muslims are on the new list of 18.

“The leopard has not changed its skin. Even kindergarten mathematicians know that 6 is one-third of 18. Is that what Lagos Muslims deserve? Sanwo-Olu has sold Lagos to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). A Yoruba proverb says when a leaf is dancing on top of the river, its drummer must be down below. Sanwo-Olu’s fresh list is the voice of Jacob.

“Muslims were the ones who complained after the first list was released. Any upward review can only be palpable, tangible and reasonable if it gives the complainants a larger number in the second list so as to narrow the preposterously wide margin in the first list. But Sanwo-Olu is a dexterous juggler who will only see figures from CAN’s lense.

“The Governor of Lagos cannot wash CAN’s hands off the lopsided list imbroglio. Or was it not CAN that came out in the trench for Sanwo-Olu after the Muslims complained? CAN came firing from all cylinders even though the Muslims did not direct their complaint to the Christian body.

“So did Chief Bode George who authenticated the maxim of ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend’. The PDP chieftain who has failed to fulfil his pledge to relocate to Benin Republic or Cameroon if Tinubu won the presidential election threw the umbrella away and hid behind the broom when it came to Muslim-bashing. We will not dignify the words of those who will not walk their talk. Honour and fulfilment of promises have a symbiotic relationship. Those who do not have one, cannot possess the other.

“Nigerians need to understand the game playing out in the South-West. Public schools are under the control of Christian missionaries who have been using their influence to intimidate Muslims seeking admission. Muslims got admitted only if they compromise their faith. Even after finishing school, most Muslims get jobs only if they convert to Christianity.

“The ‘ensnared’ products of this system are often presented as ‘Muslims’ to the general public even though the presenters themselves know the truth. The atmosphere will become clearer in the coming days as Muslim leaders in Lagos State profile the nominees and analyse their various backgrounds.

“Before we drop the anchor, we assert that the mantra of religious tolerance will remain sheer propaganda and hypocrisy of the highest order so long as government itself cannot ensure balance in the dividends of democracy shared among different groups. A government that treats one group as slaves and the other as masters should not claim to be promoting religious tolerance. Sanwo-Olu should come clean on who vetted his lopsided list”, the statement reads.

Prior to the rejection of the previous list by the Lawmakers, the Joint Muslim Group, JMG, in which MURIC is a member had openly criticized the list of Governor Sanwo Olu, but a fact check shows that all the three Senators representing Lagos State at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly are all Muslims.

Wasiu Eshilokun representing Lagos Central Senatorial District is a Muslim, likewise Idiat Adebule, representing Lagos West Senatorial District is also a Muslim and Tokunbo Abiru representing Lagos East Senatorial District is a Muslim.

At the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly, there 12 Muslims representing Lagos State who are from the All Progressives Congress, APC, with Seven Christians from the APC.

While the other Five Lawmakers at the House of Representatives are from the Labour Party, LP.

At the Lagos State House of Assembly, Muslims have 24 Members with Christians occupying just 12 Seat in the House.

Northern Groups Warn: Don’t Sack Kyari, Zahra, Wunti, It’s A Witchhunt

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 7, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Northern Groups, under the aegis of Joint Northern Action Groups, JNAG, have rejected what they described as a fictitious call for the sack of the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kolo Kyari.

The Group also rejected the call for the suspension of the NNPCL Executive Vice President (Upstream), Adokye Tombomieye, the Managing Director, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) Ali Muhammed Zahra and Managing Director, and National Petroleum Investment Management Services and Bala Wunti.

At a Press Briefing, the Spokesperson of the groups, Comrade Abdulhameed Enaji, noted that they were challenging “the dubious protest staged in Abuja by some fictitious groups calling for the sack and probe of Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).”

It stated that an obscure group, under the aegis of Northern Youth Advocacy for Good Governance Initiative, NYAGGI, and Arewa Youth Forum, AYF, also called on the Federal Government to suspend the Tombomieye, Muhammed Zahra and Wunti.

The Group said: “We note with deep concern the ongoing campaign by sponsored groups of individuals masquerading as members of fictitious Northern Nigerian Youth groups calling for the removal of Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive of NNPCL.

“We are however happy that most discerning Nigerians and of course, the Federal Government appear to dismiss the protest as it was orchestrated by individuals who were only interested in advancing their own selfish interests, and not the collective good of Nigerians”, the groups said.

According to the Joint Northern Action Groups, “By now everyone, but chronic detractors, must be aware that NNPCL under the leadership of Mele Kyari has recorded enormous achievements in the oil sector.

“These achievements have been beneficial to Nigerians and have propelled the Nigerian economy forward.

One major achievement is the reduction of environmental pollution.

“NNPCL has put strategic measures in place to ensure that the environment is safeguarded and preserved. As a result, the levels of pollution have drastically reduced which has made the environment safer for Nigerians.

“Another significant achievement recorded by NNPCL is the absence of black soot over Port Harcourt in recent times. This is a result of NNPCL’s commitment to environmental safety which has resulted in cleaner air for the people of Port Harcourt.

“Foreign ships coming to steal crude oil from Nigeria waters have been drastically reduced following the stringent measures put in place by NNPCL under Mele Kyari. This has resulted in a significant drop in illegal crude oil sales and has helped the Nigerian Government in generating more revenue.

“Furthermore, Nigeria’s crude oil production has gone up under the leadership of Mele Kyari which has seen Nigeria regain its spot as Africa’s top crude oil producer from Angola. This has been beneficial to Nigerians as it has helped in boosting the Nigerian economy and increasing foreign reserves.

“Additionally, Nigeria’s foreign reserves are growing as a result of the income generated from crude oil sales. This has helped attract more investment to the oil sector, which has resulted in renewed investment in the Nigerian oil sector.

“The creation of jobs by Tantita, a subsidiary of NNPCL, has helped reduce the attacks on pipelines by militants and improved the security of oil installations in Nigeria.

“NNPCL under Mele Kyari has shown great performance and service delivery in the oil sector and is committed to continually safeguarding the environment and providing Nigerians with quality service delivery.

“Under the leadership of Mele Kyari, NNPCL has achieved significant accomplishments. These include generating revenue through the award of oil pipeline surveillance and security to Tantita, which has helped every state in Nigeria.

“Prior to this contract, Nigeria’s production had fallen to its lowest in 40 years, forcing the country to borrow with no hope of repaying. However, NNPCL recently announced that production has reached 1.6m barrels again.

“Another achievement is improving national security and territorial integrity. The Niger Delta was once becoming ungoverned because of oil thieves bringing vessels at any time. This was a threat to Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“NNPCL has contributed to reducing pollution and its subsequent social impact. It’s essential to protect the environment as it’s the single greatest resource of any society. Any destruction can lead to social crises.

“Under his watch, the NNPCL has made significant strides in the development of the Nigerian petroleum industry. We call on him to continue to do his best in the interest of Nigerians.

“We would like to state categorically that this so-called protest is the handiwork of selfish individuals who are only interested in advancing their own interests, and not the interests of Nigerians. We reject these individuals in their entirety and call on all Nigerians to disregard their call for the sack of Mele Kyari.

“As patriotic Nigerians we also commend outstanding leadership of NNPCL and call on him to continue to do his best in driving the growth and development of the Nigerian petroleum industry.

“We call on Nigerians to remain vigilant and reject any attempt by selfish individuals to use the guise of civil society to advance their own interests”, the groups stated.

Customs: Nnadi Back To Turf

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James Orji

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September 7, 2023

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By Bayo Bernard

The recent shake-up by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has catapulted Comptroller Dera Nnadi to the Tin Can command of the Service.

Nnadi, a public relations guru and tested expert in international trade and customs operations was among the top Comptrollers of the NCS redeployed by the Acting Comptroller General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi on Wednesday.

He was moved from Seme Command where he served meritoriously, according to stakeholders in the import and export sector who monitored his trajectory as the Area Customs Controller of one of Africa’s busiest borders, the Nigeria/Benin Republic border.

The redeployment was necessary to fill the vacuum left by some officers of the service who retired recently, the NCS boss said in a statement.

“Consequently, Comptroller’s Florence Nanu Ogar-Modey and Queen Ogbudu have been appointed Acting Assistant Comptroller Generals Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and Zonal Coordinator Zone B, respectively,” Adeniyi said.

“Some of the Comptrollers redeployed to various Customs formations include Comptroller Jaiyeoba Jide from Oyo/Osun Area Command to Apapa Area Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi from Seme to Tin-Can Island Port.

“Comptroller Timi Bomodi from KLT to Seme, Comptroller Ahmed Abe from PCA Zone ‘C’ to Kaduna Area Command and Comptroller Babandede Mohammad from Lilypond Export Command to Lagos Free Trade Zone Command,”the CG said.

He stated further that Comptroller Dauda Ibrahim Chana from Investigation Headquarters has been posted to Kano/Jigawa Area Command and Comptroller Martina Tilleygyado from Non-Intrusive Inspection to KLT Area Command.

Others include Comptroller Oloyode Adekunle from Tin-Can Island Port who has now been moved to Import &/Export headquarters while Comptroller Zanna Chiroma will be leaving Import & Export for PCA Zone ‘C’.

For Comptroller Nnadi, the Tin Can Command is a familiar turf considering that he earlier served in the Area command as Deputy Comptroller Enforcement Unit.

“The new comptroller enjoys the support of customs agents and other keen stakeholders in the ports, that’s why he was posted there,” said an NCS top-shot in Abuja to The Source on Thursday.

Imo: Dr EJK Onyebuchi, APC Chieftain Dies, Uzodinma Mourns

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The Source

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September 7, 2023

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Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has bemoaned the sudden death of a prominent son of the State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. EJK Onyebuchi.

Dr. Onyebuchi, a prominent politician, according to the family, passed on Monday at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri (formerly Federal Medical Centre), aged 87.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to the Governor said Senator Uzodimma described Dr. Onyebuchi as a “great leader” and his death at this time as “shocking.”

Governor Uzodimma who recalled that Dr. Onyebuchi was one of the leading lights in the APC political family and the Imo State Elders Council, noted that the ideals the deceased propounded should be upheld in the interest of Imo State in particular and the society at large.

“Dr. EJK Onyebuchi’s contribution to the APC in Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general should serve as a yardstick for the improvement of the society and will not be forgotten in a hurry.”

While insisting that Dr. Onyebuchi’s death has left a big vacuum in his community at Obowo Local Government Area, Imo State and Nigeria, Governor Uzodimma, on behalf of his family, the people and government of Imo State prayed God to be “merciful to him” and grant those he left behind to mourn him the grace to bear the loss.

FUOYE Female Student Murdered, Buried Behind Lecture Hall, Police Arrest 10 Students As Suspects

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Ayodele Oni

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September 7, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ten suspects are being interrogated by the Ekiti State Police Command over the murder of a 200 level female student of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, (FUOYE)

Police explained that the ten suspects are in custody, and undergoing investigation over the murder of a 200 Level Nursing student, Atanda Modupe Deborah.

Atanda Modupe Deborah, who was declared missing within the school premises early this week, was later found dead in a shallow grave at a distance of about 30 meters behind the Nursing Lecture Hall.

Report stated that Modupe, a 200 level student of the institution had gone to study in the evening of September 4, and was reported missing on the same day. She was subsequently found dead in a shallow grave on September 6.

In a statement, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Mr Sunday Abutu said the perpetrators of the evil act would face the wrath of the law and appealed to members of the public to be calm.

Mr Abutu vowed that the Command would do everything possible to expose the identity of the perpetrators and ensure they are made to face the full wrath of the law.

He enjoined anyone with useful information concerning the ugly incident to visit Oye Divisional Police Headquarters, Oye-Ekiti or State CIID.

Meanwhile, the body of the deceased has been exhumed and deposited in a morgue for autopsy.

Reacting to the incident, Akin Rotimi Jr., Member House of Representatives, Ekiti North, Ikole/Oye, federal constituency, condemned the brutal murder of Deborah.

Rotimi called on the Government of Ekiti State, relevant security agencies, and stakeholders in the community to collaborate to fish out the culprits and bring them to book.

“We owe it to the memory of late Modupe, to ensure our students, and indeed all residents in our communities are safe and secure as they go about their legitimate activities.”

While calling for a thorough investigation, the lawmaker said that “It is through the collective efforts of the community that justice can be swiftly served and a sense of security restored.”

Breaking: Atiku To Address Press Conference Over Tribunal Ruling

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Akinwale Kasali

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September 7, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Candidate in the February 25th, 2023, Presidential Election, Atiku Abubakar, will address a Press Conference by 2:30pm in Abuja, Thursday, September 7, 2023.

The Press Conference follows the ruling of the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal, PEPT, headed by Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani which upheld the victory of President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The Tribunal, on Wednesday, ruled that the petition filed by Atiku and Labour Party, LP, Presidential Candidate Peter Obi and their parties had no merit and unanimously upheld Tinubu’s electoral victory in the presidential election.

The five-member panel who dismissed the petitions by Atiku and Obi against the declaration of Tinubu as the winner of the presidential election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, are; Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, Justice Stephen Adah, Justice Mistura Bolaji Yusuf, Justice Boloukuoromo Ugo and Justice Abba Mohammed.

Atiku and Obi have rejected the judgment and vowed to challenge it at the Supreme Court.

The PDP’s invite to journalists for the press conference read, “Hello Gentlemen of the Press, good evening.

“This is to invite you to a press briefing to be addressed by the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagun and PDP Presidential Candidate, H.E. Atiku Abubakar, GCON.”

Nigerian Youths To Benefit From AfDB $1b Climate Finance-Adesina

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James Orji

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September 7, 2023

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African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina has announced a new $1 billion facility to accelerate climate financing for Africa’s youth businesses.

The additional financing will boost YouthAdapt, a joint initiative between the Bank and the Global Centre on Adaptation. It invites young entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises in Africa to submit innovative solutions and business ideas that have the potential to drive climate change adaptation and resilience across the continent.

Adesina made the announcement during a High-Level Intergenerational Dialogue: Africa Driving Climate Adaptation Solutions and Jobs, held at the Wangari Maathai Institute of Peace and Environment on the outskirts of Nairobi. The institute, funded by the African Development Bank, was officially opened in 2022.

Adesina was joined by the 8^th Secretary General of the UN, Ban Ki Moon, Graça Machel, Chair of the board of trustees of the GracaMachel Trust and the African Policy Forum GCA’s CEO Patrick Verkooijen, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports Ababu Namwamba, Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Norway’s Minister of International Development, Kerrie Simmonds, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Barbados, as well as other dignitaries.

Announcing the $1 billion-dollar additional funding, the Bank chief said African youths didn’t want “little things being doled out to them”. “We have no option but to invest in our youths,” Adesina said.

Over the past two years, YouthAdapt has provided more than $1.5 million to 33 young entrepreneurs across 19 African countries. Some have gone on to raise their profits by 200%.

“Africa’s youth are the present. It is their views and perspectives that are going to change the continent,” Adesina said. “Failing to invest in the youth will hurt Africa, failure is not an option.”

In his remarks, Ban told the youths that, as global citizens, they should not be held back by national boundaries. He urged them to hold their leaders accountable for the promises they make. “Challenge your leaders today. Use your voting power to ensure climate adaptation and finance are a priority.”

Namwamba highlighted some of the initiatives the Kenyan government has launched to drive climate adaptation. “We are recruiting a one million youth Green Army as Climate Action Warriors to support President William Ruto’s ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees in 10 years.” This, he said, would increase the country’s forest cover from 12% to 30%.

He noted Kenya was the first country to ratify the Sports for Climate Action Initiative under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Under the initiative, sports organisations will be able to pursue climate action in a consistent and mutually supportive fashion through disseminating good practices, lessons learned and collaboration.

The GCA’s Verkooijen said that the choice before Africa was a stark one. “Adapt or die.” Still, he said that the need for adaptation offers opportunity. “We know that if we provide you with the right tools, the right finance, and give voice to the voiceless, you will be unstoppable.”

The event also featured the presentation of the Youth4Adaptation Communiqué, which urges global leaders to make room for the youth in decision making on climate adaptation and action. The communique, reflecting the climate adaptation aspirations of young people from 135 countries worldwide, also urges a scaling up of finance for adaptation with a target of doubling it by 2025.

The Wangari Maathai Institute is named in honor of the renowned environmentalist and Nobel laureate, the late Professor Wangari Maathai. She founded the Green Belt Movement and pursued a community-based approach to environmental conservation – working with young people and particularly women to plant trees.

They expressed admiration at the late Professor Wangari Maathai’s strong legacy of environmental conservation and social justice.