Why APC Chairman Must Come From South East- PDP Chieftain

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July 18, 2023

A former Corp Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Coprs, FRSC, Osita Chidoka has called on the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to pick its next chairman from the southeast.

He said such a bold decision will promote national unity, peace and inclusiveness.

Chidoka spoke following the resignation of Abdullahi Adamu from office yesterday.

Adamu resigned on Monday ending months of speculations that some presidency officials wanted him out of his exalted position as the National Chairman of the ruling party.

He has since been replaced by Abubakar Kyari, Deputy National Chairman South in an acting capacity.

In his reaction to the leadership crisis in APC, Chidoka, a former minister of Aviation said the top leadership positions have already been held by other regions.

The southeast must be considered for the APC National Chairman for equity sake, he said.

The President, Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker of the House of Representatives are all from other regions of the country.

The former minister urged the APC to rise beyond ‘petty politics’ by ensuring that the next APC Chairman comes from the southeast, which many insist has been isolated in terms of political power-sharing arrangement.

Doing this, Chidoka stated in his verified Twitter handle “would be a step in the right direction”.

He explained that Nigerians from all the six geo-political zones should be allowed to make input to the development of the country.

According to him, “These six positions are at the core of government and governance by their statutory positions. As discussions commence on ministerial nominees, board appointments, and policy directions of the government, these six offices would make important inputs to the process and progress of the government.

“As a Nigerian, patriot, student of our national history, and proponent of intentional national rebirth, I recommend that the APC zone the national chairmanship to the south-east, to ensure inclusive representation.

“Some will say the SE did not vote for the party and President Tinubu, my answer will be that the south-west did not vote for NPN when chief Akinloye was the powerful chairman of NPN. “Also, the south-west did not vote for PDP when President Obasanjo was nominated and elected president of Nigeria.

“Our national unity can only be built on deliberate inclusive policies.

“The resignation of the APC chairman presents an opportunity for the party to reaffirm its national credentials and depart from its inglorious past of naked nepotism and gross insensitivity to our national consensus by zoning the position of national chairman to the southeast.”

Meanwhile, some political analysts have welcome Chidoka’s idea as a novel one, but they insist that it’s impossible for the APC’s next chairman to come from the south when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is from the south.

They, therefore, ruled out this possibility, noting that the next chairman is likely to come from the North in line with party politics convention in Nigeria.

GTB Named Nigeria’s Best Bank By Euromoney

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James Orji

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July 18, 2023

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Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd has been named Best Bank in Nigeria at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023. This marks a record 12th time that Guaranty Trust Bank has been recognised as the leading financial institution in Nigeria.

Announcing the award, Euromoney stated: “Nigeria’s Best Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, has continued to do a good job of convincing investors that it is better placed than its key competitors to deal with the risks ahead—and perhaps to take advantage of opportunities in economic and policy transition.” Despite a difficult operating environment, the Bank continues to deliver exceptional results as the flagship franchise of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, which recorded a profit before tax of ₦214.2billion, pre-tax Return on Equity, ROAE, of 23.6%, and Cost to Income Ratio (CIR) of 48.0% for the period ended December 31, 2022.

Euromoney is the leading authority for global banking and financial markets and the annual Awards for Excellence celebrates financial institutions that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and resilience in the markets they operate. The latest recognition underscores Guaranty Trust’s position as the leading financial institution in Nigeria.

Commenting on the award, Mrs. Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said, “We are honoured to be named the Best Bank in Nigeria by Euromoney.

“This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to the values of excellence and innovation which form the bedrock of our value proposition as an institution and has guided the mother brand to achieve remarkable success for over 30 years. As part of a thriving financial holding company, we will continue to prioritise service delivery and innovation whilst maintaining our strong financial performance.”

Guaranty Trust Bank is widely regarded as the best-managed financial institution in Nigeria and continues to post the best metrics in the Nigerian Banking industry in terms of key financial ratios. Its leadership in the banking industry and efforts at empowering people and communities have earned it many prestigious awards over the years. The Bank was recognized as Africa’s Best Bank and the Best Bank in Nigeria at the 2021 Euromoney Awards for Excellence. It also retained its position as Africa’s Most Admired Financial Services Brand in the 2021 ranking of The Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands.

Corruption: Stella Oduah Returns To Court Friday

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James Orji

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July 18, 2023

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Stella Oduah, a former minister of Aviation will be arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, at a federal high court in Abuja on July 21.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the former minister is being prosecuted for corruption by the anti-graft agency alongside Gloria Odita, Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi and Chukwuma Irene Chinyere

Justice Inyang Ekwo fixed the date after EFCC’s counsel, Hassan Liman, SAN), prayed the court to allow the defendants to take their pleas, having filed the charge against them on December 17, 2020.

Others being prosecuted with Oduah include Global Offshore and Marine Limited, Tip Top Global Resources Limited, Crystal Television Limited, and Sobora International Limited.

The senator, who represented Anambra North Senatorial District at the Ninth National Assembly, was scheduled to be arraigned for alleged N5 billion fraud and financial misappropriation while she served as Aviation Minister during the Goodluck Jonathan Administration.

In the 25-count charge filed against them, the EFCC accused them of conspiracy, money laundering and maintaining anonymous bank accounts with a commercial bank.

Upon resumed hearing, Liman recalled that on June 15, the court drew the attention of counsel to a letter or petition written to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) against Justice Ekwo and the judge gave a directive to the EFCC to investigate to unravel the identity of the persons.

He said the commission had carried out the investigation and was able to trace the identity of the person via the telephone number.

According to the lawyer, he is said to be Okolo Obinna Johnson, a promoter of two companies.

Liman said the effort was made through the search and linked the Bank Verification Number (BVN) of the suspect via the telephone number submitted and that the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) cooperated with the EFCC.

The lawyer said the anti-graft agency made all efforts to track the person, in conjunction with other security agencies, but were yet to be successful.

“This is how far the commission has gone in carrying out the directive of the court,” he said.

Liman assured the court that the EFCC would not leave any stone unturned in bringing the culprit to justice.

Lagos Residents Lament Deplorable State Of Bridge, Road, Appeal To Governor Sanwo-Olu

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 18, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Residents of Alabede Area, a suburb in Oke Odo Local Council Development Area in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State has sent a Save-Our-Soul appeal to the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government to find a lasting solution to the deplorable state of the bridge and road in the area.

The area is always an eyesore during raining season due to the deplorable state of the road, as motorists usually find it difficult to navigate as a result of the bad road.

The bridge that links residents of Aboru, Akinola, Iyana Ipaja, Alaguntan and its environs is already giving way due to the poor drainage system and failure of the Government to expand the canal to accommodate the heavy flow of water.

Anytime there is heavy rainfall, movement on the bridge is halted as the overflowing of water gets to the top of the bridge.

This has led to the collapse of the bridge edges.

Sadly, for decades, this area has been neglected, with several lives lost as a result of heavy rainfall.

The residents lamented that they had protested on several occasions for the government to look into the issue, but they have been neglected.

It would be recalled that Olufemi Adebanjo, former House of Representatives member, representing Alimosho Federal Constituency failed to look into the issue till he was denied the ticket for Third Term at the National Assembly.

Jimoh Mohammed, a resident said that the area has been neglected by the Lagos State Government as they are an ungoverned region in the State.

He called on Governor Sanwo Olu to look into the matter as several persons have lost their lives due to the negligence of the State Government.

Alirat Usman, another resident said that before Former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was denied the second term ticket he had come to the area and promised that the government will look into the issue in earnest immediately he returns to the saddle for second term.

She said sadly, he was denied the second term ticket and since then the situation has been like this and worsened.

Alimosho, the populous area in Lagos State has faced neglect since the Governor Sanwo Olu administration got into power in 2019 for his First Term, prompting the residents to appeal to the Governor to look into the plight of the people in his Second Term in office.

Residents are alleging that it is a deliberate attempt by the LASG to repair the road and find a lasting solution as they have continued to pay lip service to it.

Emeka Chinonso, a shop owner in the area said that he believes governance is continuum, that it is however surprising that when Ambode was denied the ticket, Governor Sanwo Olu failed to continue the works he has been doing in the hinterlands, rather, he has been attending to frivolities.

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: X-Raying Super Eagles Chances Of Making It To World Showpiece

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Akinwale Kasali

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July 18, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

When the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for the continent was drawn in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire last week, the world’s most populous Black Nation, Nigeria, was pitched against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, the Cheetahs, of Benin Republic, the Warriors of Zimbabwe, the Amavubis of Rwanda and the Crocodiles of Lesotho.

The world showpiece to be hosted by the trio of United States of America, Canada and Mexico is the first of its kind in the history of the World Cup since 1930 and football world as a whole.

On paper, South Africa should be the only threat for Nigeria, with the likes of Rwanda, Benin Republic, Rwanda and Lesotho regarded as ‘Minnows’ a stroll in the park for Nigeria.

However, there are no more minnows in football, not only in Africa, but the world at large.

Nigerian football enthusiasts and fans of the Super Eagles are nursing the bruises caused by the unfortunate failure of the Super Eagles to be at the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted by Qatar, the first ever world showpiece to be hosted by a Middle East country.

It is, however, not negotiable for the National Team not to qualify for the 2026 tournament.

Taking a cursory look at the teams that could stop Nigeria for the third time of not going to the World Cup after making his debut in 1994 in the United States of America, putting into cognizance the performances of the National team in recent time.

It would be recalled that when Nigeria made its debut in 1994, it failed to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World in Germany and in Qatar 2022, another repeat of such would be a disaster for the Ibrahim Gusau led Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.

All the teams in the Super Eagles Group aren’t strange, as they are familiar foes.

South Africa has been a threat to Nigeria on several occasions, they had stopped the Super Eagles from qualifying for the 2017 African Cup of Nations, defeating Nigeria 2-0 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, having played a goalless draw in Pretoria, South Africa.

Also in 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Super Eagles needed a victory to defend its AFCON title earlier won in South Africa, again, the Southern African country forced the Nigerian side to a 2-2 draw to deny the West African giant a place at the continental showpiece.

South Africa and Nigeria have a long history of rivalry in the round leather game, and the Bafana Bafana team have always want to show their Nigerian counterparts that they are no pushovers.

The two legs will be a battle of the Titans as both teams remain one of the highly rated team among the Six and also stand a better chances of qualifying for the Mundial.

The Cheetahs of Benin Republic are the West African neighbours to Nigeria and recently, both team were in the same Group prior to the 2021 AFCON, with the Super Eagles recording a home and away victory.

At the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola Stadium in Abuja, the Super Eagles won 2-1 courtesy of goals from Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen, while the reverse fixture saw Paul Onuachu scoring a last gasp goal to give the Super Eagles a 1-0 victory.

The Benin Republic team shouldn’t be a threat to the Super Eagles putting into consideration the caliber of players in the fold of Nigeria, but recently abysmal display of the Super Eagles against Sierra Leone, in which the Sierra Leonean team came from 4-0 down to record a 4-4 draw in Nigeria in an AFCON qualifiers.

Weeks back, Sierra Leone came from a 2-0 defeat to almost seal a 2-2 draw, but a last minute strike from Kelechi Iheanacho salvage a 3-2 victory for Nigeria.

Again, the Benin Republic team is handled by former Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr, which could be an added advantage for the Beninoise team.

Prior to the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles was pitched alongside Rwanda, Angola, Zimbabwe and Algeria, in which the Super Eagles recorded a 1-1 draw in Kigali, Rwandan Capital, defeating the Rwandans 4-0 in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

The Rwandans on paper shouldn’t be a threat to the highly rated Nigerian side, but the team need to be wary as they could be spoilers.

Another Southern African side in the Group, Zimbabwe isn’t a match for the Super Eagles, as the pedigree of array of stars in the fold of the Super Eagles are expected to do the job in Abuja and in Harare.

In 2006, when the Zimbabwean team had Benjani Mwaruwari as their main player, they were defeated 3-0 in Harare and 5-1 in Port Harcourt, so it is expected that the Nigeria side will triumph against their opponent.

The Crocodiles of Lesotho are no stranger to the Super Eagles. In a recent AFCON qualifiers, Nigeria was pitched alongside Lesotho and the Super Eagles defeated the Southern African team 5-2 in Maseru, Lesotho Capital and 2-0 in Abuja.

The Lesotho National Team are seen as a team just in the Group to make up the numbers.

For the Super Eagles to scale through, they need to win all their home matches, win up to two to three away matches and salvage draw in the remaining matches will no doubt give them the ticket for the World Soccer Fiesta.

LP Tackles Tinubu, Tells Him His “Removal By Law Cannot Cause Anarchy”

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The Source

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July 18, 2023

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The Labour Party says it is absurd for President Bola Tinubu to say that his removal from office, legally, will cause anarchy and chaos in the country.

Tinubu’s declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and his subsequent swearing-in as President, are being challenged by the Labour Party and its Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, as well as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar at the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC

The Parties dismiss Tinubu’s Presidency as fraud, and insist he neither won the election, nor even qualified to run for the office.

But in his submission to the PEPC Tinubu said there will be chaos and anarchy in Nigeria if he is removed from office as President. It is a submission the LP has described as a threat to the Nation and worrisome, wondering how his removal by a legally constituted Court would amount to chaos and anarchy.

In a statement released Monday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifo, LP said it “has

taken note of the news making the round purportedly from the leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu where he allegedly warned the Presidential Election Petition Court (PREPEC), that interpreting the law as provided for in the constitution on the 25% of lawful votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, could ‘lead to absurdity, chaos, anarchy and alteration of the very intention of the legislature.’

The Party noted:

“We are worried that the statement which formed part of his submissions and was contained in his final written address against the Labour Party’s petition pending at the PREPEC, and meant to be in the exclusive custody of the court was leaked to the media. We still do not know the reason behind this act of desperation, even when the matter is still pending in court. We will however be careful not to term the action as ‘Sub-judice’.

The statement reads in part:

“Having said that, the Labour Party thinks that the statement was unnecessary since the matter is already before the court, and going ahead to pontificate on it could be construed as interference in the duties and responsibilities of the judiciary.

“The truth of the matter is that there are no sentiments when it comes to matters of law. The law is the law and once the law has stipulated the manner and how a matter must be carried out, it must follow that pattern.

“If the law has stated the requirement that a presidential candidate must meet before he can be declared, there is no shortcut to it. Therefore, if the constitution which is the ground norm of the law in Nigeria has stated clearly that you must score at least 25 percent in FCT before the president can be declared, anything short of that can not remedy it.

“It is on this note that we request, that caution must be applied by the camp of the APC in its subtle but very clear pressure believed, is being mounted on the judiciary to see the developments from its lense.

“We insist that no amount of threat from the APC on the judges in the tribunal can change the processes and requirements that the law has put in place. It must be followed and that is the position of the Labour Party.

“We recall very clearly a mild but stern threat during the ‘Democracy Day’ Speech made by the APC-led administration where it stated emphatically that “It has become imperative to state here that the unnecessary illegal orders used to truncate or abridge democracy will no longer be tolerated.” We noted then that the warning appeared threatening enough as it sounded more totalitarian but today we are confronted with a sterner approach to whipping the judiciary into a pathway, a development if allowed unchallenged will spell doom for the nation.

“We see in that statement a call on the armies of the APC to awaken to their sworn vow to return to the trenches just the way they unleashed terror on our supporters during the February election. The same thugs that perpetrated “absurdity, chaos, and anarchy” and who were used to alter the will of Nigerians are still very present and willing to do the will of their paymasters. Let me assure the APC and their leaders that if there were no “absurdity, chaos, and anarchy” when they forced their way into power, Nigeria will still witness peace when they are eventually evicted from power.”

The PDP and a number of groups have also condemned President Tinubu’s submission.

Imo: Tragedy As Gunmen Murder Imo Monarch

By

The Source

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July 18, 2023

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By Charles Igbo

The people of Mbaise, especially, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, and more especially, Ezuhu Nguru-Nweke Community, Imo State, are reeling in shock, and scared of what tomorrow will bring. This follows the tragedy which befell them Monday afternoon.

The Traditional Ruler of the Community, His Royal Highness, Eze James Nnamdi, has been shot dead.

The Monarch was fatally shot by gunmen who invaded his Palace at about 3.00pm in the presence of a number of people.

Eye witnesses said the Gunmen announced their presence by releasing dozens of gunshots which sent scores of people in the Palace and environs running for their dear lives.

But apparently, the gunmen were interested in only one person, the Traditional Ruler. They rained bullets at him after allegedly reminding him that he was one of those who honoured a very highly placed individual with a chieftaincy title when they had warned against such honour.

After shooting him, they left him in his own pool of blood, and zoomed off in a sienna vehicle they came with.

Eze Nnamdi, still clinging to life, was rushed to a hospital, but it was late. The gunshots were fatal. He died, leaving his subjects in sorrow and in mourning.

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde swiftly condemned the gruesome murder of the Monarch, and promised a thorough investigation of the sad incident and the apprehension of the culprits.

Since the insecurity in the South-east, Imo State has lost, at least, five Traditional Rulers in the hands of gunmen and kidnappers.

Other States in the Region have fared no better than Imo.

“Why I Dumped PDP For APC” – Hon. Jerry Alagbaso

By

The Source

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July 17, 2023

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Immediate past House of Representatives Member for Orlu Federal Constituency comprising Oru East, Orsu and Orlu, Hon Jerry Alagbaso has said that Governor Hope Uzodimma’s performance in office was the key reason he decided to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Alagbaso spoke Monday in Owerri at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Chambers when he came to present himself to the Governor as an APC chieftain together with his supporters, some of who are officials of the opposition political party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“The main reason I am joining the APC is because of the performance of the governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma. He has done exceptionally well and we need to support and encourage him to continue with the good work he is doing in Imo State,” he said.

Alagbaso who said he had earlier submitted himself to the leadership of the APC in Abuja noted that it was necessary to also reaffirm his membership at the State, zonal and local government levels, hence he sought the approval of the governor to present himself again.

He also singled out the recent Imo Charter of Equity proposal on how to go about political contestation in the State, an idea he said the governor has thrown his weight behind, as another major factor that convinced him and most of his political allies, that Governor Uzodimma means well for the people and the State.

Alagbaso who said that he came with his supporters in his former Party, the PDP, including officials at the Ward, Zonal and State levels, noted that having seen that the APC is the Party at the federal government, State government and local government area and that the Party means well for Imo State, they resolved to be part of the efforts by the governor to better the lot of the State and the people.

Receiving the former federal Lawmaker, Governor Uzodimma who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku thanked Alagbaso for the bold step he took and the kind words he used on the Governor over his performance and assured him and his supporters of a level playing ground to contribute their own quota in the interest of Imo State and the Party.

Prof. Njoku said Alagbaso’s political journey in Imo State and Nigeria is noted for great accomplishment, hence his joining APC will mean a lot to the Party in terms of gains.

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the broom, the APC symbol, the constitution and the flag to Alagbaso and some of his key supporters, assisted by the officials of the State Working Committee.

The Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, his deputy, Rt Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Hon. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief COC Akaolisa, members of the State expanded executive council witnessed the occasion.

Also present were the State APC deputy Chairman, Hon. Dan Ogu, the Secretary, Chief Greg Madu, the Organising Secretary, Hon. Ik. Ibe, former Imo State APC Chairman, Barr. Marcellinus Nlemigbo, and other officials of the APC at the State and zonal levels.

PDP Flays Threats, Intimidation In Tinubu’s, APC Lawyers Written Address To PEPC

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Ayodele Oni

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July 17, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress, (APC) of attempting to blackmail the Judiciary, by inserting threats in its final written address, which it made public.

PDP asserts that the threat contained in the written address by lawyers to President Bola Tinubu and the APC to the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) is a pre-emptive move to intimidate the Judiciary.

This was contained in a statement in Abuja on Monday by the spokesman of the opposition party, Debo Ologunagba

It adds that “The statement by the lawyers in the said written address threatening crisis and anarchy in the country in the event of the Court ruling that their clients did not meet the Constitutionally required 25% votes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is subversive, an affront to Democratic Order and assault on the corporate existence of the nation.

“It is alarming and disturbing that the APC externalized to the public, their final written address in which they also threatened national peace if the Court upholds the clear provisions of Section 134 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) with regard to the mandatory and statutory requirements for which a Candidate in a Presidential election can be declared winner.

“The threats, either through Counsel or officials of the APC is calculated to intimidate and harass the Judiciary and indeed Nigerians.

“The PDP holds that the clear intent of the APC is to blackmail the Court and emasculate the independence of the judiciary to discharge its duties in accordance with the dictates of the law.

“This action is ostensibly to set the stage to orchestrate violent crisis in various parts of the country with the intention to further blackmail the PEPC.

“We ask, why is the APC externalizing their final written address to the public? Is the APC being pre-emptive and now seeks to heighten tension, subvert the judicial process and trigger anarchy, having realized the weakness of their case before the PEPC?

“The PDP however cautions and emphasizes that Nigeria is a country of Rule of Law. The statutory requirements for a winner in a Presidential election as provided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2022 are clear and unambiguous.

“The APC must therefore respect the provisions of the law and allow the judiciary to discharge its duties independently, without threats, intimidation and coercion.

“Contrary to the doomsday claims of the APC and its lawyers, upholding the provisions of the Constitution and the laws at this point will rather promote peace and stability in the polity, deepen our democracy and engender confidence in the Institution of the Judiciary.

“The PDP calls on Nigerians to remain calm, at alert and hopeful in the ability of the Judiciary to dispense justice accordingly.”

Niger State Records First Outbreak Of Anthrax Disease

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Ayodele Oni

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July 17, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Nigeria has recorded its first case of anthrax, a bacterium disease which mostly affects livestock such as cattle, sheep and goats.

The Federal Government, which confirms the outbreak, in Niger State, had earlier warned Nigerians weeks ago after learning of an anthrax outbreak in Northern Ghana where all infected animals had died.

This was disclosed in a statement on Monday, by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,signed by the chief veterinary officer, Dr. Columba Vakuru.

According to him, animals showing signs of a possible case of anthrax on a farm in Suleja, Niger State, were reported to the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria on July 14, 2023.

“The case was in a multi-specie animal farm comprising of cattle, sheep and goats located at Gajiri, along Abuja-Kaduna express way Suleja LGA Niger State, where some of the animals had symptoms including oozing of blood from their body openings – anus, nose, eyes and ears.

“A Rapid Response team comprising of federal and states Health Professional Team visited the farm to conduct preliminary investigations and collected samples from the sick animals.

“Subsequent laboratory tests by the National Veterinary Research Institute confirmed the diagnosis, marking the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years.”

The statement appealed to Nigerians to immediately report cases of animals bleeding from body openings to veterinary authorities, or agriculture extension workers.

“The blood of an anthrax-infected animal does not clot. Do not process or move the dead or sick animal, quickly report to your veterinary doctor or veterinary authorities at the ministry of agriculture in your state.”