Osun Govt Election: Supreme Court Judgement Double-Edged Sword – Keyamo

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May 10, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The decision of the Supreme Court on the Osun State Governorship Election may be precedent in determining pending petitions on the outcome of February Presidential Election.

Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, has warned that the Supreme Court ruling on Governor Ademola Adeleke could be a double-edged sword.

Those celebrating Adeleke’s victory, according to Keyamo, should study the Supreme Court’s principles on the tenability of results retrieved from the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, to prove over-voting.

He stated that the decision could have an impact on the pending Presidential Election Petitions.

The Supreme Court confirmed Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), as governor of Osun State on Tuesday.

The decision was delivered by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, who ruled that former Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, who challenged Adeleke’s victory, based all of his allegations against the election on unfounded hearsay.

While reading the judgement, Justice Emmanuel Agim also held that the Court of Appeal correctly set aside the decision of the Tribunal as there is no way Oyetola could depend on only the information of the back end server and not look into the voters register which forms a foundation of the electoral process in any polling unit.

Keyamo, on the other hand, cautioned those who were celebrating Adeleke’s Supreme Court victory.

Tweeting, Keyamo wrote: “They have not even stopped for a minute in their euphoria to reflect on the principles enunciated by the Supreme Court as it affects the tenability of results obtained by BVAS to prove over-voting and how it affects their pending Presidential Election Petitions that will go before the same Supreme Court in a few months’ time.

“The Supreme Court has set a precedent that can be a two-edged sword and when I reflected on it, I just chuckled. Awaiting the final decision of the Presidential Election cases.”

House of Reps Officers: Opposition Members Elect Set To Wrestle Power From APC, To Choose Candidates For Contest

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Ayodele Oni

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May 10, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

It may not be a smooth ride for adopted candidate from the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC), for speakership of the incoming green chamber as Opposition members-elect are set to give a good fight to clinch the seat.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Enugu State Branch, Chief CNN Nwagbara, had said that selection of speaker or Senate president is not determined by party majority.

The legal luminary was of the view that the members-elect had the sole right to choose their leader through indirect election within themselves in line with section 92 of the 1999 constitution.

Some members of the House of Representatives elect mainly from opposition parties have set up a committee to screen and select candidates to run for Speaker of the 10th Assembly.

In a statement in Abuja, the members-elect announced Nicholas Mutu as Chairman, and Victor Ogene as Secretary of the 11-man committee.

The statement, which was signed by Ogene and three other members of the caucus, said that the committee has one week to turn in its report.

The members, drawn from eight parties which refers to itself as the “Greater Minority” said that with 183 members, they have what it takes to produce the speaker as against the 173 members of the APC.

“Based on the common pact which our respective political parties have with the Nigerian people, which is to holding government accountable to the people, we resolved to step into the arena, by offering credible and alternative leadership options.

“In keeping with this resolve, the “Greater Majority” of the 10th House of Representatives has put together an 11-man Committee – complemented by a chairman and secretary – charged with the task of shortlisting, screening and eventual recommendation of aspirants for the Speakership and Deputy Speaker positions.

“With a long-standing member of the House of Representatives, Nicholas Mutu as Chairman, and Victor Ogene as Secretary, the Committee has one week to turn in its Report.”

Members of the Committee include, Rep. Abdulmumini Jibrin, Deputy Chairman (NNPP) Rep. Oluwole Oke (PDP) Rep. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi (SDP) and Rep. Beni Lar (PDP).

Others are, Dr Ali Isa (PDP) Kabiru Rurum (NNPP) Donatus Mathew Kuzalio (LP) Yusuf Salisu Majigiri (PDP) Nnabuife Chinwe Clara(YPP) Maureen Chinwe APGA, Idris Salman(ADC) and Afam Ogene Secretary (LP)

The APC dominates the House of Representatives with 175 seats, while the PDP has 118 and LP controls 35.

The NNPP has 19 seats, APGA, five seats, while SDP and ADC have two seats each while the YPP has a single seat.

Ondo: Suspected Cultists Invade Owo, Kill Three Persons, Cart Away Bodies

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Ayodele Oni

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May 10, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Owo, an ancient town in Ondo State has been bombarded by suspected cultists, an operation that has led to the death of three persons as at Tuesday night.

Some residents in the town explained that the killings were allegedly carried out by suspected cultists.

Apart from shooting dead victims, their corpses were carted away by the invaders.

The state security agencies including the police and Amotekun corps confirmed the incident and their readiness to track down those behind the incident.

The State Police Command Spokesperson, Funmilayo Ibklam, said policemen were yet to track down the killers.

“The Police is currently on patrol within Owo, just spoke with the Area Commander and DPO, no one is ready to report or even assist with an information. However, the anti-cultism men have been deployed.”

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the governor on security matters, Adetunji Adeleye who doubles as commander of Amotekun corps, said security operatives had been deployed to curb the killings and to make necessary arrest immediately.

Governor Oyebanji Backs Akpabio For Senate Presidency, Says Ekiti Senators Solidly Behind Him

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Akinwale Kasali

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May 10, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Senate Presidency aspiration of Godswill Obot Akpabio has received a huge boost following the backing of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji and Ekiti State Senators.

The Governor said he has endorsed Akpabio for the position to succeed the incumbent Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, stressing that Ekiti State is committed to a united and formidable 10th National Assembly and the decision by the All-Progressives Congress, APC, National Working Committee to zone the Senate President position to the South-South.

Oyebanji gave the assurance to Akpabio when he hosted him in Abuja, alongside some senators-elect. The meeting also had in attendance elected senators from Ekiti: Opeyemi Bamidele, Yemi Adaramodu and Cyril Fasuyi.

Speaking during the meeting, Oyebanji said Ekiti APC had keyed into NWC’s decision on the 10th Assembly leadership.

“in Ekiti State, we are committed to a united National Assembly and we are also committed to the decision of the National Working Committee of the APC with respect to the zoning and you can attest to the fact that all the senators are here with me just to have dinner with Akpabio.

“We are supporting his aspiration as directed by the national body of the party. We are in this together, we are not only supporting, we will identify with him publicly and that is what I have done.

“All Ekiti senators and the leaders, all the former governors – we are in the same boat. We respect the sanctity of the party and we appeal to all contenders to also follow the advice of the National Working Committee.

“It is only when we are united that we can ensure progressive development of the country. Senator Akpabio has been called to serve and he needs all support and we shall give him that,” Oyebanji was quoted as saying in a statement by his media aide, Yinka Oyebode.

There have been issues regarding the zoning of the Senate Presidency, in which the South East Senators have urged the President Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to look their way as they have been marginalized.

Kano: Farmers Lament Lack Of Modern Equipment, Want 20 Percent Budgetary Allocation To Agriculture

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Ayodele Oni

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May 10, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Clusters of farmers associations in Kano state have lamented that obsolete farming equipment coupled with lack of access to fertilizers and services of extension officers may force them out of business.

The group of farmers, that have branches across the 44 Local government areas of the Kano state, under the banner of ‘We Farm the Food’ have appealed to the Federal government to invest and allocate 20percent, of its budget to Agriculture for gross domestic product and economic transformation.

Chairman of the State’s Farmers Association:‘We Farm the Food’ Bako Ibrahim Sabo, made this call during a one day capacity building seminar tagged ‘Mu koma Gona’ in Hausa which means Let go back to the farms, at Dagumawa, Wudil Local government area.

The seminar was primarily aimed at educating the farmers and boost their morale despite the set backs they are encountering.

Bako Sabo, added that past governments neglected the sector, despite the numerous plans and Programmes for Agriculture, but they are merely on paper rather than practical.

“Irrigation scheme has been severely reduced due to the excessive cost, which endanger livelihoods of thousands of people, the authority needs to come to boost the capacity.

“There is possible drought and famine threats across the state and nationwide, also last year low crop yields in some areas still continue to have ripple effects, we are in danger of drought ravaged food insecurity, which need broad based development to salvage the flight of the rural farmers.”

The Agriculturalist called on the incoming federal administration to invest heavily in Agriculture, which he suggested that it should allocate 20 percent of its budget to the sector to close the gap and compete globally as Agriculture remains one of the economy most important driver.

Rural farmers that participated at the event, lamented the obstacle they are facing ranging from obsolete and outdated mechanized farming tools, to high cost of fertilizer, shortage of ADP’s and Agricultural extension workers, lack of know how and usage of seeds and crops.

They called for routine seminar/workshop/capacity building as it improves their knowledge as well as bridging the gap.

Power Is Back To The People, Atiku Speaks On Adeleke’s Victory

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James Orji

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May 10, 2023

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Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has praised the Supreme Court for validating the election of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

On Tuesday, the apex court five-man panel affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal that Adeleke was the winner of last year’s governorship election in the state, a decision that finally ended the legal tussle that lasted for months, after Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress, APC, challenge the declaration of Adeleke as winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The state Election Petition Tribunal had earlier declared the former governor the winner of the tight election.

In his reaction, Atiku who lost the presidential election in February said the apex court ruling on the matter is a clear warning to those that may want to subvert the country’s Electoral process in the future

The PDP candidate said the supreme court stood in the side of the people of Osun by its decision to validate the election of Adeleke.

“The law governing our elections has truly brought power to the people, and those power mongering politicians who believe that they can freely subvert the inherent power of democracy now have their hopes dashed.” he said.

Meanwhile, the APC in the state has accepted the judgment, saying it will now effectively play its role as the opposition party.

Buhari To See Dentist In London

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James Orji

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May 10, 2023

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President Muhammadu Buhari will remain in London for another week to see his dentist, the presidency has said.

The president left the country last week to take part in the coronation of England Monarch, King Charles lll, and was billed to return after the elaborate ceremony attended by many world leaders.

Buhari will now have to stay back in London to see his dentist, according to Femi Adesina, the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

Adesina said in a statement on Tuesday that Buhari decided to stay back at the behest of his doctor, saying treatment has already started and will take five days.

According to Adesina, “President Muhammadu Buhari will be in London, United Kingdom, for an additional week, at the behest of his dentist, who has started attending to him,” the statement reads.

“The specialist requires to see the president in another five days for a procedure already commenced.”

Buhari who left the country on May 3, alongside some federal government officials took part in the May 6 coronation.

He was accompanied on the trip by Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation; Geoffrey Onyeama, minister of foreign affairs; Lai Mohammed, minister of information and culture; and Babagana Monguno, national security adviser.

Not a few Nigerians have condemned the president’s decision to always seek medical treatment abroad when he can conveniently find better medical facilities in the country.

The president who has spent a better part of his administration seeking medical treatment in London has been dragged by not a few Nigerians who said he has not shown good example to others.

Why can’t the president made use of the multi-billion naira Aso Rock clinic, many are asking.

NIMASA DG Harps On Maritime Tourism For Economic Development

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James Orji

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May 10, 2023

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The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has called for collaboration between the tourism and maritime sectors in Nigeria, stating that with the enormous resources inherent in the maritime sector, the tourism industry when fully tapped will benefit the nation’s economy.

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Jamoh stated this at the 6th National Tourism Transportation Summit and Expo organised by the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria, ITPN, in collaboration with the Ministries of Transportation, Aviation, Information, and Culture at the International Conference Centre Abuja.

Speaking on the topic, “Tourism and the Development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy,” Jamoh observed that investment must not necessarily involve huge materials and human capital, noting that, like other economic sectors, small and medium-scale business was also possible to generate the number of jobs and other economic benefits associated with the tourism sector.

According to Jamoh, “I must acknowledge here that tourism is one sector that Nigeria is doing very well. But unfortunately, the marine tourism component is one area where we are currently lagging behind when compared to other economies of the world. I am fascinated, and must commend the organisers of this event, because a Well-managed tourism sector can support conservation while contributing to sustainable development and providing income opportunities and a higher quality of life”

Speaking further, Jamoh correlated the relationship between NIMASA, maritime potential and the tourism sector, noting that maritime safety and security was sacrosanct for marine tourism development. He stressed that there was need for stakeholders to support all engagements and policies statement of government on preservation of Nigeria’s biodiversity, maritime ecosystem and other endowments, which are valuable assets for marine tourism development.

He also noted that the benefits from tourism would only be achieved with security guarantees, suggesting that this couldbe achieved by closing gaps and linking associated cities through building of infrastructure, while the bodies of water between them are used for tourist attractions.

“Research shows that the Oceans economy is worth about 20 trillion dollars. These include the fishing, pharmaceutical, and renewable energy industries. Therefore, we have to develop, preserve and protect our maritime endowments and link these industries appropriately, to achieve the desired goal. As an Agency of government, NIMASA will always play that complementary role of supporting economic growth and development. We have invested a lot in the acquisition and deployment of maritime security assets, so I urge stakeholders in the maritime sector to take advantage of what we have done and invest in relevant marine tourism areas because our waters are now safe”, Jamoh said.

He called for proactive measures, stressing that Pollu tion of marine and freshwater resources, Soil and land resources, desertification and salinification due to excessive water use, overuse of fertilizers, erosion, air pollution, loss of cultural resources, and social disruption could be result of marine tourism development.

The 6th National Tourism Transportation Summit, aimed at discovering and exploring the opportunities in the Nigeria tourism sector was themed, “AFCFTA: Exploring Intra-African Trade, Tourism and Transportation Opportunities and Mitigating the Barriers to Collaboration”.

U.S. Mission Congratulates The 2023 Cohort Of The Mandela Washington Fellowship Program

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The Source

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May 10, 2023

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The U.S. Mission in Nigeria is pleased to announce the names of the 57 Nigerians who were selected for 2023 cohort of the Mandela Washington Fellowship program. Launched in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and embodies the U.S. commitment to invest in the future of Africa. The Fellowship is composed of academic coursework, leadership training, and networking.

The Fellows will travel to 28 cities across the United States from June 21 to August 4 to participate in Leadership Institutes hosted by American colleges and universities. In the final week of their program, the fellows will converge with their sub-Saharan counterparts in Washington D.C. for a Leadership Summit which will feature meetings with top U.S. government officials and private sector leaders.

In his remarks at the pre-fellowship orientation reception, Charge d’Affaires David Greene said, “The U.S. Mission is committed to supporting Nigerian youth and providing them opportunities to reach their full potential, especially our Mandela Washington Fellows. We look forward to working with you in the future to deepen the relationship between the United States and Nigeria.”

Since 2014, over 500 young leaders from Nigeria have participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship. U.S. Mission Nigeria is proud to announce the 2023 cohort of Mandela Washington Fellows.

	First Name	Last Name	Track	Leadership Institute
1	Abdulrahman	Ahmed	Leadership in Public Management	Texas Tech University
2	Abiola Nurudeen	Durodola	Leadership in Civic Engagement	The Presidential Precinct
3	Abubakar	Umar	Leadership in Public Management	University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
4	Adaeze	Menekpugi	Leadership in Business	Drake University
5	Aisha	Abdullahi Bubah	Leadership in Business	Drake University
6	Aisha	Jaafar	Leadership in Public Management	Replacement candidate yet to be placed in an institute
7	Anthony	Okoboshi	Leadership in Public Management	University of California – Davis
8	Blessing	Ashi	Leadership in Civic Engagement	University of Maryland, Baltimore County
9	Chimdindu	Neliaku-Chukwu	Leadership in Public Management	Arizona State University
10	Chukwuemeka	Uzoho	Leadership in Public Management	Wayne State University
11	Comfort	Effiom	Leadership in Public Management	Arizona State University
12	Damilola	Oligbinde	Leadership in Public Management	Cornell University
13	Diepriye	Diri	Leadership in Civic Engagement	Michigan State University
14	Ebenezar	Okafor	Leadership in Public Management	Wayne State University
15	Elijah	Affi	Leadership in Business	Drake University
16	Gabriel	Ogunsua	Leadership in Business	Lehigh University
17	Geraldine	Ofulue	Leadership in Public Management	Texas Tech University
18	Godspower	Oyubu	Leadership in Civic Engagement	Kansas State University
19	Godwin	Henry	Leadership in Civic Engagement	Florida Gulf Coast University
20	Hashidu	Aminu	Leadership in Business	Rutgers University
21	Henrietta	Anene	Leadership in Business	Clark Atlanta University
22	Ibrahim	Hassan	Leadership in Civic Engagement	Drexel University
23	Jasper	Deebari	Leadership in Public Management	University of California – Davis
24	Jemimah	David-Makeri	Leadership in Civic Engagement	Michigan State University
25	Jessica	Oba	Leadership in Public Management	Howard University
26	Julius	Ilori	Leadership in Civic Engagement	University of Delaware
27	Mahfuz	Alabidun	Leadership in Civic Engagement	Drexel University
28	Mathias	Pwol	Leadership in Business	Jackson State University
29	Michael	Showunmi	Leadership in Civic Engagement	University of Georgia
30	Mohammed	Lawal	Leadership in Civic Engagement	The Presidential Precinct
31	Muhammad	Usman	Leadership in Business	Purdue University
32	Muhammad	Yakubu	Leadership in Business	University of Texas at Austin
33	Nkemakonam	Agu	Leadership in Business	Drake University
34	Nnanna	John	Leadership in Business	University of Notre Dame
35	Okeoghene	Akusu	Leadership in Public Management	Bridgewater State University
36	Oluwafunke	Adeoye	Leadership in Civic Engagement	University of Georgia
37	Oluwatoyin	Olufon	Leadership in Business	University of Notre Dame
38	Onyedikachi	Nwakanma	Leadership in Civic Engagement	University of Delaware
39	Onyeka	Nwigwe	Leadership in Civic Engagement	Michigan State University
40	Osato	Omo-Osemwingie	Leadership in Business	Purdue University
41	Praise	Akobo	Leadership in Civic Engagement	University of Georgia
42	Rabi	Sufi	Leadership in Public Management	Wayne State University
43	Saad Ayodeji	Erubu	Leadership in Public Management	Bridgewater State University
44	Saheed	Ibrahim	Leadership in Public Management	Syracuse University
45	Sandra	Orgu	Leadership in Public Management	Texas Tech University
46	Sunday	Onuche	Leadership in Civic Engagement	University of Maryland, Baltimore County
47	Susanne	Ogunleye	Leadership in Business	University of Nevada-Reno
48	Sylvia Chioma Chigozie	Nwosu	Leadership in Civic Engagement	Michigan State University
49	Terese	Akpem	Leadership in Business	Purdue University
50	Testimony	Asiagwu	Leadership in Business	University of Notre Dame
51	Uju	Onyekachi	Leadership in Business	University of Notre Dame
52	Uyi	Effiom	Leadership in Public Management	University of California – Davis
53	Uyiosa	Obasohan	Leadership in Public Management	University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
54	Victoria	Ogwanighie	Leadership in Business	Clark Atlanta University
55	Vivian	Ezeonwumelu	Leadership in Public Management	Syracuse University
56	Yusuf	Nurudeen	Leadership in Public Management	Bridgewater State University
57	Zainab	Ahmad	Leadership in Business	University of Texas at Austin

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX. For more information about the Mandela Washington Fellowship, visit mandelawashingtonfellowship.org.

Jonathan Commiserates With Ken Nnamani Over Wife’s Death

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The Source

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May 10, 2023

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Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has offered his condolences to former Senate President, Chief Ken Nnamani whose wife, Mrs Jane Nnamani, died on Monday in Enugu State.

In a condolence message to Chief Nnamani, Dr. Jonathan expressed his sadness over the news of the passing of the spouse of the former Senate President, describing it as sudden and distressing. The former President further noted that late Mrs. Nnamani made valuable contributions to the growth of the society and urged Chief Nnamani and his family members to be comforted and take solace in the good name she left behind.

The former President wrote: “I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your dear wife, Lady Jane Nnamani, who died last Monday in Enugu. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time of mourning, knowing how you cherished her as a valuable partner and friend.

“Mrs. Nnamani was an amazing woman who made a remarkable impact in the society and touched the lives of many people who knew her. She was kind, compassionate and God-fearing for which she will be remembered. May you and the family find comfort and peace in those memories and reflections on her good works.

“On behalf of my family, please accept my deepest condolences.”

Ikechukwu Eze

S.A. to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan