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2023: PDP Lobbying Kwankwaso To Return To Party – Governor Diri

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri has revealed that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is not relenting in persuading New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Presidential Candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to return to the PDP.

Governor Diri added that he and some other PDP stalwarts are praying for the return of Kwankwaso to the PDP, as campaigns intensify for the 2023 general elections.

The Governor made this disclosure when Kwankwaso led top officials of his Campaign Council to visit him at the Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa.

Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, who represented Governor Diri said his Administration was on same page with Kwankwaso on several national problems affecting the country.

He also described the NNPP standard bearer as “an astute politician” who is passionate about working for a better Nigeria.

He, however, pointed out that current realities show that the country could be better fixed by the PDP.

The Governor went further by describing the State as one of the most environmentally terrorised places in the world with an unacceptable level of poverty that requires urgent attention.

He stressed that the State had been facing severe environmental degradation occasioned by gas flaring, crude oil spills and other environmentally unwholesome practices by multinational oil firms over the years.

According to him, what the State and its people need is a Nigerian President that would ensure environmental justice as well as true federalism in resource allocation and redistribution.

He was, however, on the same page with Kwankwaso as regards the country witnessing, what he called, decayed infrastructure, collapsed healthcare and education systems, in addition to pervasive poverty and  insecurity.

He said, “We agree with you in terms of the need to rescue Nigeria. But you know that there is no time your fowl and another will be wrestling that you will be seen clapping hands for the other fowl.

“Earlier, you put the poser across to us that you are expecting us to join you. But I want to let you know that we are also praying hard for you to come back to the PDP, where you rightly belong.”

In his speech, Kwankwaso, explained that he and his team were in the State to sell his aspiration and ideas on how best to fix the country.

He said he would mobilise all democratic forces to save Nigeria from insecurity, poverty, failed healthcare, agriculture, education and infrastructure, if elected as president in the elections scheduled for next month.

He noted that the party was not the issue, but electing the right person as president, warning that Nigerians would have themselves to blame if they did not vote “a healthy person as their next president.”

2023: Pastor Kumuiyi Urges Christians Not To Rely On Prayers Alone

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Ahead of the 2023 General Elections, the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Williams Kumuyi, has charged Christians to get their Permanent Voters Card, PVCs,come out en masse and vote.

The Clergyman said that praying is not enough without taking actions. He, therefore, urged Christians to take a bold step and take action ahead of the forthcoming 2023 General election.

Kumuiyi gave the advice in Asaba,  Delta State capital on Wednesday when he arrived the city for a six-day Global Crusade.

Speaking ahead of the Crusade, he said, “We are praying for the election but then we must follow up our prayers with action by coming out to vote en masse.

“Action in the sense that all those who are eligible to vote, should be intelligent and shouldn’t just cast their votes for wrong leaders. We should be careful by deciding who will rule over us.

“We are having security and economic problems at the moment, yes, we are praying but we need to come out en masse to elect good leaders.

“All these candidates want to win, nobody want to loose having spent huge amount of money to campaign but two, three or four persons cannot be president at same time.

“Only one person will be President at a time, it is not a do or die affair. Whosoever wins, the rest should accept it. I’m appealing to the Candidates to say what they want to say without fighting.”

The Deeper Life General Superintendent stated that he was not comfortable like every other Nigerian, with the insecurity and hardship in the country, adding that “even if one person goes hungry I’m not comfortable”

He added that the global crusade will be an unforgettable encounter with God, and it is scheduled to hold at the Cenotaph in Asaba from January 26 to 31, 2023.

Ahead February Poll: NJC Recommends 94 Judges, Judicial Officers

By
Ayodele Oni
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National Judicial Council - NJC

By Ayodele Oni

In an effort to tackle shortage of Judges and its attendant delayed disposition of cases, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended appointment of nine Heads of Courts and 84 other judicial officers.

It is also seen as parts of concerted efforts to prepare for challenges that may arise for Judiciary in the coming general elections.

The recommended persons would after appointments, serve at the Federal and State Courts in the country.

NJC in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, explained that the prospective candidates were presented for recommendations by its panel of interview during its 100th Meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

The statement by NJC’S Director of Information, Soji Oye listed those recommended as Chief Judges to include Justice Muhammad Tukur Mu’azu Aliyu for Kaduna, Justice Majebi Josiah Joe for Kogi, Justice Odusola Aiyedun Olusegun for Ondo, Justice Halima Sa’addiya Mohammed for Gombe and Justice Lilian Abai for Abia State.

Others are Justice Abdulateef Kamaldeen as Grand Kadi, Kwara State, Justice Stanley Adekunle Lawal, President, Customary Court of Appeal, FCT,  Justice Monisola Oluwatoyin Abodunde as President, Customary Court of Appeal in Ekiti and Justice Uhuo Patrick Uchenna as President, Customary Court of Appeal, Ebonyi State.

A breakdown of the recommended 84  Judicial officers showed that four are for Ondo High Court and they are Akinbinu Sylvester Femi, Leonard Boyede Ologun, Bolatito Florence Ajibade and Akinwumi Bankole Jacob.

The Customary Court of Appeal in Ekiti has three nominees and they are Lawrence Babatope Ojo, Adegboye Rotimi Adesoji and Ogundele Olufolakemi Olufunke.

Borno State has five for appointment as Judges and they include Amina Mustapha, Ibrahim Mohammed Maina, Hafsatu Isah Bappah, Bukar Malgwi Umar and Mallam Buna Makinta, while Anambra has two comprising

Etomike Innocent Ndigwe and Tagbo Chinwuba Anieto.

The five nominated for Sokoto High Court bench are Bashar Ibrahim, Fatima Ahmadu Suka,  Abubakar Adamu,  Kabiru Muhammad

and Amina Modi Yabo, while the Sharia Court of Appeal in the state has two nominees as Kadi and are Idris Adamu and Mustapha Abdullahi Ahmad.

Ogun State High Court has eight nominees comprising Oluwafunke  Omolara Odubanjo,

Adelaja Adeola Ireti,  Basirat Bolanle Adebowale, Adebayo Bamidele Adedapo,

Ayodele Adebayo Omoniyi, Sunday Olufemi Adeniyi, Awofeso Ireti-Olu Babatunde and Abimola Christopher Shokunbi.

The two nominees for Bayelsa State High Court are Charlie Ebiyon Duke and Ekadi Amadise Michael while the six for Ebonyi State are Esther Awo Ota, BUkeni Ogoke Stella Ejituruchi, Ruth Obaji Okeh, Blessing Ibeabuchi Chukwu, Christopher Ofoke Mbam and

Francis-Abba Solange Amaka.

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has six nominees including  Buhari Sani,  Damachi-Onugba Agede Joyce, Hassan Muhammed Yakubu, Sandra Audu Yelwa, Subilim Emmanuel Danjuma and Muhammad Adamu Hamza.

Cross Rivers High Court has two nominees in persons of Okokon Edem Nyong and Amajama Jacob Eneji while the four for Adamawa High Court are Christopher Dominic Mapeo, Ahmed Isa, Mohammed Ibrahim Tola

and Benjamin Lawan Manji.

Besides, Adamawa has one Kadi nominee for its Sharia Court of Appeal in person of Isa Yusuf khalid while its Customary Court of Appeal has another one Judge nominee in person of Adabala Nicholas.

The breakdown showed that Rivers State High Court has five candidates comprising Asivosuo Maccarthy Oriye, Omonigho Nwibani, Comfort Ifikmotu- Awaji Adangor,  Prince Chika Mini and Beauty Ihuoma Emmanuel-Okere while its Customary Court of Appeal has two Judges nominees, Odiki Daniel- Kalio and Tetenwi Ngeli Elerabari.

Zamfara High Court has four and they are Abdullahi Muhammad Gusau, Umar Adulnasir, Saad Garba Gurbin-Bore and Muntaka Ahmad Ya’akubu.

Osun State High Court has four nominees comprising Lasisi Muhammmed Adebayo,

Awe Micheal Oludare, Fatimah Adejoke Sodamade and Owolawi Joseph Olukunle while has one and is Adamu Mohammed Jajere as well as one Kadi for its Sharia Court of Appeal in person of Kasim Mohammed Kasim.

Kaduna State High Court bench has seven candidates and they are Yakubu Bodamasi, Abdullahi Isiaka, Buhari Mohammed Balarabe

Bashir Shitu Yusuf, Nana Fatima Mohammed

John Aku Ambi and Joyce Asabe Akaa’ahs.

Apart from the recommended seven high court Judges, NJC also sought for appointment of five Kadis for Kaduna Sharia Court of Appeal and they are Aminu Ahmad Jumare, Nuhu Mahmud, Murtala Nasir,  Abdulrahman Ibrahim and Mahdi Muhammad Suraj.

In the same vein, Kaduna Customary Court of Appeal is to have three Judges and they are

Dorothy Sim Inwulale, Atung Dorcaas Tabitta and  Yusuf Yakubu.

The breakdown also showed that Plateau State Customary Court of Appeal has only one Judge nominee – Jettei T. Pekun.

The NJC statement indicated that all recommended candidates would be sworn- in upon approval of their recommendations by their respective state governors and State Houses of Assembly.

FG Constitutes Committee For Ondo, Benin Ports

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Committee For Ondo and Benin Ports

By Ayodele Oni

In fulfillment of its promise to commence work on Ondo Deep Sea Port, the Federal Ministry of Transportation has inaugurated a Project Steering Committee.

A statement by the Director of Press in the Ministry, Henshaw Ogubike, stated that the Committee will also oversee  Benin River Ports.

The inauguration was performed on Wednesday in Abuja by the  Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation,  Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

The statement explained that setting up the steering committee for the proposed projects is in furtherance of the Federal Government’s efforts to decongest the Western Ports, as well as optimize the contributions of the maritime sector to the country’s economy.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Permanent Secretary said the terms of reference for the Committee include to provide guidance and direction on the projects and facilitate necessary permits, clearance and approvals.

She said it will also be the responsibility of the Committee to prepare the transaction for the Ministry to obtain Federal Executive Council’s approval.

Members of the Steering Committee include the Managing Director of the  Nigerian Ports Authority, representatives of the Federal Ministries of Finance and Justice, National Inland Waterways, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, among others.

Breaking: Uche Ikonne, PDP Governorship Candidate  Abia State, Dies

By
Uche Mbah
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Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne

By Uche Mbah

The Abia state Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party,  Professor Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, has  passed away.

A brief release from his son, Dr Uche Ikonne-Chikezia, said his father died of  multiple Cardiac arrest.

“I regret to announce the death of my dear father, Prof Eleazar Uchenna Ikonne, who died at the National Hospital Abuja today, 25th January 2023 by 4am after a brief illness,the release said.

“He was recovering after taking proper treatment in the United Kingdom but relapsed a few days ago leading to multiple cardiac arrests for which he didn’t recover from.

” Further details and arrangements would be made known to the public after deliberations and meetings are made within the family.”

Ikonne, a Professor of Optometry, was the 7th Vice Chancellor of Abia state University and former Rector of Abia state Polytechnic before venturing into Politics.

He had been off the public and political scene since November 2022. Speculations were rife that he was very unwell. The Governor of the State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, reluctantly confirmed Ikonne’s ill- health, but said he was on his way to recovery.

It is confirmed yet what the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, will be on a replacement for Ikonne, seeing that the election is less than 30 days away.

However, the Electoral Act provides a windows of 90 days for any replacement of Candidates by political parties. Already, there is a jostling for Ikonne’s replacement.

The Governorship election is slated for March 11, 2023.

Najatu Mohammed Bombshell: Buhari’s Nephew, ‘Tunde’ Sabiu Is Defacto President

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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President Muhammadu Buhari is not in charge of government, his role as commander in chief is now being performed by his cousin, Tunde Sabiu, a former Director of Civil Society of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, PCC has said.

Naja’atu Mohammed had resigned her role in the party last week citing the incapacity of Bola Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate to rule the country if he wins the February 25 election.

Since she left the party, the former and first president of NANS, Ahmad Bello University, Zaria and ardent critic of President Buhari has made a slew of revelations and allegations against her party. The latest is that Buhari’s authority has been hijacked by those close to him in the presidency.

Mohammed, a member of the Police Service Commission, PSC said the president has been absent in the decision making process in the villa, that his cousin is now in charge,

According to her, Sabiu popularly known as Tunde is the one that Service Chiefs report to, as the president continue to remain a figure head in his administration.

The activist who spoke to ThisDay on Wednesday, said the president has left the country without direction by throwing Nigeria to “the dogs,” adding that Sabiu now wields more power than any presidential appointee.

He said the president does not care about what is going on in the country, citing the level of corruption which she claimed has skyrocketed under the Buhari administration.

Under President Buhari’s watch, she said, billions have been stolen while government officials have become rich overnight.

She said, “In the first place, Buhari does not care about anything. He had never cared. He doesn’t care about the country, nor is he really in charge. He has thrown the country to the dogs. He has a prime minister in the name of his nephew—grand nephew Tunde. Whether we want to believe it or not, Tunde is the de facto president.

“I know that even the service chiefs report to him. Tunde is Sabiu. Do you know him?” He’s called Tunde because he was named after Tunde Idiagbon.

“On a few occasions when I had cause to see the president, I had given him in black and white some of the atrocities that are taking place in terms of corruption (and) theft of billions of naira. All he does is frown, and that’s the end of it. He doesn’t care. Sometimes, he tells you, ‘I don’t know..

“But how do you know? How do you know if you don’t want to know? He doesn’t want to know. He doesn’t care.,” Mohammed said.

The fiery rights activist who has declared her support for Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party, PDP, said she’s still a member of APC contrary to suggestion that she has been sacked from the party.

Buhari Chairs 14-Man Committee Constituted To End Fuel Scarcity

By
Uche Mbah
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0

By Uche Mbah

President Muhammadu Buhari has constituted a 14-Man Steering Committee to deal with the lingering nightmare of fuel scarcity, which has held the nation at the jugular during the dying days of 2022 and has spilled over to 2023.

Long queues continue to exist at filling stations, with marketers selling at their own prices of between N200 to N500 per liter. Even then, people sleep at filling stations to be able to purchase the commodity.

However, Buhari, who is the Petroleum Minister, is to Chair the Committee, while his Junior Minister, Timipre Silver, will co-chair the committee.

This was contained in a statement issued by Silver’s Senior Adviser on Media & Communications, Horatius Egua.

Egua said the committee has been mandated to ensure “transparent and efficient supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country”, among other things.

Part of the terms of reference is to see to proper stock management, visibility of programs of NNPC Limited.

Recently, NNPC was collapsed into a Limited Liability Company.

The Minister directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to ensure “strict compliance with the government-approved ex-depot and retail prices for PMS”.

He gave NMDPRA marching orders to ensure that NNPC meets the domestic supply obligation of PMS and other petroleum products.

This is not the first time government is giving such marching orders. Last year, the Directorate of state services, DSS, gave a 48 hour ultimatum for fuel scarcity to end. The ultimatum fizzled out without effect.

Other members of the committee include the Minister of Finance, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, National Economic Adviser to the President, Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS), Comptroller-General, Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Member (EFCC), and Commandant-General, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

The rest are the Authority Chief Executive, Nigerian Midstream and Member Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), G r o u p Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Limited, Special Advisor (Special Duties) to the HMSPR while the Technical Advisor (Midstream) to the HMSPR will serve as Secretary.

Parties Seek God’s Face as Tribunal Is Set To Deliver Judgement In Osun Gov Election Petition

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Fears and apprehension now reign among members of the two leading political parties, All Progressive Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun state as the Election Petition Tribunal is set to deliver judgement.

Report says members of the APC loyal to former Governor Gboyega Oyetola have embarked on fasting and praying seeking God’s face over the judgement.

Former Governor Oyetola had earlier told his supporters that the judgement will favour him, while Governor Ademola Adeleke said the former Governor is day dreaming.

The Osun Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has announced that it will on Friday January 27, 2023 deliver judgement in the suit filed by former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola challenging the election of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The three-man panel led by Justice Tertse Kume had two weeks ago entertained the final written addresses of counsels to the plaintiff, the first respondent – the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 2nd respondent – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the third respondent – Governor Adeleke.

According to Nigeria’s electoral laws, the verdict of the tribunal may be challenged up to the Supreme Court.

With the Tribunal’s judgement coming on Friday, the political set up of the state may likely be re- written, while alignment and re alignment will resume.

Peter Obi Attacked In Katsina, Escapes Being Hit By Stone; Car Damaged

By
The Source
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0
Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, came under heavy attack by hoodlums in Katsina, on Monday.

Obi  had held what was described by the Presidential Campaign Council as a successful Rally, attended by a mammoth crowd. But on his way to the Airport, he was attacked by hoodlums who threw stones and other dangerous weapons at his car on two occasions.

In a statement signed by Head of its Media Office, Diran Onifade, the  Obi-Datti Campaign Office condemned the attack, and called on Security Agencies to investigate the incident.

The full text of the statement reads:

“The Obi/Datti Presidential Campaign Council hereby condemns the attack on our Presidential Candidate Mister Peter Obi in Katsina, Katsina State yesterday (Monday).

“Our candidate had met with women in a townhall and then held a hugely successful Rally at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium.

“However, on his way to the airport, hoodlums attacked the car our candidate was riding in with heavy stones from his driver’s side causing substatial damage to the vehicle.

“To the glory of God, Mr Obi and other occupants of the car were unhurt.

“Subsequently another set of thugs, also,  threw stones outside the stadium which damaged several  vehicles including that of our official  stage crew.

“The two incidents, taken together, make us suspect that the attacks may have been premeditated at the behest of desperate politicians who had been deluding themselves with the false claim that they had the North-west locked up but are now shocked by the show of force of the Obidient movement in the region.

“While thanking the good people of Katsina who came out enmasse to support our campaign yesterday,  we call on security agencies to investigate this matter to forestall future occurrences.”

Police Service Commission Forecloses Tenure Elongation For Officers

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Alkali Baba Usman - IGP

By Ayodele Oni

The Police Service Commission (PSC) which on Monday distanced itself from the tenure elongation for the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) says no other officers of the Force will enjoy such privilege.

The Commission on Tuesday explained that those Police Officers due for retirement before the commencement of the general elections must exit the service.

In a statement, PSC Spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, said the Commission will not extend the tenures of the retiring senior police officers.

According to him, all existing laws, the Police Act, PSC Act and the constitution of Nigeria constrain the Commission from elongating the tenure of retiring senior police officers.

“The Commission took a decision that it will not extend the tenures of the retiring senior police officers, stressing that even when requested, it cannot do so as it is against all existing laws, Police Act, Police Service Commission Act and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He assured Nigerians that there is an institutional succession plan in the Nigeria Police Force, especially with the current injection of 10,000 Constables and several other thousands of cadet Assistant Superintends of Police (ASPs) from the Police Academy every year.

Following a Management meeting on Monday, Ani stated the ongoing campaign for the extension of the tenures of some Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), Commissioners (CPs), and other senior police officers is unnecessary.

He described it as an affront to all existing laws in the country guiding entry and exit in the public service.

“The Commission assured Nigerians that there will be no vacuum in the hierarchy of the Police with the touted retirement of hundreds of senior police officers.

“It took a decision to rigidly uphold the provisions of the law which stipulates that a serving public Officer, whether in the Police or in any other government agency, must exit the service at the age of 60 or having served for a period of 35 years.

“The Commission said it would not encourage the subversion of the laws guiding entry and exit in to the Nigeria Public Service, adding that the retiring senior Police Officers are not indispensable and that their exit would not in any way or manner affect the success of the 2023 general election.”

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