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Explosion Mars APC Rally In Rivers State, Many  Injured

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bomb Explosion at APC Rally

By Akinwale Kasali

There was pandemonium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Capital as the All Progressives Congress’, APC,’ Presidential Rally was halted at the Rumuwoji Playground following a twin explosion that rocked the venue.

There were fatalities. Many were left injured and were  rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

It was alleged that some youths had prevented the party from holding the rally at the field located at the popular Mile one area of Port Harcourt.

They were said to have  barricaded and shut the gate to the field, thereby denying the party access to the field.

The Publicity Secretary of the APC, Darlington Nwauju, confirmed the incident, describing it as ‘unfortunate’.

Speaking further, Nwauju said that It is another black day in the annals of democracy where all sorts of underhand strategies are deployed to frustrate opposition political parties in Rivers State.

“The National Security Adviser, General Monguno, the DG of DSS and IGP Usman Alkali must zero in on Rivers State and stamp out politically sponsored violence. No single opposition politician is safe. We have also intercepted credible intelligence of plans to attack key opposition politicians in Rivers state.”

Also confirming the incident is the Rivers State Police Command  spokesperson, Iringe-Koko, also confirmed the incident.

However, the Rivers State Police Command was yet to issue any statement on the incident as at the time of filing the report.

CBN Reads Riot Act; To Sanction Banks Hoarding New Naira Notes

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Following complains from Nigerians over the unavailability of the new Naira notes in Banks and at the Automated Teller Machines, ATM, across the Federation, the Central Bank Of Nigeria, CBN, has said that Banks found hoarding the new notes will be  sanctioned.

The Apex Bank read the riot act following series of complaints on the hoarding of the new Naira Notes by Commercial Banks. CBN claims that it has produced more than enough for distribution across all the Banks in the country.

The CBN Kano Branch Controller, Umar Biu, disclosed this during a sensitisation programme on the new Naira notes organised for traders at the Sabon Gari market in Kano on Thursday.

The sensitisation programme was also extended to the popular Kwari Market, Wapa Bureau De Change Market, Kofar Wambam market and the famous Kurmi market in the Kano metropolis.

He said the traders have the right to report any bank found either hoarding the new naira notes or charging customers before depositing their old Naira notes.

“You have the right to report any bank found hoarding the new Naira notes or refusing to collect your old Naira notes before the 31st January 2023 deadline.

“No bank should refuse to collect the old naira notes until the deadline of 31st January 2023,” the Branch Controller said.

According to him, the apex bank has directed Commercial Banks to desist from payment on the counter as part of effort to check the favouritism of customers.

He maintained there is no going back on the 31st January 2023 deadline adding that all the old naira notes would cease to be legal tender on that date.

The CBN branch controller further called on the market men and women to report banks that were still loading the old naira notes on their Automatic Teller Machines.

He said the sensitisation was designed to enlighten them on the need to deposit the old notes before the deadline to avoid any loss.

The CBN boss advised all Nigerians to ensure that they deposit their old Naira notes with them at their Commercial Banks, before the expiration of the January 31, 2023 deadline.

Implication Of Non-Payment Of Judges Retirement Benefits – NJC

By
Ayodele Oni
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National Judicial Council - NJC

By Ayodele Oni

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has observed that the non-payment of retirement benefits of Judges can compromise their integrity while still on active service.

The council, on Thursday in Abuja flayed the refusal of some State Governments to pay retirement benefits of Judges at the State Judiciary.

According to the council, the actions of the affected States were worrisome and condemnable in all ramifications.

In s statement at the end of the Council’s meeting, presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, NJC asked the defaulting States to belt up in the discharge of their legal obligations on  payment of retirement benefits to Judicial officers.

The statement by the NJC’s Director of Information, Mr Soji Oye read in part “NJC under the Chairmanship of Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, at its 100th Meeting held on 19 January 2023, deliberated on the worrisome situation whereby many Judicial Officers of the States are being owed their retirement benefits, including severance pay/gratuity and pensions.

“After due consideration, Council condemns in very strong terms this act, which is undermining the Rule of Law and Section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

“It therefore calls on the offending States to ensure that all entitlement of retired Judges are fully settled forthwith.

“Council further directed State Chief Judges to file reports on compliance, to reach the Council not later than 1 April 2023.”

Lagos State Police Command Records 206 Murder Cases, Arrests 405 Robbery Suspects, Kills 51  Between 2021-2022

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Police Command has disclosed that it is not resting on its oars in combating crime in the and ensure Lagosians are safe.

Spokesman for  the Command, Benjamin Hundeyin revealed that no fewer than 405 robbery suspects were arrested and 51 others killed during an exchange of gunfire between 2021 and 2022.

Hundeyin added that 245 suspects were arrested, 25 killed from 17 robbery incidents in 2021, while 160 were arrested and 26 killed from 20 incidents in 2022.

He said that 350 robbery operations were foiled within the period under review, with 169 in 2021 and 181 in 2022.

The Spokesman said that 206 arms and 775 ammunition were recovered during the period, with 108 arms and 348 ammunition recorded in 2021, while 98 arms and 427 ammunition were recovered in 2022.

Hundeyin noted that 262 suspected cultists were arrested during the period from 32 cultism cases recorded, while 128 were arrested from 18 cases in 2021, 134 others from 14 cases in 2022.

He said that 206 murder cases were recorded in 2022 against 192 in 2021, adding that suicide cases rose from 25 in 2021 to 30 in 2022.

Hundeyin added that  three police personnel lost their lives in the command from 20 attacks during the period, with each year recording 10 attacks.

He said that kidnapping cases reduced from five in 2021 to two in 2022, with the arrest of three suspects.

Hundeyin said that 35 vehicles were recovered within the period with 10 in 2021 and 25 in 2022.

He said that the other 32 stolen vehicles reported to the command were yet to be recovered.

2023: Governor Ortom Says PDP Not Sincere With Reconciliation

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, who is also a member of the aggrieved five Governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, popular as the G-5, has disclosed that the Iyorchia Ayu-led PDP is not sincere with its reconciliation approach.

Ortom added that the leadership of the PDP should be held responsible if the reconciliation moves fail with weeks to the 2023 General Elections.

He claimed that the leadership of the PDP is not using the right approach in addressing the issues with the aggrieved Governors who are bent on Ayu resigning as the National Chairman of the Party.

In an interview with journalists Wednesday, Ortom said that there has been no efforts by the leadership of Party in addressing the issues raised by the G-5 members who include Ortom, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Ikpeazu of Abia, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.

According to him, “They have not been able to adopt methods that will pacify and placate the G5. This is not right. So, on the G5, that is where we are.

“Arrogance, impunity, mischief, will not really help matters. One will expect that humility, it is said that you stoop down to conquer even if you want to make it,” Ortom said.

The former All Progressives Congress, APC, member added that the leadership of the PDP should have been proactive and humble in addressing members’ grievances.

“There are many ways if you have proactive leadership, a leadership that is humble. But when you treat people like they call us that ‘they are children’. I mean, a man of 62, how is he a child? A man at 50, how is he a child? But none of us is less than 40 years. We are leaders in our own right. Our people elected us. You can’t just sit in Abuja and make this kind of a thing.

“We are committed to issues of integrity, issues of fairness, equity, and justice.”

He added, “I think we are on course as far as I’m concerned with our group (G5). As faithful Party men, we have given enough time. And we are told that the failed leadership at the National level will take advantage of the opportunity we have given them to address those issues.

“There are many ways of addressing issues even when you are not able to meet the demands of a group or individuals. But when people decide to be arrogant, and mischievous and do things as if the other person does not exist and try to do some things with impunity, as if they have won the election, and they don’t need any other person, it becomes a problem.”

Dethroned Obong Of Calabar, Re-elected To The Throne

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V - Obong of Calabar

By Adesina Soyooye

The dethroned Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi-Otu V, has reclaimed the throne from which he was sacked on Friday, January 12, 2023.

The Supreme Court  ended the legal battle which spanned over 10 years when it dethroned the Obong, and ordered the Etuboms Traditional Council  to, immediately hold a new selection process to elect a new Obong. However, it  allowed the dethroned Obong to participate in the new selection process.

On Wednesday, January 17, 2023, the Council, after a fresh process, proclaimed,  at  the Obong’s Palace,  that the dethroned Obong has, again, emerged victorious, and so, reclaimed the prestigeous seat.

His first victory was challenged by a former Minister of Finance under the late General Sani Abacha regime, Etubong Anthony Ani, who insisted that due process was not adhered to. Even after his coronation, the battle to sack him continued.

The Supreme Court has, now, put a seal on it.

Uzodimma Donates Vehicles To Security Agencies To Enhance PVC Collection: Begins sensitisation in LGAs

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma

Governor Hope Uzodinma on Wednesday began a sensitisation visit to all the 27 local government areas of Imo State as  the elections next month draw closer, donating 27 brand new Hilux vehicles to security agencies in the State as a way of enhancing the collection of PVCs by the electorate at the Independent National Electoral Commission centres.

The 27 vehicles were handed over to the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, on behalf of the combined team of security agencies by Governor Uzodimma before he set out for the sensitisation visit to Oru West and Oguta respectively.

The brand new Hilux vehicles given to the combined team of security agencies to enable them oversee collection of PVCs at designated centres across the State are part of the State’s Crime fighting outfit, “Operation Search and Flush.”

Making the presentation at the government House, the Governor said: “The action is a deliberate effort aimed at strengthening the efforts of the Security Agencies to occupy the political space and ensure the next election in the State is hitch free.”

The Governor told the security operatives to “deploy the vehicles to help INEC in the successful distribution of PVCs because it will be bad for our people, after suffering to register, are not allowed to collect their PVCs for voting.”

He thanked the security agencies for being available always and enthusiastic to collect the vehicles for the assignment and reiterated his determination to support them to do their work in Imo State.

The Governor reminded the operatives that the team is under the control of the Commissioner of Police in Imo State and requested Mr Barde to ensure that his men “go out and do the work professionally and in accordance with the rules of engagement.”

In his remarks, the Imo State Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilance Services, Hon Ugorji O. Ugorji, thanked the Governor for all his assistance and support to the security agencies in the State which he said  “have given the State the peace we enjoy today.”

On behalf of the Search and Flush Unit, Barde expressed gratitude to the Governor and promised that “the vehicles will be appropriately deployed to help Imo citizens collect their PVCs and go out to vote at the elections.”

Meanwhile, ahead of the elections next month, Governor Uzodimma has begun a sensitisation visit to the local government areas in Imo State ahead of the elections next month, with Oru West and Oguta local government areas taking the first slot.

During the visits, the governor had the opportunity of listening to the Sole Administrators  of the Councils – Willie Okoliogwo (Oru West) and Ofili Ijeoma (Oguta) reel out their areas of strength and weaknesses, and the readiness of their Councils for the elections next month.

The Sole Administrators of the Councils also used the opportunity to thank the governor for the numerous developmental projects he brought to their areas.

In his remarks, the Governor urged the people from the affected Councils to reconcile themselves and work as a team to deliver all the candidates from their area in the coming elections.

Besides, Governor Uzodimma seized the opportunity to decry the spate of insecurity in the State, and as it affects the local government areas, and urged the people to be part of efforts by the government to tame the monster and secure the State.

The Governor also urged the people to vote for all the APC candidates in the elections next month.

The highpoint of the sensitisation visits was the handing over of APC flags to the candidates standing in for the different elective positions in Oru West and Oguta Local Government Areas – Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West), Eugene Dibiagwu (Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency), Dominic Ezerioha (Oru West State Constituency) and Eng. Gilbert Nwosu (Oguta State Constituency).

All the candidates did not only thanked Governor Uzodimma for his efforts in rescuing and repositioning Imo State but for giving them what to use to market themselves.

Court Throws Out Case To Disqualify Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Ticket

By
Uche Mbah
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By Uche Mbah

It was jubilations at the National headquarters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Wednesday, as an Abuja High Court dismissed a suit seeking to disqualify their Presidential Candidate, Bola Tinubu, over the controversial Muslim Muslim ticket.

An Abuja-based lawyer, Osigwe Ahmed Momoh, had filed a suit at the High Court Challenging the legality of the Muslim-Muslim ticket of the APC.

APC is fielding two Muslims – Bola Tinubu as Presidential Candidate and Kashim Shettima as Vice Presidential Candidates of the party, a situation that was not well received by the Christian community which alleged marginalisation.

Mommoh had gone to Court to seek for the nullification of the candidacy of Tinubu and his running mate on the ground that the ticket is against the spirit and letters of sections 14, 15 and 224 of the 1999 constitution.

But the Presiding Judge, The Honourable Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed, dismissed the suit, saying the lawyer has no locus standi,since he is not a member of APC and was not part of the Presidential Candidate selection process.

Mommoh had asked the Court for an order of perpetual injunction to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to refrain from publishing the name of the party, APC, and the Presidential Candidates for the purpose of 2023 elections.

In his ruling, Justice Mohammed insisted that Mommoh had no legal rights to institute the case. He, therefore, dismissed the case.

Less Than 30 Days To General Election, Olanipekun Faults Electoral Act, Says INEC Chairman Vested With Much Power

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Chairman, Body of Benchers, (BOB) Chief Wole Olanipekun(SAN) has observed that the new Electoral Act conferred enormous power on the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

He wondered how the national assembly could allow such an act to scale through without proper scrutiny.

He has, therefore, charged Political Parties to “shine their eyes”, and monitor INEC and the returning officers properly during the next month General election.

According to the legal luminary, this became imperative so that nothing untoward happens to any party or candidate returned to be unreturned again.

Olanipekun, who spoke after a private visit to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, in his office in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday, therefore tasked the National Assembly to, as matter of urgency regulate the powers of the  Chairman of INEC as enshrined in the Electoral Act.

“ To me is a very dangerous section, so novel in the sense that, here you have a section that empowers a returning officer after returning to review his decision within a period of seven days.

“In Section 65 of the Electoral Act ,  the returning officer is not a court of law,  not a tribunal, not vested with jurisdiction to exercise quasi- decision or to assume jurisdiction over any matter that is judicial in nature.”

He explained out that he is not aware of any other similar section in  previous electoral act, or any similar section in any of the electoral act of any country in the world.

“When you now invest in a returning officer of  INEC, the power to do and undo, the power to return and review his decision is dangerous to the polity.

“The Chief Returning Officer, is the Chairman of INEC, meaning you can return someone as President today, and tomorrow, when there are  agitations here and there, he may  withdraw his  decision, saying I am revising myself and am now returning somebody else.”

Chief Olanipekun, said he was surprised that the National Assembly had  to allow that section to crept into the electoral act which was submitted to Mr. President for signing.

He  stated that the national assembly can still remove that proviso and called on all  stakeholders, particularly the political parties to rise against the section.

You Have Shamed Nigeria, Resign From Presidential Race, Kwankwaso Tells Atiku, Tinubu

By
Uche Mbah
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0
Tinubu and Kwanwaso and Atiku Abubakar

By Uche Mbah

Amidst allegations and counter allegations over their health and level of corruption between the Presidential candidates of  the All Progressives Congress, APC, and that of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, their New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP counterpart, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has advised both of them to quit the race.

Both candidates, in the past few days have thrown caution to the wind, attacking each other.

While Tinubu accused Atiku of hiding his health condition and plotting to sell Nigeria to his cronies, Atiku  accuses Tinubu of suffering from Parkinson’s disease, besides being, allegedly, into drugs.

NNPP alleges the mudslinging has made mockery of the 2023 election, and brought disrepute to the country, thereby making Nigeria a laughing stock in the comity of Nations.

In a statement signed by NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Agbo Major, the Party advised the duo to withdraw from the February 25 elections,  to answer to charges in court.

Describing their Presidential Candidate as the Man To Beat, the NNPP urged Nigerians to go and collect their PVCs to vote them out if they refuse to step aside.

“Nigeria has been brought to ridicule and disrepute before the comity of nations over accusations of high level corruption and drug peddling against Atiku and Tinubu. He that goes to equity must come with a clean hand’, the statement said.

“NNPP demands the immediate withdrawal of both presidential candidates to answer to charges preferred against them in court. It is justice juxtaposed for them to continue in the presidential race with heavy allegations of wrongdoings on their shoulders. It is moral burden for the two candidates to continue in this race at a time Nigerians are looking for a younger and unblemished crop of leaders. There is no moral justification for Atiku and Tinubu to strive to rule the nation until the court decides their fates one way or the other. National interest supersedes personal interests, aggrandizement and grandstanding in the quest for a better, greater, progressive, equitable and just democratic nation.

“Nigerians are tired of recycled politicians who have numerous cases of corruption, drugs, birth/educational certificates, health and questionable source of wealth. Citizens want men and women of integrity, visionary, purposeful, resourceful, dynamic and transformational leaders to usher them to a new and better Nigeria we all desire.

“Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is the man of the moment to give Nigerians a new lease of life after years of wandering in political wilderness from the oppressive APC and PDP regimes”, the statement concluded.

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