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FG Constitutes Committee For Ondo, Benin Ports

By
Ayodele Oni
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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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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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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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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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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.”

Buhari Appoints Solomon Arase Chairman,  Police Service Commission

By
Uche Mbah
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Solomon Arase and Muhammadu Buhari

By Uche Mbah

Solomon Arase, a former Inspector-General of Police, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

President Muhammadu Buhari forwarded his name to the Senate Tuesday in a letter urging the lawmakers to do the needful.

If confirmed, Arase will replace another former IG, Musliu Smith, who resigned in controversial Circumstances.

The letter was read in Plenary by the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan.

According to President Buhari, he is fulfilling the dictates of Sections 153(1) and 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Arase, a PhD holder, Lawyer, polished, consummate administrator, author, retired as IGP in 2016, after serving under both former President Goodluck  Jonathan, and Buhari.

Since Smith’s resignation, the Honourable Justice Clara Ogunbiyi, a retired Supreme Court Justice, and Commissioner 1, representing the Judiciary on the Commission, has been acting as the Chairman.

Senate Approve Reappointment Of Seven ICPC Commissioners

By
Uche Mbah
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By Uche Mbah

The Senate Tuesday confirmed the seven National Commissioners of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for reappointment. This was a response to the list submitted by the Presidency.

In a letter to the Senate requesting for the Senate confirmation,

President Muhammadu Buhari urged the Senate to consider and approve the seven nominees for reappointment. The President cited section 3(3) and 7 of the corrupt practices and other related acts 2000.

The letter was read in Plenary Tuesday by Senate President Ahmed Lawan, debated on and confirmed.

Part of the letter reads: “In accordance with Section 3(3) and (7) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, I write to forward for confirmation by the Senate the under-listed names of seven (7) persons for reappointment as members of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).”

He then listed the names of the National Commissioners of the ICPC confirmation for reappointment as Justice Adamu Bello (rtd) from Katsina State representing North West, Hannatu Mohammed (Jigawa state) representing North East, Mrs. Olubukola Balogun (rtd) from Lagos State representing South West and Dr. Grace Nkechiyere Chinda from Delta State  representing South-South.

Others are Barr. Obiora Samuel Igwedibia from Anambra state  representing South East, Abdullahi Maikano from Niger state representing North Central and Prince Dauda Yahaya Umar from Nasarawa state representing North Central.

Earlier, the Senate had refered the letter to the Committee on anti corruption and Financial Crimes.

The confirmation of the seven nominees followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on Anti-corruption and Financial Crimes. After due consideration, the

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Suleiman Abdu Kwari (APC – Kaduna North) recommended the approval of the nominees the the Plenary.

Senate President put the approval to vote.

At Last, Governors Kill Local Govt Autonomous Bill, As Senate Transmits 35 Bills For President’s Assent

By
Ayodele Oni
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President Muhammadu Buhari

By Ayodele Oni

Hope of local governments in Nigeria to be self independent seems to have hit the rock at the national assembly.

This follows decision by the Senate to transmit 35 of the 44 bills in the Constitution Amendment bills to the President for assent, excluding the local council autonomous act.

With this development, the red chamber may have bowed to the pressure of the state governors that have been working to frustrate the bill.

Majority of the governors had put pressure on the state legislature not to pass the local government autonomous bill, which they see as an attempt to stop them from tinkering with funds from the federation account to the councils.

At their sitting on Tuesday, the senators directed the clerk of the national assembly to transmit the 35 bills to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.

The constitution demands that at least 24 state assemblies must have passed the bill before the constitution amendment bill is transmitted to the President for assent.

So far, the 35 bills have been considered by 27 state Houses of Assembly and approved by at least 24 state assemblies as required by law.

The states are: Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Rivers and Yobe.

The Senate stated that Section 9(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended provides that an Act to alter the provisions of the constitution can be passed only when it is supported by 2/3 majority of members of the Senate, and the House of Representatives, and approved by 24 state Houses of Assembly.

Sixty eight bills seeking to alter provisions of the constitution were presented at the floor of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Wednesday February 23, 2022, for passage.

It also added that the Senate and the House of Representatives approved 44 of the bills without difference and were transmitted to the state Houses of Assembly for their resolution; on March 27, 2022.

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