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Court Of Appeal Declares Magu’s Prolonged Tenure As EFCC Acting Chairman Illegal

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ibrahim Magu

By Ayodele Oni

 

Six years after his removal from office, the court of appeal in Abuja has ruled that Ibrahim Magu’s prolonged stay as acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was illegal.

 

The appellate court declared Magu’s tenure as unlawful, overturning a federal high court judgement that upheld his continued retention in office.

 

Ibrahim Magu served as the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from November 9, 2015, until his suspension on July 7, 2020.

President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him on November 9, 2015, following the removal of Ibrahim Lamorde.

The Senate declined to confirm his nomination as the substantive chairman in December 2016 and March 2017, but he continued to serve in an acting capacity.

He left office in July 2020 after his suspension and subsequent investigation by a presidential panel.

A three-member panel of the appellate court delivered the judgement in an appeal filed by Johnmary Jideobi, a lawyer, who had challenged Magu’s continued stay in office after the senate twice rejected his nomination as substantive EFCC chairman.

 

The respondents in the appeal were the senate, the attorney-general of the federation, the EFCC and Magu.

 

The appeal arose from a judgement delivered by Ijeoma Ojukwu, a judge of the federal high court in Abuja, on December 4, 2019.

 

Jideobi had instituted the suit before the federal high court in March 2017, arguing that Magu could not remain indefinitely as acting chairman after the senate had rejected his nomination.

 

In the 2019 judgement, the judge dismissed suit challenging Magu’s continued stay as acting chairman.

 

She held that the EFCC Act, especially section 2(3) did not restrict the powers of the president to retain Magu as acting chairman of the commission.

 

The judge had noted that the lacuna in the law handed the late former President Muhammadu Buhari the “proverbial yam and the knife to do as he pleases, being that there is no specific time stipulated for acting capacity”.

 

She stated that Order 1(2)1 of the Senate Rule cited by the plaintiff applies only to ministerial appointees and cannot be enforced on the position of the acting chairman of the EFCC.

 

The judge also added that the plaintiff lacked the locus standi to institute the suit.

 

However, dissatisfied with the decision, Jideobi appealed the lower court’s verdict, where he argued that the chairman of the EFCC has a four-year tenure, renewable once, and that Magu had exceeded the stipulated period without senate confirmation.

 

He further argued that Magu’s acting appointment had ended by operation of law after the senate rejected his nomination.

 

Jideobi asked the appellate court to set aside the federal high court judgment and grant the reliefs sought in his original suit.

University Unions In Ondo Say No Agreement Yet, As Govt. Approves Domestication Of FG/ASUU Pact

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Less than 24 hours after the Ondo State Government and tertiary institution unions reached an agreement over the wage dispute arising from the implementation of the new Federal Government and Varsity Unions’ wage structure and allowances, some unions have disowned the agreement.

 

The state government announced the decision on Monday through a statement by the Chief Press Secretary yo the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan.

 

The governor’s aide stated that this followed series of meetings between officials of the State Government led by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) in the state-owned universities.

 

“Rising from the meetings, both parties agreed to a comprehensive resolution of all outstanding issues relating to salary adjustments, allowances and other welfare matters.

 

“As part of the resolutions, Governor Aiyedatiwa approved the full domestication of the Federal Government-ASUU agreement on CONUASS for academic staff of Ondo State-owned universities, with implementation to reflect the peculiarities of the state.

 

“The Governor, who described education as a cardinal priority of his administration, assured the unions of his administration’s commitment to sustaining industrial harmony in the state’s tertiary institutions.”

 

According to the Governor, “Our administration will continue to prioritize the welfare of workers, especially in the education sector, because we understand that a motivated workforce is key to academic excellence. 

 

“We have approved the FGN-ASUU pact for our universities because we want our institutions to compete favourably and our staff to be at par with their counterparts elsewhere.”

 

He added that the state government will continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure that the state’s tertiary institutions remain centres of excellence without incessant strike actions.

 

Responding on behalf of the unions, the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko chapter of ASUU, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his listening disposition and for approving the FGN-ASUU agreement for state universities, describing it as a bold and commendable step that will boost morale of staff.

 

In a letter addressed to the governor and signed by its Secretary, Dr. Y.K. Kazeem, the union said “the intervention by the governor demonstrated his profound commitment to the welfare of workers and conveys a clear message this his administration is workers friendly”.

 

The unions pledged to reciprocate the governor’s gesture by ensuring academic stability and improved productivity in the universities.

 

In a reaction, the Joint Action Committee,  (JAC) of the Ondo State Owned Tertiary Institutions faulted the agreement, describing it as part of moves by the government to divide the unions.

 

JAC in a reaction, signed by Comrade Kunle Akinwonmi Secretary, JAC-ODSTI and Comrade Tayo Ogungbeni, Chairman, JAC-ODSTI, insisted that to the best of members knowledge, no agreement has been reached.

“We wish to inform the good people of Ondo State that the Joint Action Committee of the Ondo State Owned Tertiary Institutions comprising of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) in Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa and University of Medical Sciences, Ondo are not part of the agreement purportedly reached with the state government

 

“It is now clear that the state government is using divide and rule tactics in order to break our ranks but this will fail woefully.

 

“We want to emphasize that ASUU-AAUA cannot and should not negotiate on behalf of our Unions, considering the fact that the ongoing statewide strike was not called by ASUU-AAUA alone. 

 

“How can one Union negotiate on behalf of the other three University Based Unions without their consent? We shall resist the plan of the state government to demoralise our members in whatsoever form.

 

“We stand on our demands for the payment of the FGN/Unions Agreement with effect from August, 2026 and payment of the outstanding arrears from January, 2026 to date.”

Niger State 37: South South Youths Flay Calls For Sack Of NSCDC Commandant

By
Bayo Bernard
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Ahmed Abubakar Audi - NSCDC DG

By Ayodele Oni

 

The South-south Youths Initiative (SSYI) has described as misplaced, unjust, and politically motivated,” calls for the sack of the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, following the death of 37 suspected miners in Niger State.

 

The youths in a statement signed by their their National President, Imeabe Saviour Oscar, condemned the calls, saying it was wrong to hold the NSCDC boss responsible for an alleged operational breach committed by a state commandant.

 

According to the group, the NSCDC operates a defined administrative structure in which state commandants report directly to zonal commanders, who are assistant commandant-generals.

 

He said the various state commands also have legal, intelligence, administrative and operational departments responsible for their day-to-day activities.

 

Oscar further argued that Audi had previously issued circulars warning personnel against detaining suspects beyond the constitutionally prescribed period.

 

 “It is on record that the Commandant General has issued several circulars warning all formations against detaining suspects beyond 24 hours, in line with the Constitution.

 

“Specifically, circulars to this effect were issued in 2022 and 2024 and widely circulated to all State Commands.”

 

Oscar described as “wrong, unjust and mischievous” attempts to demand Audi’s removal over an alleged offence committed by a state commandant.

 

“It is therefore wrong, unjust and mischievous for individuals or groups to call for the head of the Commandant General for an offence allegedly committed by a State Commandant.”

 

The South-South youths also linked the calls for Audi’s removal to the corps’ operations against illegal mining, alleging that “some powerful illegal miners and their collaborators” were behind the campaign.

 

The group said that Audi had previously contributed to efforts that helped increase crude oil production in the Niger Delta from about 800,000 barrels per day to approximately 1.6 million barrels per day.

 

Oscar also said that the Federal Government generated about N40bn from mining activities in 2025, attributing the development largely to operational reforms and measures introduced under Audi.

 

“The Commandant-General should be allowed to repeat what he did in the Niger Delta in the mining sector.”

 

It called on the Presidency, the Minister of Interior and Nigerians to disregard what it described as “sponsored calls” for Audi’s removal and instead support him in his efforts to tackle illegal mining.

 

“Prof. Audi should be supported and encouraged to do more for the nation,” the statement added.

Fmr SGF, Lawal, Joins NDC, Says Party Represents Future

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Babachir Lawal Joins NDC

By Ayodele Oni 

 

Three months after he announced his resignation from the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

 

Lawal announced his move on Tuesday in Abuja, where he was formally received by the NDC leadership.

 

He also declared support for the party’s presidential ticket of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The former SGF said Nigerians worried about insecurity, hunger and other challenges should support what he described as a platform for change, saying his decision reflected his concern about the situation in the country.

 

“Anybody in Nigeria who has the interest of our country at heart and sympathy for the suffering that is ongoing in our country, along with insecurity, hunger, ignorance and disease, will have no choice but to join a party that represents the future.”

 

He urged Nigerians to support the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and expressed confidence that the alliance would pursue what he described as a better future for the country.

 

“Every sensible and patriotic Nigerian ought to understand this.”

 

He added that he looked forward to May 29, 2027, to celebrate what he described as the success of the political project.

 

Receiving Lawal, NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, described him as an experienced political mobiliser.

 

Dickson said Lawal’s experience would be useful to the party as it prepares for the 2027 elections.

 

“Babachir Lawal does not need any introduction. He was the former secretary to the government of our country, who did well.”

 

He added that Lawal would take a leadership role in the party’s activities and campaigns across the North-East.

 

“We are pleased to have you play a leadership role that only you can play at those levels.”

 

Dickson also tasked the former SGF to resolve political issues and providing direction to NDC candidates and campaign structures in the region.

 

Lawal’s defection follows his resignation from the ADC in June after the party’s presidential primary.

 

At the time, he alleged that the primary process had been manipulated to favour former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

 

Lawal claimed that results were altered in some areas and that some declared winners were allegedly replaced by other candidates.

 

He remarked that the process was fundamentally flawed and that he could not remain in a party whose primary he believed had been manipulated.

 

Atiku, however, later dismissed Lawal’s allegations as speculation without evidence. His spokesperson also defended the primary as credible.

 

Lawal’s move to the NDC now places him within the party backing the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

Writer, Daud Gambo Dies On Way To Mother’s Funeral, Friends, Colleagues Mourn

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Daud Gambo

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Tragedy has struck the family of popular Kano Writer, Daud Gambo, known as Baba. Baba died in a ghastly car crash in Dakatsalle, Kano State on his way to bury his Mother, Hajiya Ruqayya Alkali Umaru (Ayyah) who passed earlier that fateful Sunday morning.

 

He had taken to his Facebook Page to announce the passing of his Mother, as friends, colleagues and family members commiserated with him over his loss.

 

In a tragic twist, the news of his own passing was announced on the same Facebook Page he had posted the news of his Mother’s passing earlier that morning.

 

Gambo Muhammad Masairauta, who on behalf of the family announced the death of Daud wrote on his Facebook Page, “To Allah we belong, To Him we shall return To.

We are deeply saddened by the death of our Mother, Hajiya Ruqayya Alkali Umaru (Ayyah), whom Allah had taken her soul this morning, in this great sorrow we are in, there is another painful violence, her Son, Daud Gambo(Baba Alh.) Was on his way to his Mother’s burial, and God decided to meet him in a Car Accident at Dakatsalle, which caused his death.

 

“The issue really shook our hearts. In a short time the family lost the Mother and again lost their Child. Indeed, Death comes at the time of Gods will, and no one can escape it.

 

“O Allah, forgive them, have mercy on them, and make paradise their final abode. Oh God, grant their families, relatives and all loved ones the strength to bear this great loss.

 

“May Allah have mercy on them, forgive them and lighten their graves”, the statement reads.

 

There has however been reaction from netizens on the death of Daud and the Mother, as many Kano residents who are familiar with Daud’s literary works pay glowing tributes to him.

Wire Tapping Allegation: FHC Abuja Fixes Date To Rule On No Case Submission By El Rufai

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Mallam Nasir el-Rufai

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ruling in the no-case submission filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in the alleged phone-tapping case instituted against him by the Department of State Services (DSS), has been adjourned to October 26.

 

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja reserved the ruling after hearing arguments from both the defence team representing El-Rufai and the DSS over whether the former governor should be called upon to open his defence.

 

El-Rufai’s counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), urged the court to uphold the no-case submission, arguing that the DSS has failed to establish a prima facie case against his client.

 

According to the defence, the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to warrant requiring El-Rufai to defend himself in the case.

 

However, DSS counsel, Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN), opposed the application and asked the court to dismiss the no-case submission.

 

Aladedoye maintained that the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence linking the former governor to the alleged offence and that he should be required to enter his defence.

 

A major point of contention during the proceedings was Exhibit B, which the DSS alleged contained an admission by El-Rufai concerning the interception of the telephone communications of Ribadu.

 

The prosecution argued that the defence has not adequately addressed the contents and implications of the exhibit in its no-case submission.

 

The DSS lawyer consequently urged Justice Abdulmalik to reject the application and direct El-Rufai to open his defence.

 

After listening to submissions from both sides, Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until October 26, 2026, when she is expected to rule on the former governor’s no-case submission.

Three Nigerian Sisters Drown In Same Lake Their Mother Drowned In 10 Years Ago …Corona Inquest Begins In UK

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Three Nigerian Sisters Drown

By Ayodele Oni

 

Speculations surrounding death of three Nigerian sisters at Brighton Beach in the United Kingdom, (UK) are being put to rest as police released details of investigations into the incident.

 

Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, were recovered from the water near Madeira Drive on May 13, 2026.

 

The women, who were from the Uxbridge area of London, were named by Sussex Police.

 

Just days before their d£ath, the three sisters visited the lake where their mother also drowned 10 years prior.

 

Their mother, Janice Adetoro, drowned earlier near the home where the family was living in Birmingham in 2016. It is still unclear how the siblings ended up in the water.

 

Their cousin, Natalie Walters-Daniel, 33, said the trio had travelled to Birmingham on a visit with a “deeper meaning” two days before they di£d.

 

An inquest into the death of the sisters opened in May at Brighton and Hove Coroner’s Court and is expected to resume in early October.

 

The inquest previously heard that post-mortem examinations had given a provisional cause of d£ath as “yet to be ascertained”.

 

Last Sunday, Sussex Police said post-mortem examinations had confirmed that “all three women died by drowning”.

 

The force also said the police investigation into the sisters’ death had concluded, finding no evidence of criminality or third-party involvement.

 

During the investigation, Sussex Police officers, supported by other forces, reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage, took statements from witnesses across the country and conducted further enquiries to establish the sisters’ movements before their death.

 

The investigation found that the three women were dropped off by taxi at Madeira Drive at 10.20pm on May 12.

Police found no evidence that they visited any nightclubs or businesses in the area that evening.

 

The women were found to have entered the water near the area where their bodies were recovered the following morning, “wearing everyday clothing”.

 

With the police investigation now concluded, the inquest will resume to determine the facts surrounding where, when and how the three sisters died.

 

An inquest hearing in May was told that Ms Adetoro was brought ashore by an RNLI crew and pronounced dead by a paramedic at the scene.

 

Christina Walters was recovered from the sea by an RNLI lifeboat, while Rebecca Walters was washed ashore on Brighton beach. Both were also pronounced dead by paramedics.

 

Following the sisters’ death, their father, Joseph Jacobson, said there were days when the grief felt “unbearable”, but he held on to the memories they shared and “the bond that d£ath can never take away”.

 

Chief Superintendent Adam Hays said: “From the outset of this complex and challenging investigation, we have been acutely aware of the speculation surrounding this incident, the public’s unanswered questions and their desire for answers.

 

“Our priority throughout has been uncovering the truth for the loved ones of Jane, Rebecca and Christina, because at this incident’s core, there has always been a grieving family coming to terms with an unthinkable tragedy and loss. Our investigation has been thorough.

 

“Our extensive enquiries intentionally considered concerns raised by black communities surrounding the d£aths of black people in or near bodies of water, as we worked to understand who the three women were and the factors that could have led to them being found on the beach that morning.

 

“However, our enquiries have now concluded, pending any new information coming to light. Jane, Rebecca and Christina’s tragic death sparked a national outpouring of grief, and I would like to thank everyone who supported our investigation by coming forward with information.

 

“We will now support the coronial process and ask that the sisters’ family continue to be given privacy to come to terms with their loss.”

Ondo Govt. Disowns Blood Sampling Exercise For Admission Into Public Schools, Summons Principal As NSCDC Arrests Suspect

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

 

Ondo State Government has commenced an investigation into an alleged blood-sampling exercise imposed on newly admitted students of Adu Memorial Secondary School, Oke-Aro, Akure, as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested a man identified as Alfa in connection with the incident.

 

The development followed allegations that prospective students seeking admission into the school for the 2026/2027 academic session were directed to undergo blood tests at a retail shop located opposite the school before their admission could be processed.

 

The alleged exercise has also raised fresh concerns about unofficial levies and charges reportedly imposed on parents and students in some public secondary schools across the state.

 

The state Ministry of Education, which described the alleged blood sampling as unauthorised, summoned the principal of Adu Memorial Secondary School to explain her role in the development.

 

The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the government did not authorise any principal to collect blood samples from students as a condition for admission.

 

Ajibefun, who described the report as strange, said the ministry was investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged exercise and would establish those responsible.

 

The principal, according to sources, denied authorising the collection of blood samples but reportedly acknowledged being aware that the exercise was taking place.

 

Confirming the development, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC) confirmed that it has taken over the matter and arrested Alfa, who was allegedly connected with the blood-sampling exercise.

 

The NSCDC spokesman in Ondo State, David Dan, revealed that another person allegedly involved in collecting the blood samples has fled and was being sought by the agency.

 

The Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in a statement by the press officer, Bisi Lawani, dissociated itself from the alleged conduct of unauthorised blood-testing exercise reportedly carried out by the Principal of CAC Adu Memorial Grammar School, Oke-Aro, Akure.

 

“The Ministry wishes to state categorically that it did not authorise, approve or direct the said blood-testing exercise.”

 

 It further emphasised that no school principal is empowered to organise such an exercise or impose any related financial charge on students without the requisite approval from the appropriate authorities.

 

“The Ministry is particularly concerned by the allegation that students were required to pay the sum of ₦8,000 for the exercise.

 

 “The Ministry has not approved any policy requiring students in public schools to pay such an amount for blood testing. Any such collection, if established, was therefore undertaken without the authorisation of the Ministry.

 

“The Ministry has also been informed of the reported involvement of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the matter to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and establish the facts.

 

“The Ministry advises all school principals and other school administrators to operate strictly within approved government policies, regulations and directives.

 

“Principals are expected to take full responsibility for the effective administration and supervision of their schools and must be sufficiently aware of activities taking place within their respective school premises and also exercise proper oversight over staff, students and school activities to prevent unauthorised actions and ensure compliance with government directives.

 

“No individual is permitted to use his or her position to impose unauthorised charges or undertake activities capable of undermining the confidence of parents and the general public in the State’s education system.

 

“The Ministry therefore urges parents, guardians, students and members of the public to report any unauthorised collection of money or other irregular activities in public schools to the appropriate authorities for prompt investigation and necessary action.

 

“The Ministry assures the public that, where the allegations are established after due investigation, appropriate administrative and legal action will be taken against any officer found culpable.

 

“The Ondo State Government remains committed to protecting the welfare of students, ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public schools, and maintaining the integrity of the State’s education system.”

2027: Gov Mbah Appoints Grassroots Mobilisers

By
James Orji
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0
Peter Mbah
Gov Peter Mbah

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has appointed 101 new aides, including officials assigned responsibilities covering grassroots coordination, mobilisation, community development and other areas ahead of the 2027 political season.

 

The appointments comprise seven Special Advisers, six Senior Special Assistants and 88 Special Assistants, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.

 

The appointments take effect immediately, according tothe state government.

 

Among the Special Advisers are Chief Vitalis Okonkwo, Grassroots Coordination; Mr Pedro Nwankwo, Stakeholders Relations and Community Affairs; Mr Chimezie Nkwuo, Economic Development; and Chief Sam Nwagu, Conflict Resolution and Mediation.

The Senior Special Assistants include Okey Ude, Inter-Party and Mobilisation; Chinedu Chukwunwike, Party Monitoring; and Frank Udemezue, Small and Medium Enterprise Development.

The Special Assistants were assigned responsibilities covering youth engagement, women mobilisation, public communication, rural development, community development, infrastructure monitoring, technology and innovation, forest protection, market sanitation, health facility maintenance and environmental protection, among others.

The appointments come as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with analysts insisting that the appointees have been specially tasked to ensure that Governor Mbah is reelected for a second term in office.

He was first elected in 2023 as the state chief executive.

NASS Must Pass Resolution Empowering Shettima As Acting President

By
James Orji
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0
President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

Constitutional lawyer and rights activist ,Inibehe Effiong has called on the National Assembly to convene an emergency meeting where it willpass a resolution to confer power on Vice President Kassim Shettima as the nation’s Acting President.

Effiong made the assertion on Tuesday while featuring on Channels Television Morning Brief, in his reaction to the controveersy over the absence of President BolaAhmed Tinubu fromthe country for more than three weeks.

President Tinubu had left the country on August 3, 2026, on a vacation to London but has yet toreturn tothee country. Not a few Nigerians are now demanding his immediate return, as the 21 days allowed by the Constitution for the president to be outside ofthe country have lapsed.

Section 145(1) says: ”The President should transmit a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House when he is away or unable to perform his duties.”

While Section 145(2) says: ”If he fails or is unable to transmit the declaration within 21 days, the National Assembly can formally mandate the Vice-President to act as President.”

On Monday, presidential spokesman,Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu has extended his vacation by few days, saying while he was away fromthe country, he has delegated Vice President Shettima to represent himat the United Nation GeneralAssembly,UNGA holding in New York, United States, US.

Onanuga, in the statement, also dismissed the assertion of former Vice President and Nigeria Democratic Congress, ADC presidential candidate,  Atiku Abubakar that Tinubu has left the country rudderless as a result of his absence for too long from the country.

Abubakar had in a statement issued on Monday, demanded that the Presidency should inform Nigerians the whereabout of President Tinubu, saying nobody is currently in charge of the country, as the Vice President Shettima has alsoleft the country to represnt Tinubu at the ongoing UNGA in US.

Onanuga said, “While away, President Tinubu delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him at some official functions. Though Shettima left Abuja on September 20 for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who has also been representing the President at events, will continue to do so.

“On the political front, the Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Senator Abubakar Yari, has been leading notable party leaders in consultations with prominent traditional rulers in the country.

“The Presidency described the baseless insinuation by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a United States-based lobbying firm headed by an ex-convict about President Tinubu’s non-attendance at UNGA as irresponsible.

“Vice President Shettima, who is representing the President at the global conference, will present Nigeria’s national statement.”

Reacting, Effiong said President Tinubu has failed to dothe needful by refusing to  tranmit a letter to the NASS that he has transfererd power to Shettima. As a result, the rights lawyer said the NASS should meet ‘immediately’ to pass a resolution, transferring power to the vice president to take over as the nation’s leader and Commander-in-chief.

According to him, the president has no descretion on whether to  transfer power to his vice, saying it’s a constitutional requirement as provided in the relevant Section of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Meanwhile, the Assembly, made up of the Senate and House of Representatives has been on a recess for weeks, and initially scheduled to resume plenary on September 15. The lawmakers have now shitted the resumption date to Sepetember 29.

 

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