“Voters’ Register Already With Us Before Court’s Ruling” – Chairman Rivers Electoral Commission

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September 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Chairman, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, (RSIEC), Justice Adolphus Enebeli, (rtd) has announced that Voters Registers for the conduct of the Council Poll were already with the Commission.

Reacting to a Federal High Court ruling on Monday which restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the document to the Commission, Enebeli stated that the Commission had proactively obtained the necessary documents in 2024, before the Court orders came into effect.

According to him, “A wise man can never be taken unawares. We are proactive. We will follow due process. Even before the cases went to court, we have loaded with INEC, the correspondence are there.

“It is the gift of patience, planning. I’m not a last minute man, I plan ahead. And so all these things were concluded since last year.”

Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday barred the Independent National Electoral Commission from releasing the voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission for the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for 5th October 2024.

Justice Lifu issued the order while delivering judgment on a suit brought before him by the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State.

Justice Lifu criticized RSIEC for setting 5th October as the election date without adhering to the relevant laws governing the conduct of the election.

He ruled that the Rivers State Electoral Body violated the provisions of the Local Government Election law by failing to publish the mandatory 90-day notice before fixing the election date.

Enebeli had led the Commission’s team on Thursday in displaying the voters’ register at Rumudara community in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

Enebeli emphasized the Commission’s commitment to ensuring free, fair, credible and violence-free elections.

The retired Justice explained that the display of the Voters’ Register provided citizens the opportunity to verify their registration and confirm their designated polling units ahead of the elections.

Enebeli urged the people of Rivers State to turn out en masse on October 5 to vote for their preferred candidates.

He reiterated the Commission’s dedication to providing a level playing field for all political parties and their candidates, assuring the public of RSIEC’s impartiality.

October 1 National Protest: Kano Police Warns Against Violence

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 30, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ahead of the nationwide protest march billed for 1st October, Nigeria’s Independence Day, Police authorities in Kano have warned that they will not condone any violent acts under any guise.

The Source reports that the #EndBadGovernance protest between August 1 to 10, had resulted in monumental violence, arson, looting and wanton destruction of both private and public properties in the commercial nerve centre of the Northern region.

Particularly, day one and two of the 10-day long national protest against hunger and bad governance saw Kano protesters visit untold violence and killings on the ancient city. A number of people were killed and properties worth billions of Naira either looted or destroyed.

Of note was the looting and vandalization of the signature project of the Federal Ministry of Digital Economy in Kano, the multi-billion Naira, NCC-ICT park a few weeks to its commissioning .

Some of the protesters in the ever volatile city equally added a ting of treasonable act following their open wielding and display of Russian National flag during the exercise.

Already, many arrested hundreds of protesters are currently being prosecuted by the police in the State.

Similarly, the Kano State Government empowered Commission of inquiry is also presently carrying out an inquest into the the circumstances that precipitated the unprecedented violent nature of the #EndBadGovernance protest in the State.

Part of the terms of reference of the panel is to, also, fish out those behind the orgy of violence and killings during the exercise which was initially conceived to be peaceful for possible prosecution.

Addressing the Media on Monday at the Bompai Police headquarters on the Planned October 1 nationwide protest, the Command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa CSP, cautioned residents against joining the protest train.

He warned that the Police in the State will not sit- by idly and watch the peace of the state once again disrupted.

“We have concluded all necessary arrangements to provide adequate security during and after the Independence day celebrations .

“We urge all residents to cooperate with the police and other security agencies while participating in the festivities responsibly ”

The police spokesman, however, informed that the Service is also ready to handle any possible security breach.

According to him, the Command has enhanced security arrangements at strategic locations, with a view to frustrating any potential acts of threat to the peace and order of the state.

He, therefore, advised residents to shun acts capable of compromising the fragile peace and security the State.

Anambra LG Polls: Again, It Is 100% Victory For APGA

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 30, 2024

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Charles Soludo - Governor of Anambra State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

True to expectations, and in keeping with the record already set by his colleagues in other states, Governor Charles Soludo’s All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, cleared all the 21 Local Council Chairmanship positions in last Saturday’s Election in Anambra State

The Source reports that over a decade after the last Local Government polls was held, the State on September 28, 2024, conducted another exercise in a bid to meet with the June 20, 2024 Supreme Court ruling on Council autonomy.

Announcing the results Sunday evening in Awka, the State capital, Genevieve Osakwe, the Chairman of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC, said that APGA also won all the Councilorship positions.

Osakwe, who is also a Magistrate in the State Judiciary, described the election which over 60% of eligible political parties boycotted as free and fair.

The Source reports that the Peoples Democratic Party PDP, All Progressive Congress, APC,

Labour Party, LP, had some weeks before the election, announced their withdrawal from the exercise.

They specifically and variously cited insincerity on the part of the umpire and the manipulative tendencies of the APGA led Anambra state Government as major reasons for shunning the polls.

The aggrieved political parties has also approached the court to challenge the exercise ,which they described as illegal.

The Labour party, in addition, filed a case of impersonation against the ANSIEC and the APGA-led administration in the State.

The Party alleged that the electoral umpire working in concert with the ruling APGA had listed some APGA members as LP contestants in the election at a time it was clear to all that the party was not interested in the exercise.

In all, the major political parties had argued that their participation at the polls would amount to conferring legitimacy on a manifestly flawed and highly compromised process.

Instructively, none of the opposition parties ,also, was present during the announcement of the result of the election at the ANSIEC headquarters.

Besides APGA’s agents and officials, no agents or representatives of other political parties were sighted at the venue of the result declaration.

That notwithstanding, the ANSIEC insists that the exercise was free, fair and credible.The Chairperson of the Commission also thumped up security agencies and the people for the peaceful nature of the polls.

“This is to affirm the result of the Chairmanship and Councilorship election held on September 28, 2024.

“The Commission carefully collated and analyzed the results to ensure that there were no mistakes.

“We ensured all scores and parties were announced at the polling units yesterday ( Saturday) . We are here today (Sunday) to affirm the results as recorded .

“The election held at all polling units across Anambra state on September 28 was free fair and credible” Osakwe stated.

“Your Freedom Is Guaranteed”, Tinubu Assures Justice Kekere-Ekun, As She Took Oath Of Office As CJN

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Ayodele Oni

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September 30, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Following the confirmation of her appointment by the Senate as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN), President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun

She took the oath of office as the 23rd Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Monday, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding the Judiciary’s independence and sanctity.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, (Information & Strategy), in a statement said that Justice Kekere-Ekun, is the second female CJN in Nigeria’s history.

The ceremony occurred at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja. Four former Chief Justices of the Federation, including the first female Justice, Aloma Mukhtar, the President of the Court of Appeal, and other heads of the Judiciary Divisions, witnessed the ceremony.

President Tinubu underscored the pivotal role of the Judiciary in safeguarding Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

”The Judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy. Indeed, the Nigerian Judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check.

”Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our people’s confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged.

”For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administration’s total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary.

”While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under my watch, the government will also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us.

”We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy.”

President Tinubu reiterated his government’s dedication to improving judicial officers’ welfare and working conditions, noting recent decisions to enhance their effectiveness in administering justice.

He urged Justice Kekere-Ekun to continue upholding the principles of ethical leadership, fearlessness, and honesty that have defined her career.

”The Nigerian judiciary needs a leader with these qualities at this time, and I have no doubt that you will set the pace for others to follow.”

The President lauded Justice Kekere-Ekun’s rise as a testament to hard work and an inspiration to women, particularly young girls, in a male-dominated profession.

”This day has also cemented the judiciary as a self-evolving and progressive institution. I specifically congratulate the Nigerian women.

“Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true. It is worth celebrating.”

President Tinubu also acknowledged the presence of Justice Kekere-Ekun’s 89-year-old mother, Mama Wilfred Layiwola Ogundimu (Nee Savage), and other family members led by Akin Kekere-Ekun, Justice Kekere-Ekun’s husband.

The President commended the Senate for expediting the confirmation of the new CJN and thanked members of the judiciary for their continued support.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, former Chief Justices of Nigeria, justices of the Supreme Court, senior judicial officers, and members of the Federal Executive Council attended the event.

64th Independence Anniversary: Nigeria Will Prevail, Says Akpabio

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 30, 2024

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Godswill Akpabio - Senate President — Godswill Akpabio, Senate President.

Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio has predicted a better Nigeria, saying the nation is on the path of overcoming its current challenges.

What Nigerians need now, Akpabio said, is to remain hopeful and prayerful adding that there would be light at the end of the dark tunnel.

The senate president made the remarks on Sunday at an inter-denominational church service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th independence celebrations.

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a low key celebrations citing the current economic situation in the country.

Akpabio’s remark is contained in a statement issued by his media office, noting that President Tinubu is more dedicated to change the country.

“As we celebrate today, let us also acknowledge the challenges we face. Yes, the road ahead may be bumpy. Yes, there will be setbacks. But together, united in our faith and love for Nigeria, we will prevail,” he said.

He added “Our journey to become a prosperous nation is just beginning and I urge each of you to be patient, to hold on to hope and to believe that change is not only possible but inevitable.

“Nigeria’s brightest days are ahead of us. Together, with unwavering belief, we will build a nation that our children and generations to come will be proud of.”

He said, “Undoubtedly, the Nigerian nation is defined by resilience. From our earliest struggles for independence to the challenges of modern governance, we have continually shown our indomitable spirit. When faced with adversity, we rise. When confronted by challenges, we unite.

“Today, I thank God for the Nigerian spirit that has led us through turbulent times, across our Red Seas and Jordan Rivers, over our hills and mountains and through every valley we have encountered.”

Ahead the Independence day celebrations tomorrow, George Akume, the Secretary to the Government Federation, SGF, said in Abuja, the nation’s capital few days ago that President Tinubu has directed a low-key celebrations in line with the mood of the country.

“In alignment with the mood of the nation, therefore, I wish to inform you that the President, Commander–in–Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved that the 64th Independence celebration should be low-keyed.

“It is in this context that the program of events has been designed to remind us about our strength when we stay united, our progress despite the challenges, the beauty of our diversity, the quantum leap this administration has taken within the short period in office and the beacon of a better future for all, through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the SGF said.

Petrol Subsidy: Tinubu’s Bold Decision Saved Nigeria N5.4trn- Abiodun

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 30, 2024

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Governor Dapo Abiodun of ogun state says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold decision to end petrol subsidy has saved the country over N5.4 trillion.

The Ogun helmsman made the remark on Sunday in Abeokuta, the state capital during a church service at the St. Peters, Ake to commemorate Nigeria’s 64^th Independence anniversary.

The savings from petrol subsidy will be used for infrastructure transformation of the country, the governor said.

The governor’s remarks also comes amidst impending protest by some angry Nigerians under the aegis of #Takeitback over the hard economic situation in the country, blamed on the harsh policies of the Tinubu’s administration.

Abiodun however urged those planning to protest on October 1 to shelve the idea, stressing that the president is already addressing their grievances.

He said the protest will further divide the country, saying what is needed at the moment is divine intervention, urging Nigerians to pray to the Almighty God for intervention.

He said protest will not achieve anything other than looting, vandalism and destruction of public property.

said that protests would not achieve anything other than looting and vandalism of public properties.

According to him, “Mr. President removed the subsidy, which, if not curbed, would have cost us N5.4 trillion by the end of 2024.“We have been busy subsidising our neighbours; these are funds that can be invested in improving our infrastructure and other social services.“Our budget this year for infrastructure was N6.7 trillion, meanwhile, the subsidy would have consumed N5.4 trillion, if not curbed or checked.

“Let us be resilient, let us continue to pray, let us persevere, and let us hold on to our faith in Almighty God.“Let us not join those who continue to fan the flames of discord in our land, and those who are calling for protests, violence, and civil disobedience, which only leads to vandalism, looting, and destruction of public property.

“Let us engage constructively and work with the government, knowing that this administration is an inclusive one,” he said.

FG Donates 64 CNG Buses To Labour, NANS

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 29, 2024

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The federal government has handed over 64 Compressed Natural Gas buses to the Nigerian Labour Congress, NCL and the Trade Union Congress, TUC.

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, also benefited from the largesse, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris said in a statement on Sunday, stressing that the Tinubu administration has fulfilled one of its promises of making life better for Nigerians.

Idris’ said in the statement shared on his X handle that the administration is poised to provide cheaper and cleaner transportation, apart from bringing down the cost of transportation leveraging on the country’s abundant gas reserves.

He said, “Today @NigeriaGov handed over 64 CNG buses to representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), for deployment as commuter buses.

“Running on CNG will allow for cheaper and cleaner transportation, in line with President Tinubu’s commitment to bringing down the cost of living and taking full advantage of Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves.

“I joined my colleagues the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, and Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande for the handover.”

Following the rising cost of the Premium Motor Spirit also known as petrol the federal government has advised Nigerians to migrate to CNG for their vehicles because of its cost effectiveness and nature friendliness.

Meanwhile, not a few insist that the buses are too few to force down the cost of transportation or ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians, a situation caused by the recent hike in the price of petrol.

Fubara To Wike: “Be Quiet, God Made You Who You Are”

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 29, 2024

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Governor Simi Fubara of River state has taken a jab at Nyesom Wike, his predecessor on his performance in office. The governor said he has achieved within a year what Wike could not achieve in eight years that he ruled the oil rich state.

Fubara’s remark is the latest in the struggle between him and his predecessor for the soul of the restive oil rich state state.

The magazine reports that Fubara rode on the back of Wike, now the FCT Minister to office last, but has since turned his back on benefactor less than a year after the incumbent accused the minister of trying to undermine him.

The governor also spoke barely few hours after his Ijaw kinsmen, led by Boma Iyaye, the NDDC Executive Director of Finance, appealed to Wike to forgive Fubara for betraying his trust in him.

They berated the governor for fighting the minister who assited him to be the number one citizen of the state, the first Ijaw man to have achieved that milestones in the history of the state.

Speaking today, during a thanksgiving service marking Nigeria’s 64^th Independence Anniversary at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Port Harcourt, the state capital the governor who reeled out his achievements in the last one year said Wike cannot be compared to him.

The governor said he has made his mark within a very short period, citing his achievements particularly in the sector.

Apart from road construction, “I’m also building a General Hospital and a Psychiatric Hospital because they’ll need it soon. What I achieved in one year is what they couldn’t do in eight,” Fubara said.

Advising his predecessor to be humble for what God has done for him, the governor said “If God has blessed you, eat your plantain and be quiet..”

Following his departure from office last year, Wike was appointed FCT Minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu despite the fact that the former governor is not a member of the ruling All progressives Congress, APC. He’s a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

As the FCT minister, Wike, political analyts insist has the ears of the president making him one powerful appointee in Tinubu’s cabinet.

IPOB: Kanu’s Family Begs Tinubu To Free Him As Respect For Late Iwuanyanwu

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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September 29, 2024

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Nnamdi Kanu’s family has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release their son, and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

The family said President Tinubu should do this as a mark of respect for the memory of the late leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.

According to the family, south east leaders and state governors have not done enough to ensure Kanu’s release, stressing that they should put more pressure on the federal government to free him.

The late Iwuanyanwu, you will recall, died in July this year, and will be buried on November 2, according to details form his family.

Recall also that Binta Nyako, the judge trying the detailed IPOB leader recently recuse herself from the case following Kanu’s demand to that effect. The same judge has been on the case for some years.

Kanu’s family said in a statement, on Sunday, signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the elder brother of the embattled IPOB leader that he should be released like other agitators who have been freed by the government, adding that his release can be used to pacify the south east people who currently felt marginalised.

The statement said I n part: “While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu may have offended some individuals with his rhetoric, it doesn’t indicate he harbours hate.

“He cares for and respects people but expresses concern when things are not handled properly.

“He has no interest in holding political office in Nigeria; his primary focus is on ensuring the proper development of Biafra land with equal opportunities for all.”

Since July 2021 when he was arrested and repatriated to Nigeria from Kenya, the IPOB leader has been in the custody of Department of State Services, DSS and has been going in and out of the case where he’s been tried by the federal government.

Some leaders from the region had severally appealed to the federal government to free him ot no avail.

Shock As Four Teenagers Drown In Jigawa Pond

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 29, 2024

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Jigawa State Police Command on Sunday September 29, 2024 confirmed the drowning four young girls in a pond while swimming.

This is even as the State Commissioner of Police, A.T. Abdullahi, called on parents to monitor, closely, the movements and activities of their wards so as to minimize the occurrence of some avoidable incidents.

The deceased drowned while swimming in a pond at Malkaderi Village in the Gagarawa Local Council of the State on Saturday September, 28.

A statement on Sunday by the Jigawa State Police Command spokesperson, Lawan Shiisu Adam, said the incident which occurred on Saturday evening involved five persons.

However, only one of them could survive the accident.

“In a tragic and devastating incident reported to the Command on September. 28, 2024 ,at about 1530hrs, five (5) teenagers, all female went to swim in a pond at Maikaderi Village, Gagarawa LGA on the same date, at about 1100hours.

But, unfortunately, four of them namely Sauna’u Musa (12) ,Fiddausi Ado (11) Habiba Musa (12 ) and Bahijja Musa (13) were found drowned and floating in the pond, while Sahura Audu ( 8) survived.”

According to the police statement, upon arrival, at the scene of the incident, police operatives quickly evacuated the victims to the nearby Gagarawa Primary Health Centre.

However, at the medical facility, the Medical Doctor on duty, confirmed four dead, while Sahura, the only survivor was resuscitated, treated and discharged.

The Police further informed that the corpses of the dead were subsequently released to the families for interment.

The CP, while cautioning residents, on the use of ponds for swimming purposes this rainy season, extended the sincere condolences of the Service to the bereaved families.