Kashim Shettima on Thursday officially opened the third cohort of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

Shettima asked the council’s members to be fully committed to fostering a favourable business environment in the nation during his remarks at the council’s first meeting, which was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

He also pleaded with the council members to easily identify themselves with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said this would demonstrate the powerful political determination underlying the revolutionary plans of the Tinubu-led administration.

Shettima said, “‘Aligning seamlessly with the vision of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu and 8-point Renewed Hope agenda of this administration.

“Our commitment to fostering a conducive business environment is a direct reflection of the strong political will driving the transformative initiatives of this government.

“Today, we stand on a robust foundation, and we recognise that achieving PEBEC’s mandate directly contributes to the success of our shared economic prosperity as a nation.

“Undoubtedly, reforms are formidable undertakings, particularly in our region. However, history has proven that they are achievable, and we draw inspiration from past successes.

“As a council, our dedication to these reforms must be unwavering, and each member must take ownership of this mission with 100 per cent commitment.”

Similarly, Shettima asked the council members to work hard for the Tinubu administration’s overall success.

He stated that to truly realise the revolutionary effects that PEBEC may have on the economic environment in Nigeria, cooperation and a common commitment were the necessary mindsets.

“Today, as we confront these difficulties head-on, our goal is not merely to weather the storm but to create more winners, enterprises that not only withstand challenges but thrive and contribute substantially to our economic vitality,” he added.

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Tuesday said it will establish industrial hubs to accelerate job creation to tackle rising unemployment in the nation.

President Bola Tinubu disclosed this at the 55th International Conference of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) in Abuja.

Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiru Onyejeocha, said his administration was geared to steer the country towards self-reliance and reduce dependency on others in the face of global challenges.

He said, “We envision an unprecedented level of industrial activity, marked by the establishment of unique industrial hubs tailored to the strengths of each region in our great nation.”

He also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to end poverty, insisting that this was deeply intertwined with its focus on economic growth and job creation.

He added, “We recognise that sustainable development can only be achieved by fostering an environment where job opportunities abound, ensuring food security and eradicating poverty.

“In the pursuit of our vision, inclusivity is paramount, we’Il prominently feature women and youth in all our endeavours, recognising them as integral contributors to our nation’s success.”

This is coming after Tinubu had, on Monday in Saudi Arabia, advanced negotiations concerning a multi-billion dollar infrastructure finance facility from the Islamic Development Bank to fund a multi-sectoral portfolio of infrastructure projects both at the federal and sub-national levels in Nigeria.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has named Setonji Koshoedo as its acting National Secretary of the party.

The decision was taken by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

Koshoedo was previously the Deputy National Secretary and will now assume the role of the National Secretary pending the outcome of a legal case currently before the Enugu High Court.

The announcement was made by the PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, following an NWC meeting held on Tuesday.

Damagum explained that Koshoedo’s appointment was necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of the party in the midst of the ongoing legal proceedings.

“We decided that the Deputy National Secretary should take over in an acting capacity pending the resolution of the Court case,” Damagum stated.

“We also direct parties involved in the Court case to stand down action for the party’s due process,” he said.

Damagum further disclosed that the appointment was made in light of conflicting court orders regarding the position of the National Secretary.

The federal government has stated that the country will create 340,000 jobs with a transition to renewable energy by 2030 and 840,000 in 2060.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, while speaking during the second edition of the German-Nigerian Symposium on Green Energy on Monday, explained that the energy transition would result in economic and job creation with quality power supply.

According to Adelabu, the federal government is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 but needs to expand power generation in the country to stop the use of diesel and petrol generators.

He reiterated, “Nigeria is committed to delivering adequate renewable and affordable power to its citizens in a sustainable manner. The implementation of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP) will not only provide economic development but also result in significant job creation with up to 340,000 jobs by the year 2030 and 840,000 by 2060.”

The minister believed that gas would play a critical role in the transition from fuel in Nigeria, stressing that the ETP would create significant investment opportunities for the establishment and expansion of industries related to solar energy, green hydrogen, and electric vehicles.

Based on current programs and projects directly related to just energy transition, he explained that the country currently needs $1.9tn to attain net-zero emissions by 2060 and has identified a $32bn investment opportunity.

He added that due to insufficient generation and grid constraints, the majority of households, businesses, and industries in the nation generate their electricity with diesel and petrol generators.

The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, Annett Günther, stated that Germany and Nigeria are both committed to driving the production and use of hydrogen.

She stated that during the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz’s recent visit to Nigeria, he highlighted that the energy partnership between both nations is not only about traditional fossil fuels but also about hydrogen, the gas of the future.

In his remarks, the Country Director, GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS, Dr. Markus Wagner, explained that it is crucial to recognize green hydrogen as having the potential to revolutionize the energy landscape as it offers a path to reducing carbon emissions, diversifying energy sources, and boosting economic growth.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Kogi State governorship election, Dino Melaye, has said that his decision not to vote during the polls should not be blamed for his defeat.

Melaye came a distant third in the election, with Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) clinching the governorship seat.

There are claims that the former senator may have hampered his chances by refusing to vote during the Saturday poll.

But Dino argues: “People win elections from prison; whether I vote or not, it is immaterial.”

He said on Monday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today: “The issue of voting or not voting has no legal status. People win elections in prison. Legally, it has no relevance to the election. Whether I voted or not, it is immaterial.”

A young man from Benue called Terver Orphega who is the manager of second pot restaurant along Lobito crescent wuse 2 Abuja has c0mmitted suicide.

Report has it that he became depressed after securing a business loan and was unable to payback due to harsh economic environment and hardship with doing business.

He drank sniper mixed with other concoctions after lodging at a hotel somewhere in garki. His corpse has been identified by the police and now at the morgue.

Suicide is never an option, people are really going through a lot. Try to check up on loved ones.

Depression is real… check up on your loved ones.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has disclosed that its Supervising Presiding Officer, SPO, has been abducted by unknown persons.

The unnamed INEC staff was abducted in Bayelsa on her way to her duty post.

The commission also said a boat conveying personnel and materials to Registration Area Centers, RACs, 17 Koluama community, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, capsized.

A statement signed and issued to .ng, on Friday night, by HOD, voter education & Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, stated that its SPO assigned to Registration Area- 06 (Ossioma) in Sagbama LGA was abducted while waiting to board a boat at Amassoma Jetty.

“The commission commenced movement of personnel and electoral materials to the Registration Area Centers (RACs) on Friday 10th November, 2023.

“However we wish to confirm that a boat carrying election personnel to Registration Area-17 (Koluama) in Southern ljaw LGA capsized.

“Fortunately, no life was lost as all the election personnel numbering 12 and the boat operator were rescued.

“We however lost our result sheets, power banks and luggage containing personal effects of staff.

“The total number of registered voters in the affected Registration Areas is 5368 and the number of PVCs collected is 5311.

“INEC is making efforts to ensure the conduct of elections in the affected area. The security agencies have been notified,” he said.

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has finally cleared the coast for former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva to participate in this Saturday’s governorship election in Bayelsa State.

The appellate court on Friday dismissed the last of the chains of suits seeking the exclusion of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the gubernatorial poll.

Delivering judgment in an appeal instituted against Sylva and two others by one Hon Isikima Ogbomade Johnson, Justice Binta Zubar held that the suit was not only unjustifiable but brought in bad faith by the appellant against the respondents.

The Court agreed with Chief James Ogwu Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), that the allegations of taking the oath of governorship office twice being held against Sylva cannot stand in the face of law because competent courts had invalidated the first one.

In the appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/1052/2023, Justices Zubar also dismissed the allegations against APC that its April 14, 2023, primary election, which produced Sylva as flagbearer, was done in contravention of provisions of the law.

The unanimous judgment agreed with Onoja’s arguments that the overwhelming evidence adduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and APC pointed to the fact that all legal steps were taken in the conduct of the primary election.

Onoja SAN had, in his brief on behalf of Sylva, narrated how APC adopted direct primary as the mode of electing the governorship candidate and how a 5-man Electoral Committee on April 14 conducted the election in 106 Wards of the eight local government areas of Bayelsa.

The senior lawyer also listed how Sylva, with 52,062 votes, came first, while the appellant came fourth with 584 votes behind Joshua Maciver with 2,078 votes, David Perewomini Lyon with 1,584 votes, Ongoebi Etebu with 1,277 votes while Daumiebi Festus Sunday came last with 557 votes.

The Appeal Court said with the undisputed evidence coupled with the monitoring report of INEC as a statutory body, the allegations by the appellant that Sylva emerged without a primary election has no foundation.

“From the uncontroverted independent report of INEC, it was clear beyond any doubt that a valid primary election was conducted by APC and monitored by the electoral umpire as required by law,

Justice Zubar also held that the appellant’s case was statute barred having been instituted outside the 14 days allowed by law as a pre-election matter.

In totality, the Court of Appeal upheld the judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo which on September 26 dismissed the suit for want of merit and substance.

Johnson had, by an originating summons, dragged APC, INEC and Sylva before the Federal High Court, praying for an order to disqualify him from being allowed to participate in the coming November governorship election in Bayelsa State.

She had predicated her grouse against Sylvia on two grounds – that Sylva had been elected into governorship office twice and took the oath of office and oath of allegiance twice and that the April 14 primary election that produced Sylva was illegal and unlawful, having been allegedly done in contravention with APC’s guidelines.

The High Court, however, dismissed the suit while the Court of Appeal affirmed its dismissal.

Ahead of Saturday, November 11 gubernatorial elections in Imo, Bayelsa and Kogi states, tension is high, particularly in Imo and Kogi states, where the indices are not looking so good.

There are fears as threats of violence loom large, especially in the two states.

It was the same scenario in the two states during the 2023 general elections.

Feelers show that though residents are desirous of coming out en-masse during the polls, they are afraid of losing their lives.

They are equally skeptical and concerned that the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), might not deliver free, fair and credible elections, considering what happened during the 2023 general elections.

The destruction of posters of the opposition candidates in states like Imo and Kogi, the physical attacks on party supporters and the malfunctioning of the BVAS machines have not helped matters either.

However, President Bola Tinubu had during the handing over of the All Progressives Congress, APC, flag to the party’s candidates in the elections at the Banquet Hall of the Aso Rock Villa, called for free, fair, and transparent elections in the three states.

“All I am asking for is free and fair elections. I believe we will do well,” President Tinubu charged the stakeholders, comprising the three candidates, Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Usman Ododo (Kogi), and Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa), the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and his National Working Committee (NWC) members, among others.

President Tinubu was optimistic that his party would emerge victorious in the electoral contests and he hinged his optimism and conviction on hard work, candidates’ records and the collective efforts of the party officials and members of the APC NWC.

“I want to thank the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who is working hard to ensure a handover to our candidate, Usman Ododo. We are happy to have Hope Uzodinma, the great hope of our party and chairman of the APC Progressives Governors Forum. Thank you for the good job you are doing.

“Timipre Sylva, congratulations on what you have achieved as a former governor and former minister. We are all facing this crusade for democracy, particularly in this time of elections.

“It is our hope and we have Hope Uzodinma as a candidate, that we will always come out victorious. I want to thank the active national leadership of our party, the NWC, and our hardworking chairman. He is doing a good job, and I thank him very much,” President Tinubu stated.

However, despite the president’s call for free, fair and credible elections in the three states, an elite organization of Kogi professionals, Club 582 has asked President Tinubu to ensure a probe into the recent killings in the state.

A statement by the president of the organization, Samuel Onekutuon, on Wednesday, noted that despite the deployment of security operatives, violent activities were on the rise in the state.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun recently ordered the deployment of security operatives to Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa for the governorship elections on November 11.

Following the IGP’s order, it was reported that about 40,000 police officers had been deployed to Kogi State.

However, Onekutu said some residents were still killed on Tuesday in Anyigba town, due to a clash by political parties.

“We, the entire members of Club 582, an elite group of like-minded citizens of Kogi State, wish to appreciate the Federal government for its commitment to peace and security in Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa states during the weekend election in the three states.

“We are particularly delighted that the government is determined to stamp out thuggery and the senseless killings that have come to define elections and the grim struggle for power in Kogi State. We have no cause to doubt the sincerity of the government in its efforts to put an end to the senseless killings orchestrated by political groups in the state.

“But, we are worried that despite the deployment of armed troops to the state for Operation Safe Conduct, Anyigba, the social and commercial headquarters of Igala land, on Tuesday, witnessed another show of senseless violence. As usual, there are conflicting reports.

“One said the political party in power in the state sent rogue troops, disguised as security agents, to waylay the residence of a political opponent where five persons, including a policeman, were killed. Another report countered this and said a combined force of law enforcement officers went there to stamp out thugs.

“Kogi State in the last eight years has been a veritable killing field and the citizens of the state, who have been unwilling witnesses to the bloodbath, have lost confidence in the ability of the government to protect them. But, we can’t blame them.

“On the approach of any election, security agencies were never tired of assuring the people of peace and security. But, the opposite has always been the case. In 2019, despite similar assurances by the government, a police helicopter was used by the government in power not only to scare away voters, but also to kill and maim them.

“This election is the first to be conducted under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We want our people to be given the assurance of the security of their lives and limbs during this election and at all other times,” the statement read.

In Imo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is also calling for the redeployment of the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Sylvia Agu, insisting that the Imo people would not accept the result of any electoral process with Agu.

A statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, charged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to emulate the IGP, Egbetokun, who had earlier redeployed the Commissioners of Police in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa, following similar calls by concerned citizens.

Close watchers of political developments in Kogi and Imo, particularly are afraid that violence of unprecedented proportions might well be in the offing, and are calling on the security agents to adequately protect the voters and residents, by being proactive in intelligence gathering and response.

In Imo State, there are reports that opposition candidates’ posters are not seen anywhere in Owerri, the state capital.

“Anybody that stands against the APC in Imo State is crushed. The governor brooks no opposition. You can see what happened to the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero for daring to challenge the government over the plight of the Imo workers.

“He was accused of being a member of the opposition Labour Party (LP) and was almost killed in a brutal attack by thugs and some policemen.

“The claim by the police that Ajaero was not arrested but taken into protective custody was all lies; he was actually arrested after he was brutally beaten but because there was public outcry and condemnation, they came up with that excuse as a face saving measure,” a concerned Imo resident, Christian Ekezie told newsmen.

However, in Kogi, the story is not different. The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) alleged that he had been attacked for almost 30 times and nobody has been arrested in connection with those attacks.

What happened during the 2019 election in Kogi is still very fresh in the minds of many. The level of violence that characterized the election was unprecedented and many have expressed concerns that if nothing is done, another violence of the same magnitude or even worse could repeat itself in the coming Saturday elections in the state.

In Bayelsa, the situation is not as tense and precarious as it is in Imo and Kogi, except for the recent threat credited to the deputy governorship candidate of the APC, Joshua Maciver.

Maciver was alleged to have told the APC supporters in the state during a campaign to drive anyone who misbehaves on Election Day into the sea to die.

“Let us be prepared on the 11th, don’t joke with anybody. If anyone misbehaves in Twon-Brass, chase am go enter the sea make him die. Una dey hear (drive them into the sea, let them die. Do you hear)? Chase am make him die (chase them, let them die). After all, e no go be the first person to die (after all, such a person won’t be the first to die). So, let us be prepared and let us show them that this time around when we take it, we are taking it for finals,” he was reported to have said.

Again, the ruling PDP in the state is also alleging that the opposition politicians are amassing weapons and equipping thugs to cause mayhem and disrupt the peaceful, free and fair conduct of the elections.

For the president, Niger Delta Nationalities Forum, Seigha Manager, elections in Nigeria had always been manipulated by politicians.

He expressed doubt about the preparedness of the INEC to deliver free, fair and credible elections in the three states. His fears are not unconnected with the way INEC flouted its own rules and guidelines during the last general elections in February and March.

While speaking to newsmen, he reminded the electoral body that the three off-cycle elections is an opportunity for it to redeem its battered image and restore people’s confidence in it once again.

He called on the security agents to live up to their duties by ensuring that people move freely and safely to exercise their franchise on Election Day.

He also urged the people to be optimistic, in spite of all the identified odds, saying, “We will fight and ensure that something credible comes out of the elections. Let the people be prepared for the transformation that many people are trying to bring about.”

National Publicity Secretary of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Alex Ogbonnia, lamented that the kind of democracy being practised in Nigeria was the bane of all the electoral problems in Nigeria.

He told newsmen that Nigeria has failed to separate the state from the government and that is why it has become so difficult to have free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.

For the former second Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Monday Onyekachi Ubani, whether INEC would be able to deliver free, fair and credible elections is largely dependent on the people.

He urged the people to insist that the right thing must be done.

“If we discover any defect in any of the processes, we should raise alarm to the public and let INEC know what our fears are, and probably wait for their reactions, whether they will address such issues or not.

“If we don’t raise those issues which we have found out in the system, the politicians will think that everybody is ignorant, and if they want to manipulate, they can go ahead to do that,” he told .ng.

A house boy identified as Chigozie Dike has allegedly cut off the manhood of his madam’s aged father, with the intention of using it for money ritual.

Sources said the incident happened in Amaenyi, Awka, the Anambra State capital.

It was gathered that the 20-year-old house boy was brought by his madam to tend to her aged father.

A source who availed .ng of a video recording of members of the family, said the boy has barely worked for a month before he killed the old man.

A write up which accompanied the video read: “This boy by name Chigozie Dike is a houseboy, of 20yrs old. He came barely a month ago to stay and take care of his madam’s father at Amaenyi, Awka, Anambra state.

“Yesterday, 8th November 2023, when the madam left for her restaurant business, he put on their generator to avoid people hearing his evil plans, then took matchet and butchered the madam father including his manhood for ritual and ran away.

“The father has been rushed to Amaku hospital, Awka. The boy is on the run now, anybody that see him should kindly report to the nearest police station.”

When .ng contacted the Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, he confirmed the incident, saying the suspect has been apprehended, and was now in police custody.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has denied allegations that he blocked President Bola Tinubu from facilitating the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Uzodinma accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of using the story as a form of blackmail ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Public Communications, Collins Ughalaa, Governor Uzodinma stated that the PDP had resorted to blackmail due to their realization that they might lose the upcoming governorship election.

He maintained that the story of him preventing Tinubu from facilitating Kanu’s release is entirely false.

The statement reads in part: “We know that the disgruntled opposition party can do anything, including supporting or sponsoring terror in the state, but we thought the party still had some shame. However, the recent desperation to blackmail Governor Hope Uzodinma with the fake story that the governor is blocking the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu shows that the party is capable of doing any evil without scruples.

“In a fake story titled: ‘Uzodinma blocking the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu – Tinubu,’ and being circulated by the PDP and their agents, the party falsely accused the governor of blocking the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“The story is false in its entirety. Not only did President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not make the statement they falsely credited to him, the governor never made any move to block Kanu’s release, neither did he reach out to the President not to release Kanu. There is no reason for such a move whatsoever.”

Reports had claimed that Tinubu accused Uzodinma of stopping him from facilitating Kanu’s release during a meeting with Igbo businessmen in Abuja on Monday.

However, the presidency had denied such reports, stressing that Tinubu never made such a remark.

A former federal lawmaker and former vice-presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said that showing respect for President Bola Tinubu wouldn’t deter him from referring to the former Lagos State governor as a drug dealer.

Datti Baba-Ahmed spoke during an interview on Arise TV, shortly after he accompanied the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the last election, Peter Obi, to a world press conference in Abuja.

There were reports linking the president to drug-related activities many years ago, but the Supreme Court has declined to make rulings on such matters.

“Showing Tinubu respect does not mean I will not call him a drug dealer,” he stated.

He asserted that Nigerians must reclaim their country while stressing that they have the right to do so.

“Remove the guns from the hands of Nigerians and redirect them against the enemies of Nigeria; Nigeria must reclaim the country!

“Sovereignty and power belong to the people! Democracy is the right of those who can practice it.”

Labour Party’s vice presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, has said that the Supreme Court did not affirm the victory of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, contrary to the general belief

According to the former federal lawmaker, the apex court merely upheld what he described as the illegality declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Datti Baba-Ahmed stated this when he appeared as a guest on Arise TV on Monday evening, hours after his boss, Peter Obi, addressed the press on the outcome of the judicial process in the aftermath of the election.

He said they had rejected the Supreme Court judgement and did not accept it as a valid ruling.

Peter Obi had gone to the apex court to challenge the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, which upheld INEC’s declaration of Tinubu as the winner of the election.

The apex court, in its ruling, stood by the PEPT’s decision, affirming Tinubu as the duly elected president.

“Please quote me on this: the Appeal and Supreme Courts did not affirm Tinubu’s presidency. They merely upheld the illegality of INEC’s declaration,” Datti Baba-Ahmed said on Arise TV.

“We accepted the judgment because it was the last step for HE Peter Obi and I to take; we rejected and did not accept it as a valid judgment.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has advised the Labour Party (LP) to accept the ruling of the Court of Appeal, which sacked Senator Darlington Nwokocha from the Senate.

In a statement signed by Abraham Amah, its Vice Chairman and acting Publicity Secretary in Abia, the party insisted that the judgement of the Appeal Court was final on the matter, and could not be reserved.

The party, which said it was reacting to reports credited to the LP Chairman in Abia State, Ceakay Igara, where he rejected the court’s declaration of Austin Akobundu as duly elected senator for Abia Central, advised the LP to obey court orders by accepting the removal of Senator Darlington Nwokocha and support PDP and Austin Akobundu’s legal victory.

The PDP, which said that it came to the Appeal Court with 19 grounds of appeal, informed that Section 77 is both a pre-election and post-election matter, arguing that the LP could not defend most of the grounds the PDP brought to the Appeal Court.

The umbrella party also claimed that a circular from the Labour Party in Ikwuano LGA, was allegedly calling LP’s members to a solidarity rally to protest the judgement of the Court of Appeal, saying that such outing was unheard of in democratic history.

The statement read in part:

“Another document is the press conference addressed by the Chairman of the Abia Labour Party, Mr. Cheeky Igara, wherein he assumed the position of Judge Extraordinaire to lecture Abians, Nigerians and the press on why the judgement of a validly constituted court should not stand because a member of his party was removed from office.

“According to Igara, “we are more shocked by the rascality of the judiciary, especially muscling judgements, divisive judgements”.

“It is unbecoming of a party to make a public declaration to reject the judgement of a court of competent and final jurisdiction and ask it to review its judgement because that is nothing but a call to anarchy.

“Furthermore, the Labour Party also conveniently ignored the fact that the Court of Appeal also took cognizance of the rejected votes in some polling units which was on the petition of the PDP,” the statement said.

The opposition party also said that the LP did not provide a copy of the Appeal Court judgement to members of the press during the press conference before calling for reversal of judgement, even as it berated the LP for not protesting when judgements went in their favour.

Apart from these, the PDP said said any protest against the Appeal Court ruling could cause security breach in Abia.

It, however, urged all PDP members to remain calm in Abia.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says his administration is committed to providing the necessary support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to unlock their full potential and ensure their long-term success.

Tinubu said this at the 2023 Edition of the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Friday in Lagos.

The event has its theme, “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value”.

He was represented by Mrs Lucia Shittu, Chief Executive Officer, Tafawa Balewa Square Management Board (TBSMB).

Recognising the vital role that MSMEs play in the Nigerian economy, Tinubu stressed the government’s responsibility to support these businesses, considering that they are the lifeblood of economic prosperity.

“It is our duty to provide them with the necessary support and resources they need to flourish.

“We would continue to create policies, provide access to finance and capacity building initiatives that will empower these enterprises to reach new heights of success,” he said.

Tinubu, however, emphasised the need for MSMEs to embrace technology, innovation and adapt to evolving consumer demands.

By so doing, he said, Nigerian MSMEs would be better positioned not just as participants in the global marketplace but as leaders and innovators, setting the pace for others to follow.

“Let us forge ahead, with determination, resilience, and a shared vision for a Nigeria that stands tall on the world stage,” he said.

In his remarks, the Governor of Lagos, Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu, said the event’s theme showed the importance of businesses connecting, knowing fully well that no business organisation could survive on its own.

Sanwo-Olu was represented by Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medem.

He said the fair provided another huge 10-day window for businesses to showcase their products and services, gain great marketing mileage and fresh opportunities for networking with other businesses.

According to him, the platform is timely, very strategic, and transformative as it will further build the investment ecosystems to support more competitive investment opportunities in Nigeria.

The governor noted that while some would describe the youth population as a challenge to be managed, he called it a great potential to be unleashed in the state and nation at large.

He said there was a need for a different approach to attract potential investors, both in Lagos and across the country.

“I want to reassure you that the Lagos State Government would continue to be your partner in progress towards ensuring conducive business environment for investments to thrive in the state.

“We are very much aware that our quest to move Lagos, our dear state, from Nigeria’s biggest commercial city to become a mega or smart city, running on 21st Century economic dynamics, will depend, to a large extent, on our political will to effectively tackle various challenges confronting businesses.

“For us, we see the challenges as great opportunities for further investment and our administration is not only working assiduously to change the narratives, we are also ready to work with willing investors.

“This will help to expand the infrastructure for the benefit of our businesses in particular, our state and nation in general,” he said. (NAN)

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that its Ibadan zonal office has secured the conviction and sentencing of 41 internet fraudsters to various jail terms in Oyo and Ogun states.

EFCC noted that the convicts were jailed after pleading guilty to the one-count charge preferred against them.

The convicts, according to the commission, were convicted before justices Ladiran Akintola and Adebukola Olajide of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Others were convicted before justices Abiodun Akinyemi, A.A. Babawale, and B.B. Adebowale of the Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta, and Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State.

EFCC made these revelations via a statement signed by its Head of Media and Publicity Dele Oyewale. The commission added that all 41 convicts were arrested by operatives for internet-related offences.

Among the convicts are Siyanbade Timilehin Omobosola, Ilugbo Emmanuel Adekunle, Odude Ayomide Michael, Aderounmu Gbenga Michael, Oluwole David Dare, Habeeblahi Abdullateef Akande, Ololade Sunday Olamide, Ibrahim Victor Abayomi, Adewusi Mojeed Adedeji, Afeez Lekan Jimoh, Peter Seyi Iyanuoluwa, Olatunde Abass, Alan-Oni Joseph Opeyemi, Adetunji Abolaji Adeola, and Ogunmola Oluwabori Michael.

The leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC UK Chapter, has kicked against the planned protest by a group against President Bola Tinubu in London, saying such a move remains a misadventure.

Mr Tunde Doherty, Chairman of the UK chapter of the ruling party, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

Doherty, who is also the APC Committee of Diaspora Chairmen, said he felt compelled to respond to the recent allegations and statements made by a group led by Aisha Yesufu, an activist and a supporter of the Labour Party.

He stated that the group was planning to stage the protest in London to propagate their claims about the educational credentials of the president.

“It has come to our attention that this group is organising a protest in London to propagate unfounded claims about the educational credentials of President Bola Tinubu.

“We firmly believe our responsibility is to address this matter and underscore the significance of relying on substantiated facts over premature and unsubstantiated allegations.

“President Bola Tinubu, a seasoned and distinguished statesman, has a long and illustrious track record of serving our great nation.

“Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the betterment of Nigeria and its people.

“The allegations of forged certificates not only lack concrete evidence but also undermine the spirit of democracy and fair political discourse that we hold dear,” Doherty said.

The governorship candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in Imo State for the November 11 governorship election, Sen. Athan Achonu, has condemned the arrest and brutalization of Comrade Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, by thugs allegedly led by state government agents and operatives of the Imo State Police Command.

Reacting to the development, the opposition party cried out and called on President Bola Tinubu to look into the state of affairs in Imo State.

Achonu spoke in a statement signed by Calistus Ihejiagwa, Chairman of the LP in Imo State.

.ng had earlier reported that Ajaero was whisked away and later released by the Police in Owerri, Imo State capital, on Wednesday.

Reacting, Achonu said, “The Constitution is the Supreme Law of the country and supersedes every other law and pronouncement, said Nigeria is a democracy and every citizen is guaranteed his fundamental human rights of movement, association, and expression as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“Presently Imo State under Hope Uzodinma we are witnessing gross violations of the Constitution with regards to those inalienable fundamental human rights.

“We believe that President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police can see the depravity going on in Imo State and dissociate their good offices from the evil being perpetrated by Hope Uzodinma and the pliant security operatives who are willing to join his army of brigandage and suppression of the people.

“Once again, we cry out and call on President Bola Tinubu to look into the state of affairs in Imo. He should urgently pay attention to what is happening in the state and cause a quick change of guards in the security architecture to ensure that the will of the people is not subverted by one emperor.

“We also boldly say that the forthcoming election must be different from the rest. Imolites are determined not to allow election riggers to subvert their will again. They must come out en masse to vote without fear of intimidation and the votes must count.

“If Uzodinma feels he has done well beyond the propaganda, let him face his opponents in a fair contest instead of plotting to destabilize the state by muzzling opposition.

“We urge the international community, the human rights community, civil society groups, and election observers to take note.

“We also plead with the Nigerian government to stop Governor Uzodinma from allowing his desperation for re-election to set the state ablaze beyond the current carnage it has witnessed under his rudderless administration so that the November 11 governorship election and transition to a new government is done in peace.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero has narrated his ordeal in police custody after he was arrested in Owerri, Imo State.

Ajaero said God must have taken extra time to create him due to the beating he received while in police custody.

Recall that some miscreants disrupted the NLC’s protest in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The NLC president was in Owerri to mobilize Imo workers for a mega protest rally in the state over an alleged violation and abuse of rights and privileges of workers by the state government.

The violence that broke out during the rally led to men of the Nigeria Police Force whisking away Ajaero.

Speaking after he was released, Ajaero said the police threatened to drag him to court.

According to Ajaero: “If you say interim order, it elapses with time; if the court issues another one, then it’s a different thing. I told them interim order ends within one week or two; they now kept the letter and told me they can prosecute me.

“I told them it’s the same court that can institute a contempt charge; you just can’t start prosecuting me.

“They beat me; God must have taken extra time to create me because of the kind of beating I received.”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled plans to introduce one million Compressed Natural Gas powered vehicles by 2027.

Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties and Domestic Affairs, Toyin Subaru, disclosed this during a recent stakeholders’ meeting at the Bank of Industry headquarters in Abuja.

He said that 11,500 CNG-powered buses are expected to be deployed nationwide soon.

He said the move would address transportation challenges exacerbated by the recent subsidy removal, providing a viable solution to the public, .ng reports.

The Federal Government assured that the introduction of CNG buses will significantly lower the price of CNG to N230 per kg, making it an affordable and eco-friendly option for the citizens.

Subaru emphasized that integrating CNG-powered mass transit buses will enable Nigerians to save up to two-thirds of their transportation costs.

“Now, with this CNG plan, we don’t have to import what we need to operate our vehicles.
“It is called CNG, and we have the gas here in Nigeria. So, the idea is to take the gas and distribute it across Nigeria via different truck stations.

“Most gas is not CNG enabled yet, and what we are doing is to help them convert their cars so you can use petrol and CNG at the same time.

“We are going to develop an app that will enable you to locate where a CNG station is located. We should be able to buy gas for our cars at N230 per KG as against the cost of petrol, which is N680 per litre. This should help every Nigerian save about two-thirds of their transport cost,” he said.

A former national chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali and the candidate of the NNPP in the March 18 governorship election in Kaduna State, Senator Sulaiman Othman Hunkuyi, have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Alkali and Hunkuyi were received into the party on Tuesday by the national chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje.

Also, a former national legal adviser of NNPP, Prof. Bem Angwe, along with 23 others from NNPP and PDP, joined the ruling party.

Alkali, who spoke on behalf of the defectors, said they didn’t join APC because it is the ruling party but because it is the best vehicle if they must make progress politically.

“The good news we are bringing to you and to the APC today is that we are here just as representatives of the multitude of hundreds of thousands of our supporters, friends, associates, and well-wishers within the NNPP and PDP nationwide who were earnestly waiting for this historic day,” he said.

In his response, Ganduje claimed that NNPP has been hijacked and polluted by an association called Kwankwassiya.

The APC national chairman pledged that the defectors would be given a level playing field and carried along in the scheme of things in the party.