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The Action Alliance, AA, has chosen not to contest the results of the Kogi State Governorship Election held on November 11th, 2023.

This was disclosed during an emergency National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the party.

The party’s national chairman, Hon (Dr) Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, clarified the party’s position during a press conference held on Monday in Abuja.

Omoaje explained that the party had distanced itself from a legal suit filed at the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition challenging the election outcome.

He emphasized that the Action Alliance is not inclined to pursue legal action against the Governor-elect, Alhaji Usman Ododo.


The national chairman pointed out that after emerging the candidate for the election, Olayinka Ibrahimoh, operated without consulting the party.

Omoaje expressed dissatisfaction with Ibrahimoh’s decision to approach the judiciary without the party’s endorsement.

“From the moment INEC published the final list of candidates for the Kogi gubernatorial election, Olayinka Ibrahimoh, our adopted candidate for that election deliberately built an edge around himself against the party, making it difficult to relate with him,” he stated.

Omoaje detailed the party’s attempts to engage with Ibrahimoh, stating the latter’s refusal to collaborate with the party’s leadership.

He narrated an incident involving the Deputy National Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Isa, who was left without communication during his team’s stay in Kogi State.

Addressing the party’s official stance on the legal challenge, Omoaje asserted, “Consequent upon the aforementioned, we are stating clearly here that our party, the Action Alliance, has no hand in the matter before the Kogi State governorship election tribunal, and we say unequivocally that we are not interested in the matter at all.”

Governor Godwin Obaseki has vowed not to support what is not fair and just, following the declaration of interest in the gubernatorial election by the Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.

Obaseki spoke in an interview with BBC Pidgin, on him supporting Shaibu to become his successor in 2024.

The governor reiterated his earlier assertion that the people of the state would determine Shaibu’s fate.

According to Obaseki; “E declare for himself now, no be me go decide whether my deputy, na Edo people go sit down and decide. Dem go say, this deputy, e get wetin e take to run the state?

“Let’s look at his background, antecedents if he has maybe and if he doesn’t have and in any case, the Edo people would decide how we would do the governorship whether it would be turn by turn or it will be based on equity, fairness and justice. To say okay, this people have done before.

“As a leader, I will sit down and supervise. What is not fair, just and will help Edo unite, my hands are not there.”

Commenting on godfatherism in politics, Obaseki said: “Everybody needs nurturing and mentoring but not to the extent of teleguiding you. He can support and help you to make your decisions but ultimately at the end of the day it is for democracy – the people must decide who will lead them.”

President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to end terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities in the country.

He spoke on Saturday during the 7th and 8th combined convocation of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State.

Represented by Prof. Abdulkarim Mohammed, Vice Chancellor, Federal University Dutse (FUD), Tinubu said the government was greatly concerned about the security situation in the country.

He said that his administration was fully committed to defeat terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities, especially in northern part of the country.

The President, however, said this could not be achieved without the support and cooperation of all Nigerians.

“Security is a collective responsibility. I therefore appeal to all Nigerians to join hands with the government by giving useful information to security agents on suspicious persons and miscreants.

“Let us keep the hope alive and be optimistic, by the grace of God, we shall overcome these challenges,” he said.

While reiterating the commitment to tackle unemployment, particularly among graduates of tertiary institutions, Tinubu enjoined them to leverage the skills acquisition training by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the Federal Government’s digital innovation programmes, designed to train two million youths and empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

Tinubu also urged the graduands to utilise the knowledge, skills and character they learnt for the betterment of humanity.

“I look forward to exploring and seizing the opportunity provided in the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of my administration, which is aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a leading nation in Africa,” he said.

The President challenged universities in the country to come up with research and innovations to fast track sustainable development in the country.

Earlier, the Chancellor of the university, King Dandeson Douglas-Jaja, said that the institution began academic activities in 2012, with three faculties and 218 students.

According to him, the university now has a postgraduate school, 15 faculties and over 20,000 student population, adding that it also graduated 4,365 students.

He, therefore, charged them to be good ambassadors of the university wherever they find themselves.

“I must not fail to inform you that FUDMA is facing serious security challenges.

“I therefore appeal to all to come to the aid of the university to address some of these challenges,” he said.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma has inaugurated “Exercise Golden Dawn III,” a military operation designed to improve security in the state during the Yuletide season.
Uzodinma, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku, on Friday, said the exercise was intended to checkmate a probable increase in crime during the Yuletide “with an increased focus on the security of lives and property.”

He commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and the entire Army for their arduous efforts, which “have resulted in a drastic reduction of criminality in the state.”

He expressed optimism about the exercise’s effectiveness, commending the people for their efforts to develop and maintain peace in the state while asking them to keep the spirit alive.

Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, stressed the importance of effective engagement with sister security agencies as well as civil-military cooperation for the success of the exercise.

Dada stated that the exercise would take place throughout all of the division’s Areas of Responsibility, encompassing the five Southeast states, from December 1 to January 5, 2024.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has directed his followers to stay on course.

Kanu issued the directive during his routine meeting with his legal team, led by his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor.

This was disclosed by Ejimakor on social media on Thursday.

The IPOB leader commended those who have impacted positively during his ongoing incarceration.

Ejimakor wrote: “Update: I’ve concluded today’s visitation with Onyendu #MNK. In my company were Barr Mandela and Prince Emmanuel.

“MNK greets the faithful and loyal and directs that all should stay put and stay the course. He’s proud of those that have impacted positively and brought sanity to bear.”

The Imo State Police Command said it has arrested a total of 18 hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN over the killing of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ahiazu Mbaise and an Inspector of Police at BOEK Petroleum Filling Station, Ahiara Junction, in Ahaizu, Mbaise LGA of Imo State.

According to a statement signed by police spokesman Henry Okoye and made available to .ng in Owerri, the policemen were fueling their operational vehicle at the said filling station when hoodlums suspected to be members of the Proscribed IPOB/ESN, dressed in military camouflage and black and red regalia, swooped on them with three vehicles and motorcycles and started firing sporadically.

The statement reads: “The police operatives fought gallantly but unfortunately, the DPO and an Inspector of Police paid the supreme price in the gun duel that ensued while two police officers survived the attack.

“No stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators of the dastardly act are made to face the full wrath of the law. Police operatives led by CP Aboki Danjuma on a confidence-building patrol in Ahaizu Mbaise responded immediately and gave the hoodlums a hot chase, which forced them to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries, abandoning some of their operational motorcycles.

“The operatives were swiftly reinforced by the military, led by the Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze. Intense combing of the area is ongoing.

“Meanwhile, a total of 18 suspects have been arrested and are currently undergoing investigation.”

The statement reiterates the Imo State Police Command’s commitment to collaborating with other sister security agencies to provide adequate security. It further encouraged citizens, particularly residents of Ahaizu Mbaise, to report any person seen with or treating gunshot injuries within their vicinity by calling the emergency lines, 08034773600 and 08098880197.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, says the abandoned official residence of Nigeria’s Vice President would be completed before 29, May 2024.

In a media chat with selected journalists in Abuja, the former Rivers State Governor said needed funds would be made available to ensure the completion of the project before President Bola Tinubu celebrates his one year in office.

According to him, a construction giant, Julius Berger has assured that the project would be completed around April 2024

He said, “VP’s residence was awarded in 2010, it was abandoned for 13 good years. I called Julius Berger, can you finish this for me? He said yes.

“This project ought to be a national project but we have to bring it to the statutory budget so that we can finish the project before May 29”.

The leader of Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo has described President Bola Tinubu as his son and not his enemy.

Adebanjo, however, noted that he disagrees with Tinubu politically.

Speaking at an event in Lagos on Tuesday, the Afenifere leader said Tinubu was a loving young man who has never refused to grant him any favour he asked.

Adebanjo pointed out that they differ in the area of national question.

He said: “Anybody should be concerned about the unity of this country, about the progress of this country. Don’t tell me about any economic programme.

“Until you change this constitution, you go nowhere. And I urge you, I beseech you, anybody who is a nationalist, who loves this country today, particularly Bola Tinubu.

“I’m happy Professor Bolaji Akinyemi is here. You are Tinubu’s friend. I’m not his enemy. He is my son. The only difference is that we disagree politically.

“He is a loving young man. I have never asked for a favour that he has not given me. But the issue is, the question of Nigeria to be together.”

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, refused to grant an application by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State asking it to vacate its September 26 interim order.

The interim order, made by the court following an ex parte motion by the Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, had restrained Akeredolu from nominating a new deputy governor and forwarding same to the lawmakers for approval, pending the hearing and determination of the interlocutory application.

Following an application by Akeredolu’s counsel on Friday for vacation of the interim order, the judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, said in a ruling that the court lacked jurisdiction to make such a pronouncement.

The judge adjourned the suit indefinitely instead.

According to the judge, the adjournment was because the Speaker and the State House of Assembly had filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in respect of the issue before him.

He also refused to grant Akeredolu and the Speaker’s request to strike out or dismiss the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

The judge held that it would be wise for the court to adjourn the matter “sine die” (indefinitely) pending the outcome of the appeal in order to avoid judicial rascality.

It would be recalled that the Speaker and the Assembly had, on October 20, appealed against the interim order made by Justice Nwite on 26 September.

Palpable tension has enveloped the premises of the Court of Appeal in Abuja as the Court is set to deliver a make or mar judgment in the legal battle on the Zamfara State Governorship election.

.ng reports that the battle is between the immediate past governor of the State, Bello Matawale of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and his successor, Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Matawale, who was roundly defeated with over 65,000 votes at the March 18 gubernatorial poll, is currently the Minister of State for Defense.

Specifically, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), credited Lawal of the PDP with 377,726 votes, while Matawalle of APC was said to have scored 311,976 votes.

A 3-man panel of Justices of the Court led by Oyebisi Folayemi and supported by Cordelia Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo and Sybil Nwaka Gbagi is being expected to deliver the verdict.

The Zamfara State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal had on September 18 affirmed the election of Lawal.

As of the time of this report, heavy security has been woven around the court to ward off possible breakdown of law and order after the judgment.

A group of sympathizers who had stormed the court as early as 8 am is being restricted to far distance by heavily armed mobile policemen.

Already, the court room has been jam-packed by friends, sympathizers and political associates of the two groups.

Meanwhile, the Justices are being awaited for the delivery of the judgment.

Some youths have reportedly attacked the convoy of the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, in Ugondu community in Makurdi LGA of the state on Wednesday.

The youths from Ugondu community of Makurdi LGA of Benue, who pelted the governor’s convoy with stones, were protesting over plans to bury the proprietor of Vaatia College, Makurdi, Engr. Michael Vaatia within the school premises located in their community.

.ng gathered that six of the protesting Ugondu youths were arrested by the police for throwing objects at the governor’s convoy.

Gov Alia had visited Vaatia College to assess the level of preparation for the burial of the deceased proprietor.

Engr Vaatia, who is the proprietor of the College, died a couple of days ago and is to be buried within the school premises on Thursday.

The angry youths from the host community of Ugondu allegedly invaded the school and destroyed the grave.

They were seen in large numbers chanting war songs when the governor was addressing leaders of the community in the school.

It was gathered that the said youths disrupted the proceedings as security escorts attempted to prevent them from accessing the school, while some of the governor’s entourage were trapped outside.

Sources said the youths allegedly fired gunshots into the air to scare people but were overpowered with the arrival of the police special unit, code-named Operation Zenda, and several of them were arrested.

Gov Alia, while addressing leaders of Ugondu community, among them were former Senator Fred Orti, retired Permanent Secretary Akange Audu, Ter Makurdi, and other traditional rulers, cautioned against acts that could create chaos and disunity in the state.

“I have come to correct some misgivings that happened in the rulership of your son as governor.

“I sent both the Tiv, Idoma, and other tribes overseas for training without discrimination.

“I want to believe you, the traditional and community leaders, denying involvement in what has happened.

“Surely, some youths arrested will make confessions and if they mention your name, be ready to go and answer.”

He added that about a week ago, an Igbo man and one other person who died were buried in Makurdi town without protest from any youth group and called for calm.

Gov Alia, who later addressed students on campus, assured them of safety during and after the burial.

He directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to ensure that peace prevails during the wake-keep and the burial slated for Thursday.

The reconstruction of the damaged grave by the irate Ugondu youths was ongoing at the time of this report ahead of the interment of the deceased proprietor on Thursday.

The Senate on Wednesday, set machinery in motion to establish the Federal Data Bank by passing for first reading, a bill sponsored to that effect by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC Ondo South)

The reason for the bill as explained by Senator Ibrahim in a chat with journalists, is to provide for an Act for the establishment of the Federal Data Bank that would cover every sector of the economy and provide data for development for both the public and private sectors.

Ibrahim explained that data is critical to economic planning and development, making the need for a Data Bank very important in any vibrant economy and for in-depth insights into customer behaviour, the state of internal processes and external risks, which will give room for variety, volume, velocity and value.

He said: “There is a need for the Federal Government and stakeholders to invest in a data bank that will drive the growth agenda.

“Centralised databases make managing and accessing information for national development easier.

“This is especially important for countries with a large amount of data, or that need to store data for an extended period.”

He added that all levels of government can also benefit from the federal to local government level with access to information.

“When established, the Federal Data Bank can be self-sustainable since it can receive data and sell data; again, the international community and institutions like the World Bank and IMF will give support for the take-off of the bank,” he stressed

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has disclosed the first thing he did after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him the winner of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Uzodinma said he went into the chapel and appreciated God for ensuring he emerged victorious in Saturday’s election.

The governor disclosed this during a press conference in Owerri, the state capital, on Monday.

Uzodinma also dedicated his victory to God Almighty.

According to him: “To the glory of God, INEC declared me the winner of the governorship election held in our state on Saturday.

“It’s with a deep sense of humility and abiding faith in God that I accept the great honour and privilege to serve as your governor for a second term.

“Because I acknowledge God in everything I do and because I know that power comes from God, the first thing I did on receiving the news was to proceed to the Chapel to thank God for his goodness to me and the people of Imo State.

“Of course, I can never thank God enough for doing it again for me. The Almighty God has shown that he did it four years ago and has done it again, so I dedicate this victory to God and the good people of Imo State.”

INEC on Sunday declared Uzodinma the winner of Saturday’s governorship election after polling the highest number of votes.

INEC’s Returning Officer for Imo State, Prof Abayomi Fasina, announced Uzodinma as the winner after polling 540,308 votes to defeat other candidates.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, was a distant second with 71,503 votes, while the Labour Party candidate, Athan Achonu, was third with 64,081 votes.

The incumbent governor of Bayelsa State and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Douye Diri, has maintained the lead after clinching five out of the six local government areas so far announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the last Saturday governorship election.

With the announcements of the results of three more local government areas after the break, the PDP won two LGAs while the All Progressives Congress (APC) won one.

The PDP won in Yenagoa, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia, Sagbama and Ekeremor LGAs while the APC won in Nembe LGA.

The PDP has so far garnered 137,909 votes, while the APC is trailing with 73,503 votes.

Meanwhile, the results for Brass and Southern Ijaw LGAs are still awaited as the State Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof Kuta Farouk, adjourned the collation till noon on Monday

The suspended Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudi Yunusa-Ari, on Monday, failed to show up at the Adamawa State High Court, where he was to be arraigned Monday.

Justice Benjamin Manji of the State High Court ordered INEC to produce him in court during its next sitting on November 23, 2023.

This came after the police failed to serve the hearing notice to Yunusa-Ari.

The prosecution counsel to INEC, Justice Rotimi Jacobs, claimed police made several attempts to serve him the hearing notice by visiting his home, but he could not be traced.

Wondering why the police, who granted him bail through a surety, could neither get the defendant nor the surety, the presiding judge, Benjamin Manji, granted the prosecution counsel’s request of two weeks for the defendant to appear before the court.

.ng reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja had given the INEC the go-ahead to prosecute Yunusa-Ari, who is facing a six-count charge over the role he played in the 2023 governorship election in the state.