₦airaland Forum

Taraba state governor darius ishaku has apologize to the people of taraba state whom he might have stepped on their toes during his eight-year administration.
https://thepandoranewspaper.com/like-buhari-ishaku-asks-taraba-people-for-forgiveness/

Akwa-ibom state governor udom emmanuel has promise the people of the state a peaceful transition to the incoming administration come may 29.

Udom stated this at the weekend when he took delivery of the report of the Transition/Handing-over Notes Drafting Committee during an enlarged State Executive Council meeting.
https://thepandoranewspaper.com/udom-emmanuel-pledges-peaceful-transition-come-may-29/

Arsenal icon, Paul Merson, has made a fresh Premier League title claim involving the Gunners and Manchester City.

Merson wants Arsenal not give up in the Premier League title even if they lose against Manchester City on Wednesday.
https://thepandoranewspaper.com/epl-merson-makes-fresh-arsenal-man-city-title-claim/

The all progressive congress (APC) has dissolve the presidential campaign council following the conclusion of the 2023 presidential election.
https://thepandoranewspaper.com/apc-split-up-presidential-campaign-council/

The inspector general of police usman alkali baba has has vowed to speed up the probe of Barr. Hudu Yunusa-Ari, the Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), for his role during the Adamawa State supplementary elections.
https://thepandoranewspaper.com/adamawa-ig-promise-speedy-probe-of-adamawa-rec/

The newly appointed rector of the federal polythecnic offa as assumed office as the fifth substantive rector of the institution.

The inaguration ceremony was held at the 1000 capacity of the institution.

During the inaguration ceremony the new rector promise adequate warfare for staffs and students of the polythecnic.
https://thepandoranewspaper.com/kadiri-komoru-takes-oath-of-office-as-fifth-substantive-rector-offa-poly/

The senator representing borno north in the senate ali ndume has raised the alarm on senators lobying for the post of the senate president by buying votes from other colleague senators.
https://thepandoranewspaper.com/aspirant-lobying-for-senate-presidency-has-begin-with-vote-buying-ndume-raise-alarm/

The house of representative has ordered the department of state service to arrest those involved in the interim government plot and those who are trying to stop the swearing in of the president elect bola tinubu come may 29.
https://thepandoranewspaper.com/arrest-those-involved-in-interim-govt-plot-rep-tells-dss/

In the build up to their league 1 tie on Sunday , Argentine World cup winner Lionel Messi was booed by the…

https://thepandoranewspaper.com/ultras-boo-messi-as-psg-lose-second-consecutive-game/

Following the shocking defeat to Aston Villa in the weekend ,the Todd Boehly led Chelsea administration sacked their manager Graham potter after…
https://thepandoranewspaper.com/graham-potter-sacked-as-chelsea-manager/

A former governor of abia state and senator representing abia north senatorial zone in the national assembly orji uzor kalu has loose his wife ifeoma kalu who died at …
https://thepandoranewspaper.com/breaking-uzor-kalu-lose-wife/

As the March 18 gubernatorial election draws nearer, preparation are on top gear by different political parties in the state to clinch power from the current administration under the leadership of governor udom emmanuel.

Akwa-ibom state is a state in the south-south geo political zone of Nigeria, which will not be left behind in the march 18 gubernatorial election. Akwa ibom state is a state to look out to, as political parties and their candidates are in a mad rush to the akwa-ibom state government house. The question is who takes over from udom emmanuel come may 29 2023?

Since the beginning of democratic dispensation in 1999, Akwa-ibom has been under the PDP rule following the emergence of victor attah the first democratically elected governor of Akwa-ibom state. attah was governor of Akwa-ibom for 8 years from 1999-2007. He then handed over to his successor god’s will akpabio who was also a governor for 8 years from 2007-2015, and then akpabio handed over to his SSG( secretary to the state government) udom emmanuel who is also completing his 8 years tenure as governor of akwa-ibom state. All together the PDP has been in power for 24 years.

As governor udom round up his tenure on the 29th may 2023, the battle has began on who takes over from udom. The governorship election in akwa ibom state will no doubt be a hot and fierce contest among the two major political parties (PDP, APC). As the APC prepares to overthrow the PDP the PDP is also preparing to retain the state. It is unclear if APC will take over akwa-ibom following the victory of god’swill akpabio a former governor of akwa-ibom state at the february 25 senatorial polls, time will tell.
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Ahead of Saturday’s elections, political parties and their presidential candidates yesterday signed the second national peace accord, with a promise not only to ensure peaceful polls but also to accept the outcome.

The presidential candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Alhaji Musa Kwankwaso, signed the peace pact, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The event, which was the second in the series, was organised by the National Peace Committee, headed by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, retd, in conjunction with the Kukah Centre.In his goodwill message at the well-attended event, President Muhammadu Buhari, charged the contestants and their political parties to respect the choice of voters and accept the result of the elections as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the agency empowered by law to do so.

The president, who reminded Nigerians that they had no other country outside Nigeria, tasked them to do everything to keep it safe, united and peaceful, adding that there should be no riots or acts of violence after the announcement of election results.

According to him, all grievances, personal or institutional, should be channelled to the relevant courts.

The president assured INEC, security agencies and all relevant institutions saddled with the responsibility of conducting the elections of his administration’s continuous support.

He also tasked them to be firm and courageous, and abide by the laws and constitutional provisions in conducting the elections.

We’ll act with neutrality — Buhari

President Buhari’s speech read: ”I would first like to thank the Chairman of the National Peace Committee and all the members; very distinguished Nigerians, for their commitment and sacrifices to support peaceful elections in Nigeria.

“Back in September 2022, the Chairman respectfully asked me to deliver a goodwill message in support of issue-based and peaceful campaigns and political rallies devoid of insults and personal attacks. This is at the very heart of my personal belief and conviction; that we need to dwell more on issues that are fundamental to the heart of Nigerians.

“Despite having no financial support from the government, the Peace Committee has remained steadfast, working with relevant agencies to provide a moral compass and serve as an independent agency for alternative dispute resolution on the electoral process. I commend the Committee’s commitment and loyalty not only to the electoral process but to peace generally in Nigeria.

“ I am aware of the deep concerns that have been raised about the conduct of the 2023 general elections and the outcomes they may throw up. However, since my assumption into office, my government has worked so hard to ensure that we pass on a legacy of free, fair, credible, safe, and peaceful elections. We will continue to act with neutrality and allow the rule of law to take precedence over political expediency. We have demonstrated that with the off-cycle elections in Edo, Ondo, Anambra, Ekiti and Osun states. We allowed Nigerians to decide who should govern them. We are committed to this legacy till the very last day of my administration.

“ I want to assure INEC, the security agencies and all relevant institutions saddled with the responsibility of conducting the elections of my administration’s continuous support. I ask you to be firm and courageous, and to abide by the laws and constitutional provisions in conducting the elections.’’

On his part, the chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, in his welcome address, explained that on September 29, 2022, the National Peace Committee organized the first signing of the National Peace Accord, committing the candidates to engage in issue-based campaigns.

While also explaining that the committee monitored the compliance with the accord by the politicians, General Abubakar noted: “We recorded some of the infractions that were a thing of concern.

Parties flouted accord— Abdulsalami

“There was a lack of compliance by the major political parties. 44% of the violations were carried out by the spokespersons of the political parties; 26% by party members; 19% by the presidential candidates themselves; 11% by hardcore supporters and 4% by chairmen of the parties.

“Additionally, this January alone, a lot of violence has occurred, with at least 15 abductions (including one police officer) and at least 30 killings (including 11 security personnel) and there were at least six attacks at political campaign rallies.

‘’in December 2022, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says it has recorded 50 incidents of attacks on its offices from 2019 to 2022. According to data released by the commission, Imo State has (11), Osun (7), Enugu (5), Akwa Ibom (5), Ebonyi (4), Cross River (4), and Abia (4), Anambra (2), Taraba (2), Kaduna (1), Borno (1), Bayelsa (1), Ondo (1), Lagos (1), and Ogun (1).

“As a nation, we got to put a stop to all these. That is why on 20th January 2022, we convened a meeting of the presidential candidates and the party chairmen to discuss existing and emerging issues regarding the way the campaigns were conducted, and the need for parties to moderate their views.

“Now that the elections are only a few hours away, we are here to witness the second signing of the National Peace Accord to commit the presidential candidates and their party chairmen to accept the outcome of the elections as long as it is adjudged to be free, fair, and credible, and to seek legitimate and peaceful means of addressing any concern that may arise thereafter.

“In this regard, I want to encourage political parties to respect that only INEC has the constitutional authority to announce the results and to ensure that their supporters refrain from disseminating fake news, misinformation, and disinformation and avoid statements that will incite violence after the results of the elections have been announced.

“Similarly, I urge all political parties, presidential candidates, and, indeed, all Nigerians, to avoid the temptation of the use of polls that are not credible to cause confusion in the polity.’’
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AN Akure High Court, sitting in Ondo State, yesterday, assumed jurisdiction over the trial of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr. Bamidele Oloyelogun, and two other lawmakers, for alleged fraud involving the N2.4 million fund belonging to the Assembly.
Consequently, the three lawmakers and one civil servant are to be arraigned before Justice Adegboyega Adebusoye, on April 24 and 25 for the alleged fraud, sequel to the dismissal of preliminary objection filed against their trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The fund was meant for a seminar, which the lawmakers and the civil servant were meant to attend, but didn’t.
The EFCC had dragged the Speaker, a lawmaker, Felemu-Gudu Bankole and a civil servant, Segun Oyadeyi Bankole to court for alleged misappropriation of N2.4 million belonging to the State Assembly.
When the case came up for hearing, the lawmakers, argued that the EFCC lacked the powers to prosecute offences affecting the finances and assets of the state as there exists a law enacted by the Assembly to tackle corruption allegations in the state.
The defendants in the preliminary objection filed to the EFCC charges by their counsel, Mr Femi Emodamori asked the Court to decline jurisdiction and strike out the charges against them because the EFCC has no right to prosecute them as the assets they were facing trial for belonged to the state.
But the Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Fredrick Dibang, said that the court has jurisdiction because the state’s law enacted by Assembly is contrary to the acts of the National Assembly that established the EFCC.
He argued that once there is a conflict between the law of a state and that of the National Assembly, the law of the state is suspended.
However, in his ruling, Justice Adebusoye put the state law in abeyance and held that the EFCC has the power to investigate and prosecute the lawmakers for the alleged fraud, which they were charged with.
Adebusoye said: “The offences being against the defendants are not state offences promulgated by the state legislation but a Federal offence, having been promulgated by the National Assembly, though relates to finances of Ondo State.”
https://thepandoranewspaper.com/n2-4m-fraud-ondo-speaker-2-others-to-face-trial/

In the final days to the commencement of this year’s general elections, the nation’s security agencies have dismissed any suggestion of putting off the exercise, declaring that they are ready to guarantee peaceful polls in the country.

The chief of defence staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabo, yesterday reassured Nigerians that the armed forces and other security agencies were ready to provide a safe and secure environment for the 2023 general elections.

Irabor gave the assurance while briefing newsmen shortly after the meeting with service chiefs and heads of security agencies yesterday in Abuja.In the final days to the commencement of this year’s general elections, the nation’s security agencies have dismissed any suggestion of putting off the exercise, declaring that they are ready to guarantee peaceful polls in the country.
The chief of defence staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabo, yesterday reassured Nigerians that the armed forces and other security agencies were ready to provide a safe and secure environment for the 2023 general elections.Irabor gave the assurance while briefing newsmen shortly after the meeting with service chiefs and heads of security agencies yesterday in Abuja.

He also warned those that intend to cause trouble during the elections to have a rethink “because they will have a bloody nose”.

Irabor held a closed-door meeting with the service chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force, Inspector-General of Police, directors-generals of the Department of State Services and National Intelligence Agency, as well as the chief of Dsefence Intelligence.He said the purpose of the meeting was to review the election security and develop action plans to ensure that the elections hold under a peaceful atmosphere.

“We have just finished the meeting – the service chiefs, the Inspector General, Police, the DSS, represented by the director of operations, the DG NIA and the CDI – looking at the security for the elections, and, as you know, the police is the lead agency for elections security, and we have compared notes and assessed the entire situation and we are good to go.

“The assessment is that we are set on all fronts. We got representation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who, of course, you have interacted with, who has also told Nigerians and the world that they are ready for this election.

“So, by and large, we are good to go and I like to use the opportunity to assure Nigerians that on the security front we are good to go on all fronts,” he said.

Irabor also gave assurance that the security agencies were also ready to ensure that every part of the country would have peaceful elections, and that Nigerians exercise their franchise.

He added that contingency actions had been taken to address the areas with peculiar security challenges.
https://thepandoranewspaper.com/2023-polls-security-agencies-dismiss-postponement-rumor/

The Kannywood artiste was one of the Hausa singers that composed campaign songs for Atiku.

A Kannywood artiste, Naziru Ahmad, popularly known as Sarkin Waka, has claimed that he rejected N150 million and a car worth N80 million offers to dump the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, ahead of the presidential election.
Speaking during a programme on the Hausa Service of DW, the Kannywood singer said he rejected the offer allegedly made by the camp of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, because of his personal conviction that Atiku is a better option for the country.

Ahmad is the composer of the viral song, ‘APC Sai Mun Bata Wuta…’ in which he denigrated the ruling party.

He was one of the many Hausa singers who composed songs for the PDP candidate’s campaign and has also performed at his rallies in the North.

Speaking further, the singer argued that Atiku is healthier than his APC counterpart and would perform better if he wins the February 25 election.

Ahmad’s words: “I have prioritised national interest over personal interests,” Leadership Newspaper which monitored the programme quoted Ahmad as saying.

“I was asked to leave Atiku for another candidate and be paid the sum of N150 million in addition to a car worth N80 million but I rejected it.

“I rejected the offer because I know that Atiku will deliver good governance and save Nigeria from its current deplorable condition.

“How will I support Tinubu who is not healthy and physically fit? Our religion also admonishes us to choose healthy persons as leaders for it is one of the qualities of a good leader.”
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The Nigerian Government has assured the European Union (EU) that no Nigerian would be denied their human rights, even as it said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been given all needed resources by the government to conduct what will be the best elections in the annals of the nation’s history.

This assurance was given yesterday in Abuja by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, during the 6th Round of the Nigeria – European Union Human Rights Dialogue.

He said: “The Nigerian government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari will continue to work to ensure that all Nigerians are not denied their inalienable rights.”

On the meeting which discussed issues including the upcoming elections, Asset Recovery, Migration, Humanitarian Situations and International Humanitarian Law, the minister said: “These issues are dear to our hearts and I am glad we can provide clarity on issues that the European Union member states will have questions on and vice versa.”

He added that: “On the topics for discussion today, you must have all noted the strides that the government has made in the past decade to improve the election process and integrity. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received needed resources from the government and is ready to conduct what will be our best elections ever. The security agencies are also working to ensure that people will be able to carry out their civic responsibility without fear. They are ready to act swiftly to protect life and properties around the country during the election.”

He noted that in arranging this dialogue, “my colleagues in the Ministries of Justice, Women Affairs, Police Affairs, Defence, Humanitarian Affairs/Disaster Management and Social Development, as well as the Office of the National Security Advisers were very involved. I am grateful for their inputs and I hope the discussions today will help deepen the enjoyment of human rights in Nigeria and in all European Union member states, for our citizens and visitors.”

He also assured that President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to tackling all issues that are necessary for all Nigerians to live in peace, prosperity and dignity, noting that: “This issues which range from fighting crime and extremism to tackling corruption and asset recovery requires unwavering national commitment as well as international cooperation, particularly, as it concerns sharing of knowledge and best practices, as well as provision of financial resources needed for developmental purposes.

We will continue to count on our European Union partners to stand with us to resolve these problems.”

He added that “we will continue to work to deepen cooperation on how to fast track asset recovery and commit to zero tolerance for both the source and recipients of the proceeds of corruption.

“Also, we will count on European countries to simplify evidentiary requirements and other mutual legal assistance procedures for timely recovery and return of recovered assets. Furthermore, we will continue to do our utmost to ensure that our people who had fled conflicts in the Lake Chad area can begin to return home voluntarily, safely and with dignity,” Dada said.

The minister also assured that: “We will continue to urge that all European Union member states commit to safe, orderly and regular migration,” stressing that. “There is no doubt in our mind that there must be firm commitments to eliminating all forms of discrimination against migrants.”

After emerging from a close-door meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Samuela Isopi and some ambassadors from European countries in Nigeria, the Director (International Organisation Department) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Samson Itegboje, told journalists that Nigeria used the opportunity of the meeting to inform the diplomats that it was prepared for the 2023 elections and that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies were ready for the elections.

He further disclosed that other prominent issues discussed include the promise that the Nigerian government will continue to make technical and financial commitments to provide hope and restore the dignity of life for the millions of Nigerians affected by the crisis around the Lake Chad Basin. The assistance through the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) which targets the poor and vulnerable population will continue.

He added that: “Nigeria and European Union member states must play their parts to ensure safe, orderly and regular migration, while we address the push and pull factors that make people embark on perilous journeys across the Atlantic, in search of greener pastures. Nigeria expects that all migrants, regardless of their status, must be respected and protected across all stages of the migration cycle. There must also be firm commitments to eliminating all forms of discrimination against migrants, including racism, intolerance and xenophobia.”

According to him, “both parties agreed that it was important to continue to cooperate with one another and share experiences and global best practices necessary for developing capacities on how best to ensure that our people are able to live in dignity, no matter their circumstance.”

On her part, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Isopi, said the meeting was fruitful and there was the need to continue to have it from time to time.

She noted that Europe was happy with assurances received and the preparation for the elections.
www.thepandoranewspaper.com

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met with the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, at his official residence at the State House.

Tinubu had abandoned the ‘Meet the mentor’ dinner held in his honour by the APC Progressives Sisters Network at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, and apologised to the organisers that he had an important meeting with the president at 9.45p.m.

He said, “I have a superior appointment. Late yesterday, the president called that I should be at his place by 9.45 pm this evening (Friday). What do I do? Cancel it and disobey my president? And it is a command, more or less. (He said) see me at 9.45pm.

“I can’t say I would boycott this event or downgrade it. I have got to be here to, first of all, seek your understanding. That is why there is always a pair for races like this. I have a vice presidential candidate.”

Although the agenda of the meeting Buhari had with Tinubu was not made public, sources said it might not be unconnected with last-minute strategies and logistics connected with the presidential election scheduled to be held in two week- time.

This is Tinubu’s first known meeting with the president after the latter pledged to continue drumming support for him at a rally in Sokoto State on Thursday.The Buhari/Tinubu meeting at the State House ended at about midnight. No statement on the meeting was issued.
www.thepandoranewspaper.com

Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that primarily affects the throat and upper airways. It was once a common cause of illness and death, but today, thanks to widespread vaccination, the disease is rare in many parts of the world. Despite this progress, diphtheria remains a concern in certain regions, particularly where vaccine coverage is low.



What is Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. When the bacterium invades the body, it produces a toxin that can cause damage to the tissues and organs, particularly in the throat and neck. This can lead to a characteristic gray or white coating on the throat and tonsils, known as a pseudomembrane. In addition to the pseudomembrane, diphtheria can cause a range of symptoms, including:

Sore throat

Low-grade fever

Fatigue

Weakness

Swollen glands in the neck

Breathing difficulty or rapid breathing

If left untreated, diphtheria can lead to serious complications, including heart and nerve damage, as well as respiratory failure. In severe cases, diphtheria can be life-threatening, making prompt diagnosis and treatment essential.



How is Diphtheria Spread?

Diphtheria is spread through close contact with an infected person, such as through coughing or sneezing. The bacterium can survive on surfaces and objects, making it possible to contract diphtheria by touching a contaminated surface and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. In areas where diphtheria is common, the disease can spread quickly in settings such as schools, childcare facilities, and nursing homes.



Preventing Diphtheria with Vaccination



Diphtheria is a preventable disease, and the best way to protect against it is through vaccination. The diphtheria vaccine is typically given as part of a combination vaccine known as the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTAP) vaccine. The vaccine is usually given in five doses: two doses in the first year of life, one dose at 18 months, one dose at 4-6 years, and a final booster dose at age 11-12.



In areas where diphtheria is common, it is important for individuals of all ages to receive the vaccine. This helps to protect not only the individual, but also the wider community by reducing the spread of the disease. Additionally, maintaining high levels of vaccination coverage in a community can help to prevent outbreaks of diphtheria.



When to See a Doctor



If you suspect that you or someone you know has diphtheria, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Your doctor can diagnose diphtheria based on symptoms, a physical examination, and laboratory tests. With prompt treatment, including antibiotics, most people make a full recovery from diphtheria.



In conclusion, diphtheria is a serious infectious disease that can cause severe complications and even death. However, it is also a preventable disease through vaccination. If you have not been vaccinated against diphtheria, or if you have concerns about your immune status, talk to your doctor to find out if the diphtheria vaccine is right for you. By taking this simple step, you can help to protect yourself and your community against this dangerous disease.
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Many FCT residents have continued to face difficulty in accessing the newly redesigned Naira notes, attributing the challenge to bank officials, who they say allegedly hoard and selling the legal tender.

The stakeholders urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to impose heavy sections on Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) found complicit in fuelling the Naira scarcity, as well as other abusers of the currency.

According to the stakeholders, in spite of the CBN’s threat to sanction banks found to be hoarding or involved in shady deals with the naira, not one bank has been sanctioned.