The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the Rivers State House of Assembly over its recent threat to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The PDP also slammed the Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly attempting to “stampede” Governor Fubara to act outside the law.

The PDP described the renewed threat by the lawmakers to impeach Fubara as an embarrassment and a public nuisance to the state.

The party’s state publicity secretary, Sydney Gbara, said this in a statement on Monday, April 1, 2024.

Gbara called on the lawmakers to stop disturbing the peace of the state and allow Fubara to concentrate on governance and deliver his mandate to the people.

Gbara said the lawmakers have continued to make retrogressive laws and utterances that are inimical to the growth and development of the state.

The statement read, “Those people were the first beneficiaries of the magnanimity and peaceful disposition of Governor Fubara by signing the lopsided peace accord despite a court of conpetent jurisdiction that recognised Rt.Hon Edison Ehie as the Speaker of the Ribers State House of Assembly, which gave them a live line to still operate, because having defected to APC without any crises in PDP, their seats were vacant constitutionally.

“But to show how ungrateful they are, the several court cases querying their legality, seeking the interpretation of Section 109 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, will settle the dust around them in due course. No matter how long they try to run away from it, justice most be served because they no longer represent their constituencies.

“Their actions are a total embarrassment to Rivers people and a complete show of public shame.

“The people elected them out of their goodwill, but they let those constituents down by pusuing selfish agenda that has further plunged the state into crises.

“The threats of impeachment is empty and and cannot stand. It is selfish and their pursuit of personal aggrandisement which will be resisted by Rivers people.

“If they want to know what Rivers people think about them, they should go to the streets to seek the opinion of the masses.

“As far as we are concerned they (lawmakers) are operating illegally, hence your illegal laws are inconsequential on Rivers people.”

He also responded to allegations by the acting Chairman of the APC in the state, Chief Tony Okocha, that Fubara has not implemented the eight-point peace accord brokered by President Bola Tinubu, saying the matter is subject to litigation.

“Although we are not holding brief for the state government, but for the records, as a party, let us for the umpteenth time, tell Tony Okocha that Governor Siminialayi Fubara has in his desire to further deepen peace in the state, implemented the leace accord faithfully and in such a manner that is allowed by the Nigerian Constitution.


“As a law-abiding citizen, the governor has implemented that peace accord very religiously and any aspects that are not in tandem with the provisions of the law would not be implemented.

“So your attempt to try to stampede Governor Fubara into taking unconstitutional actions would not work,” he added.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/pdp-reacts-as-rivers-assembly-threatens-to-impeach-fubara/

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has described Nigeria’s past and present leaders as “men in a drunken stupor who stumble and fumble while searching for the way home.”

In his Easter message to the nation on Sunday, Kukah said for over 60 years after independence, Nigerian leaders have failed to create a template on which the country should run seamlessly, but rather, their lives of “immoral and sordid debauchery has spread like cancer destroying all our vital organs.”

He called on the federal government to develop a robust template for reversing the trend of bad governance and putting the country on a path of national healing.

His words: “Our leaders chose the feast rather than the fast. We are today reaping what we sowed yesterday. For over 60 years, our leaders have looked like men in a drunken stupor, staggering, stumbling and fumbling, slurring in speech, with blurred visions searching for the way home,” he said.

“The corruption of the years of a life of immoral and sordid debauchery has spread like cancer destroying all our vital organs. The result is a state of a hangover that has left our nation comatose.

“Notwithstanding, Easter is a time to further reflect on the road not taken. It is a time to see if this Golgotha of pain can lead us to the new dawn of the resurrection. Nigeria can and Nigeria will be great again. Let us ride this tide together in hope.

“The government must design a more comprehensive and wide-ranging method of recruitment that is transparent as a means of generating patriotism and reversing the ugly face of feudalism and prebendalism.



“There is a need for a clear communications strategy that will serve to inspire and create timelines of expectations of results from policies.


“There is a need for clarity over questions of the who, what, when, and how national set goals are to be attained and who can be held accountable.“


Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/for-over-60-years-they-have-looked-like-men-in-drunken-stupor-kukah-hits-nigerian-leaders/

The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Petter Obi, may have dumped the embattled National Chairman, Julius Abure and backed moves to salvage the party.


Obi described the Nnewi convention conducted by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) in uncomplimentary terms.

Obi said Abure and other leaders should have consulted more widely on his absence at the National Convention.

Obi, who spoke during an X Space session hosted by Parallel Facts on Friday, said the time had now come for Abure and the party’s leadership to do the right thing to salvage it.

“We promised to build Nigeria; we did not promise to build a new Labour Party,” he jibbed at the Abure-led NWC.

Director General of the presidential campaign team in the 2023 general poll, Akin Osuntokun, in his reaction to the LP crisis at the weekend, described the Nnewi convention as “kangaroo” and the reserved 2027 presidential ticket for Obi as a “Greek gift”, beyond the powers of the Abure-led NCW to give.

He added: “That Obi was not at the convention speaks louder than words. Without Obi, there is no Labour Party.


“What we are likely to have now is three factions of the party, the Abure faction, the Apapa faction and the genuine one with substantial stakeholders that aligns with the visions of Obi and the Obidients.”

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/lp-crisis-deepens-as-peter-obi-dumps-abure-backs-moves-to-salvage-party/

Despite Economic Hardship, Nigerian Youth Troop Out To Celebrate President Tinubu’s Birthday, Describe Him As "The Great President" | #IgbereTV

More here https://igberetvnews.com/1464589/nigerian-youth-troop-celebrate-president-tinubus-birthday-photos/

The Emir of Gwoza in Gwoza Local Government area of Borno State, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, has said that the most wanted commander of Boko Haram terrorists, Mallam Yathabalwe, has laid down his arms.

Addressing journalists on Friday, the Emir revealed that Mallam Yathabalwe, who had been terrorising Gwoza and the surrounding Mandara Mountain communities, has surrendered to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai.

Sources say that Mallam Yathabalwe, before surrendering, had been responsible for a series of attacks and killings, including the slaughtering of farmers on their farmlands in Gwoza LGA and environs.


“We are happy to confirm and inform you that the most wanted top Commander of Boko Haram who had been terrorising Gwoza and other surrounding Mandara Mountain communities in my domain, Mallam Yathabalwe, has surrendered to troops of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ in the North-East,” the Emir said.


“He willingly came out from his enclave on Friday morning with two AK47 rifles and some ammunition. He was then handed over to the troops of the Nigerian military in Gwoza, after which he may be taken to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, for further questioning or action.

“Yathabalwe, before surrendering, has been terrorising my people for many years, especially making it very difficult for farmers to access their farmlands. With this new development, we are hopeful that total peace will return to Gwoza and its environs.”

More to follow…


Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-most-wanted-boko-haram-commander-surrenders-to-military/

The detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, has sued the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged violation of his fundamental human rights.

In the originating motion dated and filed March 18 by his lawyer, Olujoke Aliyu, from Aluko and Oyebode Law Firm, Gambaryan sought five reliefs before Justice Inyang Ekwo.

Similarly, Nadeem Anjarwalla, the Binance’s Africa regional manager who escaped from lawful custody on March 22, filed a separate right enforcement suit before Justice Ekwo.

Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, in the suits marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24, had sued the Office of NSA (ONSA) and EFCC as 1st and 2nd respondents.

Gambaryan, a US citizen overseeing financial crime compliance at the crypto exchange platform, in his application, sought a declaration that his detention and seizure of his international travel passport, contravened Section 35 (1) and (4) of 1999 Constitution (As Amended).

He said the act amounted to a violation of his fundamental right to personal liberty as guaranteed by the constitution.

He also sought an order directing the respondents to release him from their custody and! return his international travel passport with immediate effect.

Gambaryan equally sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondents and agents from further detaining him in relation to any investigation into or demands from Binance.

The official, who sought an order for the respondents to issue a public apology to him, also prayed for the cost of this action on a full indemnity basis.

In a statement in support of the suit, he said he is an American citizen who visited Nigeria on Feb. 26 February, along with fleeing Nadeem Anjarwalla, as a representative of Binance, to honour the invitation of the ONSA and EFCC to discuss issues relating to Binance in Nigeria.

Giving 11-ground argument why his application should be granted, he said that he and his colleague, Anjarwalla, dutifully attended the meeting.

He said after the meeting the two of them were detained by the respondents and had remained in detention since then.

He said he did not commit any offence during the meeting, and neither was he informed in writing of any offence he personally committed in Nigeria at any other time.

“The only reason for his detention is because the government is requesting information from Binance and making demands on the company,” he said, adding that he was not a member of the Board of Directors of Binance.”

When the two suits were called on Thursday, T.J. Krukrubo, SAN, appeared for Anjarwalla and Gambaryan

Krukrubo, told the court that though the respondents were served two days ago, they were not represented in court.

The senior lawyer, however, drew the attention of the court to their notice of withdrawal of legal representation for Anjarwalla filed on March 26.

Although Krukrubo did not give details of why they were withdrawing their legal representation, this might not be unconnected to the disappearance of the applicant in custody.

Justice Ekwo said having withdrew their legal representation, “it means that the applicant has no legal representation and requires that the matter be adjourned for the applicant to seek legal representation and for the respondents to be given an opportunity to come to court.”

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-binance-executive-sues-ribadu-efcc/

“We refer to the publications made in relation to the above.”

“We hereby inform the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) stakeholders and the general public that by a letter dated 27th of March 2024, NERC has clarified its directive which was earlier misapprehended and misconceived and , on which basis the MD/CEO Dr. Tinuade Sanda and other Management Staff were purportedly recalled to the parent company, WPG Limited.”


According to NERC, “ _The Commission has noted the strong public interest generated by the current event at EKEDP and the various interpretations of the resolutions conveyed vide the said letter, particularly, with respect to paragraphs (4b) and 4(c). We therefore hereby provide further clarifications as follows_ :

1. __Paragraph 4b- All staff of EKEDP, irrespective of their form of engagement, will be subject to the Conditions of Service of EKEDP. The Commission deemed it necessary to pass this resolution based on the submission of EKEDP, at the meeting of 20 March 2024, that **the Condition of Service (“CoS”) of EKEDP was not applicable to Seconded personnel from third party providers*_

_2. Paragraph 4c – EKEDP Board is expected to conclude its review of its investigation into the allegation of Ghost workers to identify all personnel involved in causing loss of revenues to EKEDP no later than 27th March 2024. In a case where the indicted parties are seconded from third party providers and *since they are reportedly NOT subject to the EKEDP CoS, they are to be recalled to their parent companies to avoid the risk of further losses to EKEDP*_”

We appreciate the proactive action of the Commission and the clarifications, which unambiguously mean that:

(A) all contracts of employment of anyone working for EKEDP, whether of WPG, EKEDP, or otherwise, must be subject to and regulated by the Condition of Service of EKEDP.


(B) The legal fulcrum and basis for the purported recall of the seconded staff has been vitiated and now non-existent since the basis of the recall of the seconded staff was the initial misinterpretation of the previous NERC Resolution/Orders

(C) The express recall and termination of the contract of employment of staffers/employees whose actions led to a loss of revenue to EKEDP. The staff, namely:

*Wola Joseph-Condotti, Sheri Adegbenro and Aik Alenkhe* -who had been subjected to Disciplinary Committee proceedings, the outcome of which has been contested by some Board members, including the Federal Government representative, the Bureau of Public Enterprise.

Consequently, the seconded Management staff of WPG Limited, whose recalls were done in “error” are hereby mandated and required to return to their respective duties and offices *EXCEPT* those named above, already identifiied and subjected to Disciplinary Committee proceedings over the allegations of fraud and negligent actions through ghost workers and exited staff, which occassioned finanical losses to the Company.

We shall be providing full co-operation with the officers of the Nigerian Police, the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the leadership of the Nigerian Body of Benchers and relevant members of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee for further actions for closure on the alleged fraud.

We once again thank the Regulator for providing this clarification, the NESI stakeholders general public for their kind concerns, and the Staff of EKEDP and WPG Limited for their patience through all of this.

*Therefore, all initial orders or actions taken erroneously are hereby immediately reversed* .

Signed:

Babor Egregor

Chairman

Legal and Regulatory Committee, Board of Directors

Eko Electricity Distribution Company

Cc:

Honourable Minister of Power

Federal Ministry of Power

Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

Inspector General of Police

Ministry of Finance Incorporated

WPG Ltd

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/crisis-in-eko-electricity-distribution-plc-nerc-provides-firm-clarification/

The Federal Government has announced the provision of scholarships to children of soldiers killed during a peacekeeping mission in Delta on March 14, 2024.

President Bola Tinubu made the announcement during the burial ceremony of the soldiers in Abuja on Wednesday.

The president also conferred national honours on 17 members of the Nigerian Army who were killed in Delta.

This was as he announced the provision of housing facilities for the surviving family members and scholarships for all their children to the university level.


He also directed the payment of death benefits to the family members within 90 days.

He announced these during the burial ceremony of the slain servicemen at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja.

Tinubu posthumously conferred the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger on the Commanding Officer 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt. Col. A.H Ali; Maj S.D Shafa (N/13976); Maj D.E Obi (N/14395) and Capt U Zakari (N/16348).

He also conferred the honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger on SSgt Yahaya Saidu (#3NA/36/2974); Cpl Yahaya Danbaba (1ONA/65/7274); Cpl Kabiru Bashir (11NA/66/9853); LCpl Bulus Haruna (16NA/TS/5844); LCpl Sola Opeyemi (17NA/760719); LCpl Bello Anas (17NA/76/290); LCpl Hamman Peter (NA/T82653); LCpl Ibrahim Abdullahi (18NA/77/1191); Pte Alhaji Isah (17NA/76/6079); Pte Clement Francis (19NA/78/0911); Pte Abubakar Ali (19NA/78/2162); Pte Ibrahim Adamu (19NA/78/6079) and Pte Adamu Ibrahim (21NA/80/4795).

Details shortly…

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-tinubu-awards-scholarships-to-children-of-soldiers-killed-in-delta/

BREAKING!!! President Tinubu arrives burial of 17 soldiers killed in Delta | #Politicsnigeria


President Bola Tinubu has arrived the burial ceremony of the 17 soldiers who were killed during a peacekeeping mission in Delta State


The President, who arrived the venue exactly 4:10pm, was accompanied by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

State governors on his entourage include: Abba Yusuf (Kano), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Hope Uzodinma (Imo) and their Bayelsa State counterpart, Duoye Diri.

The bodies of the slain personnel arrived the cemetery where eminent personalities would pay last respect.


Recall that on Thursday, March 14, a Nigerian Army commander, three officers, and 12 soldiers serving with the 181 Amphibious Battalion were killed in Delta State.

They were on a peacekeeping mission to put an end to the community clashes in Bomadi local government of Delta state.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-tinubu-arrives-burial-of-17-soldiers-killed-in-delta-photos/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken decisive steps to address alleged anti-party activities during the 2023 general election.

At a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting in Abuja yesterday, the party’s National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, directed state chairpersons to submit written reports on their investigations into these activities.

Bature emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability within the party, urging state chairmen to provide detailed accounts of the incidents.

He also highlighted the need for the National Executive Committee (NEC) to review the reports and take appropriate actions based on the findings.

His words: “A lot of agitations are coming from party members, saying, suspend this, suspend that, but you are the ones that are in charge of those states.

“You are to tell us who engaged in anti-party activities and who did not. Based on that, the National Executive Committee (NEC) will take a decision. Write to us and tell us what transpired, no matter what happened.


“I also want the acting chairman to call on the chairman of the party in Cross River to tell us what is happening in the state. We really need to know what is happening.

Bature said after the 2023 general election, the NWC expected the state chapters to submit their post election results.

He said many states were yet to submit their reports.

He recalled that most of the current executives in the states were elected four years ago, where congresses were conducted on a staggered basis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have about four or five states, where tenures of the executive have expired from the ward to the state. They are Edo, Bayelsa, Gombe and Rivers stated; there are others, which are staggered.

“We called the meeting to discuss this in order not to create a vacuum. We also have vacancies due to deaths and resignations,” he said.


Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/pdp-moves-to-sanction-members-who-worked-against-partys-victory-during-2023-elections/

President Bola Tinubu has asked judiciary officers not to treat kidnappers in the country with mercy.

The president condemned what he called the reprehensible acts perpetrated by kidnappers across the country.

According to him, individuals involved in such despicable crimes must be treated as terrorists.

The president stated this on Tuesday at a Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal judiciary led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

Tinubu, who renewed the government’s resolve to defeat banditry, said those who resorted to kidnapping children were cowards, incapable of confronting the might of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“We must treat kidnappers as terrorists. They are cowardly. They have been degraded. They look for soft targets,” Tinubu said.

“They go to schools and kidnap children and cause disaffection. We must treat them equally as terrorists in order to get rid of them, and I promise you we will get rid of them.”

The dinner attended by serving and retired judicial officers, including two former CJNs, Justice Mahmud Mohammed and Justice Walter Onnoghen.

On the review of salaries of judicial officers, the president pledged that his administration would continue to implement necessary reforms to improve the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.

The CJN commended the administration for achieving a significant milestone by appointing a full complement of 21 justices to the Supreme Court, a feat he described as unprecedented.

Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, expressed gratitude to the President for forwarding the executive bill titled, “Judicial Office Holders, Salaries and Allowances, etc, Bill 2024” to the National Assembly.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/treat-kidnappers-like-terrorists-tinubu-tells-cjn-judges/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) has constituted a governorship primary election committee.

This was confirmed through a resolution passed during the NWC’s 144th Meeting convened on March 26, 2024.

The composition of the Committee is as follows:

Hon. Emma Eneukwu, OFR – Chairman
Barr. Festus Fuanter – Member
Chief (Hon.) Victor Giadom – Member
Prof. Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana – Member
H.E. Sulaiman M. Argungu, OFR – Member
Dr Mary Alile Idele – Member
Aare (Hon) Durotolu Oyebode Bankole – Member
Nze Chidi Duru, OON – Member
Felix Morka, Esq. – Member

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/just-in-apc-constitutes-governorship-primary-election-committee-for-ondo-state/

A Kaduna-based publisher, Tukur Mohammed Mamu, has threatened to sue the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for declaring him a terrorism financier.

According to the document released by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Mamu “participated in the financing of terrorism by receiving and delivering ransome payments over the sum of $200,000 US in support of ISWAP terrorists for the release of hostages of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.”

But in a letter by his counsel, J.J. Usman (SAN), dated March 25, 2024, and copied the CEO of the NFIU, Mamu demanded a retraction of the publication within seven days or face legal action.

He said the publication by the Nigerian Sanctions Committee authorised by the ministry designating him a “terrorist financier” was defamatory and against natural justice.

“It is a common knowledge that the administration of criminal justice system in Nigeria is not only antithetic to, but forbids media trial in whatever guise,” he said.

Mamu is currently being tried by the Federal Government for allegedly aiding the terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna train in March 2022.


Mamu, was in 2022, arraigned on 10-count charges bordering on terrorism-related offences after he was intercepted in Cairo, Egypt enroute Saudi Arabia.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges read to him.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/mamu-threatens-to-sue-attorney-general-over-terrorism-financier-list/

A Kano High Court has sentenced Geng Quandong, a Chinese man standing trial for the murder of his Nigerian girlfriend, Ummukulsum Buhari, to death by hanging.

Quandong, a 47-year-old man, was found guilty found guilty of the offence of culpable homicide punishable with death under Section 221 of the Penal Code Law of Kano State and convicted accordingly.

Recall that on September 16, 2022, Quangrong stabbed his a 23-year-old to death at her family residence in Janbulo quarters, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano.

Details shortly…


Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-chinese-man-sentenced-to-death-by-hanging-for-killing-kano-girlfriend/

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has reacted to the release of the abducted pupils of LEA Primary School, Kuriga, Chikum Local Government Area.

Spokesperson of the forum, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, in a statement, noted that the incident is another sad reminder of the need for improved security measures.

Suleiman said though the release of 137 schoolchildren should be celebrated, it should serve as a “wake-up call for all of us.”

While calling for an end to the mass abductions, the forum said President Bola Tinubu has failed to secure the lives of the children and other residents.

The statement reads in part: “The Northern Elders Forum firmly declares that enough is enough. The safety and security of our children should never be compromised or subject to negotiation.

“It is unacceptable for Nigerians, particularly those in the northern region, to continue living under such insecure conditions.


“Unfortunately, just months into the Tinubu administration, there have already been clear signs of failure in providing the vital aspects of security of life and property to citizens. This situation is deeply concerning and requires immediate attention from our leaders.

“While we celebrate the return of the abducted Kuriga schoolchildren, we must also recognise this event as a wake-up call for all of us.

“We cannot afford to become complacent in the face of such acts of violence and disregard for human life. As elders, it is our duty to protect and nurture the next generation.

“We also call for accountability and swift action from our leaders to address the security challenges our communities are facing."

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/tinubu-showing-signs-of-failure-northern-elders-react-to-release-of-kaduna-pupils/

The Rivers State House of Assembly has ruled against Governor Siminalayi Fubara to enact the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA) Service Commission Law.

The House took the decision on Friday, March 22, after convening an emergency sitting.

Recall that the Rivers State House of Assembly, at its sitting in February, passed a Bill for a Law to repeal the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission Amendment Law No. 3 of 2006; and to further amend the Principal Law of 1999 and other matters connected thereto.

Before passing the Bill, the House debated on the pros and cons of the Bill; and thereafter, in line with the rules of the House resolved into Committee of the Whole and gave the Bill clause by clause consideration.

Contributing on the Bill, Members commended the Speaker and sponsors of the Bill, describing it as a staff centered and staff friendly Bill.

Commenting on the Bill, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule stated that the Bill is aimed at giving staff of the Assembly the opportunity to grow to the apogee of their carrier in the service like their counterparts in the other two arms of government.

The Speaker explained that the power donated to the Assembly in appointing the Chairman and Members of the Assembly Service Commission by the 1999 Principal Law was taken away and given to the Executive by the 2006 amendment, hence the repeal of the 2006 Amendment Law; Stressing that the Bill when passed will consolidate the independence of the Legislature.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-rivers-assembly-overrides-fubara-enacts-new-law-during-emergency-sitting/

Two female students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, have reportedly died following a stampede that occurred at the university’s convocation square on Friday.

The convocation square was the venue for the distribution of palliatives to the students by the Nasarawa State government.

A source within the university revealled that two female students have been confirmed dead as a result of the stampede which left others with several degrees of injuries.

“What we are hearing now is that two female students have died. They were said to have been suffocated because of the crowd and they were later declared dead by the healthcare workers,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, the National President of the Nasarawa State Students Association, Yunusa Baduku, said that most of the students involved in the stampede had been rushed to hospitals in the area for medical attention.

“Seriously, what happened this morning at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, is uncalled for, and very pathetic,” he told Punch.

“After our arrangement for the distribution of palliatives to the students which was to hold at the University’s convocation square, they (students) suddenly arrived at the venue in their numbers and overpowered the security.

“They broke through the gate into the Convocation square where the bags of rice was to be shared.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-two-university-students-die-during-palliatives-distribution/

Senator Ningi's Exposure of Budget Padding Should Be Emulated, Not Condemned - Obinna Ejianya

Australia-based Nigerian publisher of 9News Nigeria and CEO of Nine Communications Nigeria Limited, Mr Obinna Ejianya has admonished members of the National Assembly and politicians in power to emulate Senator Ningi's courage in exposing budget padding and other corrupt practices.

Mr Ejianya said instead of condemning Senator Ningi, his actions should be recognized as heroic and patriotic.

In a post on Friday titled ‘Senator Ningi's Exposure of Budget Padding in the Nigerian Senate Should Be Applauded, Not Condemned’ on his official Facebook and Twitter accounts @obinna_ejianya, Mr Ejianya emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in budgetary allocations noting that Senator Abdul Ningi's courageous act of exposing budget padding in the Nigerian Senate is worthy of emulation and deserves compliments other than condemnation.

Mr Ejianya wrote: "It is deeply disheartening and despicable that while the Nigerian economy is in shambles, with the citizens grumbling and roaring in the face of the untold hardship they are passing through, the Nigerian lawmakers, especially the Senators could still connive and indulge in such dastardly chronic act of sharing humongous amounts of money amongst themselves, in the guise of bogus constituency projects."

"Senator Abdul Ningi's courageous act of exposing budget padding in the Nigerian Senate is worthy of emulation and deserves compliments. The practice of allocating excessive and unjustified amounts of money to certain senators without transparent project allocations is a corrupt and collusive act between the Executive and the National Assembly, an old practice shrouded in the garb of rewards to loyal lawmakers. Instead of condemning Senator Ningi, his actions should be recognized as heroic and patriotic."

"It is pertinent at this time to emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in budgetary allocations; hence seeing that someone from such rank as a lawmaker kicking against the ugly lethal old practice of diverting public funds to few individuals should be celebrated, if indeed Nigeria should smell progress."

"The controversy surrounding the 2024 budget arose when Senator Ningi alleged that the budget was padded by approximately N3.7 trillion, representing more than 10% of the total budget. Despite the importance of his revelation, the Senate chose to suspend Senator Ningi for three months, citing violations of legislative rules, allegations of misconduct, and unethical behavior. This response fails to address the core issue of budget padding and undermines the significance of Senator Ningi's brave act."

"While the Senate President and his cohorts are witch-hunting, intimidating, and suspending Ningi, Seun Onigbinde, the Co-Founder of the civic group Budgit, affirmed Senator Ningi's assertion that there was a lack of detailed project allocations amounting to approximately N3.7 trillion in the 2024 Appropriation Act. While clarifying that Nigeria is not running two concurrent budgets, Onigbinde emphasized the importance of having transparency and detailed breakdowns of budgetary allocations. He called for greater accountability in the allocation of funds to government-owned enterprises and ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs)."

"In the same vein, a Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to reinstate Senator Ningi and refer the budget padding allegations to anti-graft agencies for investigation. SERAP believes that whistleblowers should not face penalties for exposing public interest disclosures. They emphasize that addressing budget padding and corruption in constituency projects is crucial for ensuring probity and accountability in the budget process. Transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds are essential for combating poverty and underdevelopment."

"The 2024 national budget has been marred by controversy from its presentation to the National Assembly. The budget's late submission and the lack of complete information provided to lawmakers raised suspicions about its integrity. The rushed passage of the budget without thorough consideration further fueled doubts about the government's ability to effectively manage the economy. Since its implementation, the economy has deteriorated, with various indicators showing negative impacts. The inflation rate has surpassed projections, the value of the naira has plummeted, and interest rates have risen. These factors have contributed to increased hardships for ordinary Nigerians."

Mr Obinna Ejianya concluded by advising Nigerian politicians and those in power, saying: "Senator Abdul Ningi's exposure of budget padding in the Nigerian Senate should be commended rather than condemned. The allegations he raised shed light on chronic corrupt practices and the lack of transparency in budgetary allocations. The government and the National Assembly must take immediate action to investigate these allegations and ensure accountability in the budget process. A system that is enshrined and shrouded in secrecy will hardly reproduce progress, while transparency is a starting point for a government that will succeed. When a government is operating in secrecy, the parties and accomplices would surely go 'gaga' knowing that no one will hold them accountable so long as everyone is guilty. The result is bad governance, so much money in the bank accounts of the few people at the top, and resultant hardship and suffering for the majority of the citizens."

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has ordered aggrieved party members and proxies in Benue who have individually gone to court over the leadership crisis in the state to withdraw their cases or risk facing disciplinary action.

The warning is sequel to an alleged cold war between the camp of the state governor, Hyacinth Alia; and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

The face-off between the two political leaders was said to have torn the party apart in the state.

Reacting to the feud in a statement on Thursday, the ruling APC through its National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, ordered all warring members to withdraw their court cases.

Basiru, who stated that the decision was taken at the 146th meeting of the National Working Committee, warned that there would be dire consequences for anyone who flout the directive.

The statement read, “At its 146th meeting held on March 20th, 2024, the National Working Committee of our great party deliberated and resolved as follows: That all ongoing cases filed in the name of the party or associated with matters concerning the party and involving party members must be discontinued and withdrawn from the courts within the next seven days.

“That failure to comply with this resolution will result in disciplinary action being taken against any member responsible for such suits, including immediate suspension and ultimately expulsion from the party.


“That it is crucial that all members of the APC, Benue State chapter adhere to this directive promptly. The unity and integrity of our party must be upheld, and resolving legal matters internally is paramount to maintaining the cohesion and focus of the APC.”


Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/apc-directs-members-to-withdraw-all-court-cases-in-7-days/

Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), a two-time candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, has announced his withdrawal from the forthcoming 2024 governorship election.

Jegede, who was the PDP candidate in the 2016 and 2020 elections, respectively, noted that he was committed to making all necessary sacrifices to provide solutions to the party’s problems rather than compounding them.

Speaking in Akure, the state capital, while addressing his teeming supporters across the state’s 18 local government areas, the PDP chieftain said he was more committed to ensuring the party’s victory at the poll.

His words: “After several intensive and extensive consultations, consolidations, and reconsiderations, it became obvious that we need to reexamine whether to proceed or take a detour that could guarantee an alignment with the preponderance of opinion in terms of the quest for equitable representation, equity, and fair play particularly at the level of governorship.


“Our party constitution is not receptive to zoning, and this has been demonstrated through the election of successive Governors; the elections were not based on zoning but on merit.

“The event of today has become expedient in the face of the upcoming potential activities in our state and the party. A decision has to be taken whether we need to repeat the same process that we passed through in 2016 and 2020.

“We have an array of governorship aspirants who are competent and distinguished in their various callings; we also have those who have shown exceptional qualities, including consistency and unalloyed loyalty to the party.

“I feel it is time to allow these men the opportunity to try their luck in the primary and, by God’s grace, ultimately win the governorship election; all the aspirants would be accorded every support that is available at my disposal.”

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/just-in-two-time-pdp-governorship-candidate-withdraws-from-ondo-governorship-race/

Some residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and some areas in Kogi State are currently experiencing power outages due to technical glitches.

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company covers the two areas.

On Tuesday, the AEDC informed its customers in Zamani Estate, Abacha Road Mararaba, Ruga Juli and other parts of Abuja that a technical fault on 33kv feeder k6 from AT9 Karu Transmission Station was responsible for the power outage.

The Disco said in a statement that “the areas affected in Abuja are Zamani Estate, Abacha Road Mararaba, Ruga Juli, Old Karu Road, Glory Estate and environs.”

“The management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc wishes to notify its esteemed customers that there is currently a technical fault on 33kv feeder k6 from AT9 Karu Transmission Station, managed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria,” the statement added.

The AEDC disclosed that the TCN maintenance crew was working to ensure the electricity supply to these areas was restored soon, regretting any inconvenience caused.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/blackout-hits-abuja-kogi-as-another-power-station-collapses-amid-sweltering-heat/

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday, said those involved in the killing of soldiers in Delta State may be foreigners.

Speaking on Tuesday during a debate on two merged motions by Senators Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, APC, Katsina Central, and Edeh Dafinone, APC, Delta Central, Akpabio opined that those who killed the soldiers may be mercenaries.

He said, “We are not at war. I don’t think they are from the Niger Delta. They may be mercenaries.”

The Senate, after that, ordered the probe into the killings to get more information on the remote and immediate cause of what it described as “a dastardly act.”

The Red Chamber further called on the Federal Government to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to book, just as it observed a minute silence in honour of those killed.



The Senate, however, rejected a prayer to observe a minute silence or to commiserate with the families of innocent civilians killed in the process, saying that their numbers are still unknown.

Recall that some armed men had on Thursday, March 14, attacked and killed 15 personnel of the Nigerian Army during a peace mission to Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/they-may-be-mercenaries-akpabio-says-killers-of-soldiers-in-delta-are-likely-foreigners/

Eight directors at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) who worked closely with the former governor, Godwin Emefiele, have been served early retirement letters.

The move, Politics Nigeria understands, was approved by the current CBN governor, Yemi Cardoso.

The directors, some of whom were initially redeployed to an arm of the bank, FSS 2020 under the Governor’s Directorate, whose office is located in the Maitama District of Abuja since 24th November 2023, and kept in a sort of pool to await “further directives”, are being asked to exit the CBN.


Sources say that some of the directors had already been served the disengagement letters since Friday, but could not state clearly under what terms were those affected disengaged.

“We don’t know whether they were given early retirement or their appointments were terminated outright”, a source told DailyTrust on the condition of anonymity.

Although sources could not confirm if those being served early retirement letters have been found guilty of any offences, they said main reason for the sack of the affected officials, according to most of our sources, was “because they had worked very closely with the immediate past governor of the bank, Mr. Godwin Emefiele”.

The decision has raised great concern amongst staff of the CBN, who fear that it could be a prelude to more layoffs by the current management.


Recall that the CBN had relocated no fewer than 150 staff of the Banking Supervision Department (BSD), which is one of the 29 departments of the bank to Lagos.

The move had generated mixed reactions across the country, with many alleging that it was an attempt to dislodge staff who are northerners from the institution.

But the CBN dismissed those insinuations, insisting that it was part of a proper reorganisation of the bank, to ensure that the regular onsite examination of the 24 banks in the country were diligently carried out, since most of those national and regional banks are headquartered in Lagos.


It also adduced as part of the reason for the relocation, the desire to de-congest the corporate headquarters of the bank.

It was widely alleged that many politicians had abused their privileges during the Buhari Administration to secure appointments for their children and relations in the CBN.

Meanwhile, some of the directors affected in the latest action of the current management of the CBN have threatened to challenge the decision, while others have said they will accept the sack as the CBN has become a ‘poisonous working environment.’


Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/tension-at-cbn-as-cardoso-sacks-eight-directors-who-worked-with-emefiele/

The Sokoto Central market was gutted by fire earlier today, with the motorcycles and bicycle dealers mainly affected.

An All Progressives Congress member, HB Mayana, shared photos from the devastating incident on X this morning.

He wrote: “Sokoto Central market faced a devastating fire earlier today, particularly impacting the motorcycles and bicycle dealers.


“Preliminary reports suggest losses amounting to billions of Naira. Our thoughts are with the victims. May Allah reward them abundantly.”

Meanwhile, an eyewitness who spoke with Punch said the Sokoto Central market fire emanated from a dump site close to the motorcycle section.


Reacting, the chairman of Motorcycles Marketers Association, Shehu Muhammad, said they could not quantify the number of motorcycles destroyed by fire because the fire was still raging.



“We cannot quantify the number of motorcycles burnt down by the fire now because the fire is still raging.

“But many people lost their shops along with their motorcycles because they could not come in time as the fire started around 6 am.

“But men of the federal and state fire services are currently battling, but I know it will take some time before they can quench it all,” he said.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/just-in-billions-of-naira-lost-as-fire-guts-sokoto-central-market/

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered Binance Holdings Limited, a cryptocurrency company, to release a comprehensive data of all persons trading on its platform to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Emeka Nwite granted the interim order after ruling on the ex-parte motion moved by the EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho.

“The applicant’s application dated and filed 29th February, 2024, is hereby granted as prayed,” Nwite said.


“That an order of this honourable court is hereby made directing the operators of Binance to provide the commission with comprehensive data/information relating to all persons from Nigeria trading on its platform,” the judge ordered.

The order was granted to enable the EFCC unravel the alleged money laundering and terrorism financing on Binance.

A certified true copy of the ruling, which was delivered on February 29, 2024.

The ex-parte motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/259/2024, was brought pursuant to Sections 6(b), (h), (I), 7(1), (a)(2), and 38 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Establishment Act, 2004 and Section 15 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 (as amended) and the inherent powers of the court.


In the affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by Hamma Bello, an operative of the EFCC, he said he was attached to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the commission domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Bello stated that, following the inauguration of the Technical Committee on Currency Stability and Forex Manipulation by the ONSA, the SIT “received an intelligence stating the nefarious activities (money laundering and terrorism financing) on Binance, a crypto currency exchange platform.

“That on receipt of the Intelligence, the team began investigation by conducting surveillance of the activities of the platform,” he said.

“That the team uncovered users who have been using the platform for price discovery, confirmation and market manipulation which has caused tremendous distortions in the market, resulting in the Naira losing its values against other currencies.

“That the damage the platform has caused was clearly explained to the operators of the platform and they were requested to delist the Naira and avail the ONSA on the activities of the Nigerians on their platform.

“That from the information afforded to the team by Binance shows that the total trading volume from Nigeria in 2023 alone stood at $21.6 (twenty one billion, six hundred million dollars).”

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/court-orders-binance-to-release-data-of-top-users-in-nigeria-to-efcc/#google_vignette

Nonsense

Civilian JTF in Katsina State says its men killed a notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Maude, on Friday night.

The Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to the statement, the Civilian JTF under the support of security agents ambushed a terrorist group led by Kachalla Maude at Garin Rinji, a village in the western part of Batsari Local Government.


The Katsina State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Zango, stated that during the ambush, the JTF rained heavy fire on the terrorists, leading to the capture of the gang leader.


He said Maude and his group have been terrorizing the western part of Batsari Local Government Area of the state.


The commissioner said Maude before being killed, confessed to having led attacks on several communities along the Batsari/Danmusa axis, that resulted in the death of hundreds of innocent people.

Maude also confessed to having collected over N130 million as ransom from victims’ families.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/notorious-bandit-leader-who-got-n130-million-as-ransom-killed-in-katsina/

There are strong indications that a potential problem of scarcity of e-passport booklets is looming.

According to a report by Leadership, the situation is occasioned by the non-payment of huge production debt to vendors and major stakeholders involved in the value chain of the travel document.

A top source at the passport office at the Nigeria Immigration Service headquarters, quoted in the report, explained that the gross income paid by passport applicants goes directly to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Treasury Single Account (TSA), from where the service is supposed to make payment to all stakeholders involved in the passport value chain.


He lamented that, unfortunately, before the income drops, the federal government, which regards the money as net income, takes out 50 per cent, leaving the Immigration service with nothing reasonable to service their vendors and all stakeholders involved in the passport production process.

His words: “Let me give you an example. The cost of the 32-page passport booklet outside Nigeria is $132, while the cost of the 64-page category is $230. If you apply outside Nigeria and you pay in dollars, the money goes straight into the Federal Account, which is shared amongst the three tiers of government every month by the Federation Account Committee (FAAC).”

The officer, who confirmed that there is currently a shortage of 32-page booklets across the 48 passport-issuing outlets outside Nigeria and the 44 outlets in the country, acknowledged that the agency presently has the 64-page booklets in excess but that the demand for it was deficient.

“Our service providers are owed over N16 billion while printed booklets are stuck in warehouses due to our inability to offset these huge debts.

“The Customs Service, DHL and two Nigerian banks are amongst service providers that are insisting on the payment of their outstanding N16 billion balance before the documents would be released to us.


“As a matter of fact, we are meant to understand that the manufacturing firms based in Slovenia, Malaysia, and another in Malta handling the e-passport projects are yet to be reimbursed in line with our agreement to always make payment two weeks after printing and supplying the e-passports,” he stated.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/scarcity-of-nigerian-passport-booklets-looms-as-fg-incurs-n16-billion-production-debt/

President Bola Tinubu has declared that without National Identity Card registration and comprehensive data coverage, it is nearly impossible for the government to provide social welfare measures for low-income people.

Speaking at the Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House in Abuja on Friday, Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration is tirelessly working to enhance their living standards.

According to him, local authorities must advocate for citizens’ acquisition of the National Identification Number (NIN), which is essential for strategic planning, structuring supportive interventions, and integrating them into relief schemes.

His words: “I urge the state chairmen that regardless of party affiliation, let us help citizens by mobilizing them for NIN registration. Not just PVCs.

“Some are poor Nigerians who have not experienced formal education and have no understanding of what NIN is and how it will benefit their lives. We must teach them. We must care for them.

“Without NIN, we can not embark on social security interventions for the vulnerable. We will be making faulty moves without accurate data and iron-clad, digital intervention structures.

“I have established a committee of governors, and it is headed by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. It is working on what must be done to further lift our people.”

Furthermore, the president highlighted some of the programmes that are currently being rolled out by his administration,, including student loans, the national consumer credit system, and social welfare for the unemployed and graduates.

“The programme of our government will be truly progressive; student loans, a national consumer credit system, and social welfare for the unemployed, as well as graduates.

“Every Nigerian will find a place of belonging in our country. In the eye of even the biggest hurricane, we will find that place of tranquillity and prosperous harmony for the benefit of all. Nigerians will all partake on this national journey to prosperity,” he said.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/hardship-we-cant-have-intervention-programmes-for-poor-people-without-nin-tinubu-declares/

Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Rawhide Bawa, has been confirmed dead.

He was 65 years old.

Politics Nigeria understands that Bawa died in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, on Thursday.

His remains have since been flown back to Ghana for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

More to follow…

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/just-in-ghana-high-commissioner-to-nigeria-is-dead/

First Ever Physics Textbook Written In Igbo Language By An Ebonyi Man Is Finally Out (Photos)

The First ever Physics textbook written by an Ebonyi man, Maazi Ogbonnaya Okoro in Nigerian Language (Igbo) is finally out.


Maazi Ogbonnaya made this known on Wednesday via his Facebook page.

According to him, "Over the years, I have read so many threats facing the Igbo and how it will go extinct. This motivated me to embark on this project that seemed unattainable, for science subjects to be taught in Igbo. I started from Physics. I said I would do it, and I DID IT."

"This book is designed in a way that one without formal education can understand Physics. It's needed in all libraries, schools, homes and for individual use."

A copy of the book goes for ₦9,500.

More details here https://9newsng.com/first-ever-physics-textbook-written-in-igbo-language-by-an-ebonyi-man-is-finally-out-photos/

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers attacked the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Ituku Ozalla, Enugu State, in the early hours of Tuesday.

The attack comes after a previous incident earlier this year when a resident doctor was abducted from the hospital premises but later managed to escape from the kidnappers’ den.

According to reports, the attackers abducted a female deputy director of the hospital and a security personnel during the Tuesday morning raid.

The assailants reportedly abandoned an SUV belonging to the abducted woman, a nurse, which displayed signs of bullet perforations on the front passenger side, as seen in a viral video.

“This is so sad; we are not safe at all in this hospital; everywhere is porous,” a distressed staff member told Vanguard.

The police and hospital management have not yet officially confirmed the incident, and details about the circumstances surrounding the abduction remain unclear.

Source : https://politicsnigeria.com/breaking-unknown-gunmen-attack-university-of-nigeria-teaching-hospital-abduct-director/